A missed flight helped change the future of U.S. Soccer.
Folarin Balogun was born in Brooklyn after his pregnant mother was reportedly told she couldn’t board a flight back to London.
He moved to England as a baby, grew up in London, joined Arsenal’s academy at eight years old, and played for England’s youth national teams.
He could have represented England. He could have represented Nigeria.
But because of that Brooklyn birth, he was also eligible for the United States.
In 2023, FIFA approved his one-time switch to the USMNT.
Now, Balogun’s story is bigger than soccer.
It’s about immigration, identity, recruiting, and how one accidental moment can reshape a national team.
#thecomeup
A missed flight helped change the future of U.S. Soccer.
Folarin Balogun was born in Brooklyn after his pregnant mother was reportedly told she couldn’t board a flight back to London.
He moved to England as a baby, grew up in London, joined Arsenal’s academy at eight years old, and played for England’s youth national teams.
He could have represented England. He could have represented Nigeria.
But because of that Brooklyn birth, he was also eligible for the United States.
In 2023, FIFA approved his one-time switch to the USMNT.
Now, Balogun’s story is bigger than soccer.
It’s about immigration, identity, recruiting, and how one accidental moment can reshape a national team.
#thecomeup
