Folarin Balogun nominated for American Player of the Year!
He is currently AS Monaco’s second most decisive player in Ligue 1, tied with Aleksandr Golovin. He played a big role in the win over Stade Rennais this weekend (1-2), assisting on both Monégasque goals, and Folarin Balogun is now being rewarded for an impressive 2023. Our number 29 is among the finalists for the “American player of the year”.
Fourth-top scorer in Ligue 1 last season
This honor rewards the best performing American player in 2023, both for club and national team. After finishing fourth-top scorer in Ligue 1 last season with Stade de Reims (21 goals), in his first year in the French top flight, the young striker has since confirmed his level since the start of the season. Now involved in seven goals since making his debut with the Principality club (4 goals and 3 assists), Balo’ has become a major player in Adi Hütter’s system.
3, 2, 1… @balogun 🚀 pic.twitter.com/5cVJLHMmaN
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) October 9, 2023
Impressive beginnings with the USMNT!
But he has not only distinguished himself at club level, since the New York native also made his first appearances with USMNT this year. Called up for the first time for the CONCACAF Nations League, he not only played in but won the competition, even scoring his first goal in the final! Since then, Folarin has accumulated 8 caps with the “Stars and Stripes”, scoring three goals.
It is therefore quite natural that he is part of the short list of finalists for the 2023 American player of the year. He will compete for this title against compatriots Yunus Musah, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic and Matt Turner. We obviously wish him good luck — Daghe Balo! 🇺🇸
Announcing…
Your finalists for 2023 @USSoccer Male Player of the Year:
🇺🇸 @balogun
🇺🇸 @yunusmusah8
🇺🇸 @Ricardo_Pepi9
🇺🇸 @pulisic
🇺🇸 @headdturnerrFull Details » https://t.co/U9QVYx7GgZ pic.twitter.com/XYHkTmbo8F
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) December 11, 2023
