Meet Folarin Balogun's Parents, How The Family Influenced His Decision To Join The U.S. Soccer Team
Folarin Balogun recently came into the headlines for a red card suspension in the field. Notably, he started playing for the U.S. soccer team in 2023.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleFolarin Balogun recently created headlines when he got a red card at his last game in the World Cup this month. It happened when Balogun stepped on the right ankle of Taruk Muharemovic. The card was given after checking the entire moment on a video. Notably, the decision received criticism from a few people, including U.S. coach, Mauricio Pochettino, who said that the action was not intentional.
While he was restricted from playing another match, the suspension has been lifted. Although the Belgian soccer federation is currently seeking an explanation from FIFA, Folarin’s early life has come into the spotlight, with netizens willing to know more about his family.
Who are Folarin Balogun’s parents?
Folarin Balogun was born on July 3, 2001, in Nigeria. Notably, his mother, Florence, and father, Ben, were also from the same place. Although his father’s profession remains unknown for now, Folarin’s mother is currently employed as an accountant. Folarin Balogun’s family also includes two siblings, an older brother and a little sister.
Back in 2023, Folarin opened up about the experience of being brought up as a middle child in an interview with U.S. Soccer. He said at that time:
“It was cool. My sister came along as I got older, so it was kind of just me and my brother, but it was definitely cool. We played a lot of football and did a lot of things together.”
Folarin said in the same interview that he likes to play table tennis. He said that he found a lot of people who helped him in his journey to emerge as a professional soccer player. Balogun said that his family was helpful, and he found some good coaches. He further stated:
“When you’re young, a coach can either make you or break you, and I’ve had the pleasure of having really, really good coaches.”
Folarin Balogun’s mother wanted him to be a part of the US soccer team
Although Folarin Balogun was born in Brooklyn, he had to later shift to the house of his parents in London. Notably, Folarin’s mother, Florence, came to New York in 2001 to visit her relatives, and she was pregnant with Folarin at that time. Due to her condition, where she did not have a letter from her doctor, she was allegedly not allowed to return to London by the airline.
Florence eventually started living in a two-bedroom apartment with her sister-in-law. The situation changed at one point when she and Folarin were able to return home. Florence revealed that around a month after Folarin was born, the duo was allowed to fly back to London.
Folarin Balogun has become a popular face over the years for playing with the U.S. soccer team. He joined the team in October 2023 after being encouraged by his mother. Folarin said in an interview that it was a “heartwarming” situation when he realised that the Americans wanted to support him and they wanted him to join the team. Florence also opened up on the fact that she wanted to see her son playing for the U.S. She said:
“I don’t believe things happened by luck. I think for me to have gone to America and for me to have had him there, it is just something that has really stuck with me. Even when he wasn’t even thinking of making an international decision, I’d already made up my mind that he is going to play for America.”
What are your thoughts about the early life of Folarin Balogun? Let us know.
PC: balogun/Instagram
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