Folarin Balogun Just Bagged Two World Cup Goals, But His Favorite Sport Isn't Even Soccer!

HOLY SMOKES, did you guys see that?! Folarin Balogun just went absolutely berserk in the USMNT's World Cup opener, bagging two goals in a absolutely dominant 4-1 win against Paraguay! This isn't just any game, this is the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the dude is only 24 years old, already making his mark on the biggest stage. We know he's a beast on the field for AS Monaco, but what about the guy off it? FIFA caught up with him for a rapid-fire Q&A to peel back the layers, and let me tell you, some of these answers are wild!

From Monaco Sunshine to Babe Ruth Fandom, This Guy is Unique

Balogun, or "Balo" as he prefers, isn't your average soccer star. On an off day, he's chilling until 10 a.m., fueling up with a perfect breakfast of scrambled eggs, avocado, and toast. Who knew? He's a tea guy through and through, rocking "The Queen's English" from his UK roots. And get this, his favorite spot at home is the living room, where he likes to relax and watch "football" (that's soccer to us, duh!). Living in Monaco sounds pretty sweet, too, with that good weather and the Grand Prix passing his balcony. Sounds like a dream, even if it's "a little bit noisy." He recommends hitting the casino and checking out the awesome food spots if you ever visit. He’s the middle child, too, saying growing up with his brother was "cool," filled with playing football. But here's where it gets truly wild, Twelve! When asked about his favorite sport to *play* besides soccer, what do you think he said? Table tennis! Can you believe it? The dude who just hammered two goals in the World Cup loves ping pong! And then there's the curveball: he's a Yankees fan, naming Babe Ruth as his favorite player growing up. An "iconic sports figure" even if he never saw him play. This guy's full of surprises, rocking a "relaxed, chilled" style in beige or off-white. He’s a fascinating mix of the unexpected and the laser-focused.

That Perfect Goal and a Legacy for the Ages

It's clear Balogun has thought about his game a lot. He remembers feeling "immensely proud" and "special" getting called up to the USMNT for the first time, a moment he waited for "a long time." He shouts out his family and "really, really good coaches" for helping him along the way, knowing a coach can "make you or break you." His idea of a "perfect goal" isn't some fancy bicycle kick, it's a "nice pass from my number 10 or a winger," followed by him focusing on a 1v1 with the keeper. A routine for a striker, he says, and one of his favorites to score. That's the mindset of a true finisher right there, always perfecting the fundamentals! And what does he hope people say about him after this World Cup? He wants to be remembered for being "fierce, for being brave, and for coming up when it mattered most for my team and for my country." That's the kind of fire we need from our guys on the global stage. That's the spirit of the Emerald City, right there. With two goals already in the bag, Folarin Balogun is definitely laying down that legacy. We can't wait to see what else this dude brings to the pitch for the USMNT. Let's go, Balogun! Let's go, USA!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.