Zinedine Zidane
The American striker who broke through at Reims, made history at Monaco, and scored on his World Cup debut.
Folarin Jerry Balogun (born July 3, 2001) is a professional soccer player who plays as a striker for Ligue 1 club Monaco and the United States national team. Balogun began his career at the Arsenal Academy, and was promoted to the first team in 2020. He appeared sparingly for the club, and went on loan to EFL Championship club Middlesbrough in 2022. In the following season, he made his breakthrough during a loan to Ligue 1 club Reims, where he scored 22 goals in his first season, the highest ever for an American in a top five European league. In August 2023, Balogun left Arsenal and signed for Monaco for €40 million ($43 million), where he was named the club's 2025–26 Player of the Season.
- Role
- Striker
- Affiliation
- AS Monaco (Senior)
- Debut Era
- 2023
- Key Achievement
- Named Monaco's 2025–26 Player of the Season
- Legacy Status
- Active Player
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
For Monaco supporters, Balogun represents a modern symbol of the club's ambition. Signed for a reported fee of €30 million, potentially rising to €40 million with add-ons, he arrived in August 2023 after a record-breaking loan at Reims where he scored 22 goals, the highest ever for an American in a top five European league. His first season at Monaco had rocky moments — he missed two penalties in his first start against Nice — but he grew into a key figure. By the 2025–26 season, he was named Monaco's Player of the Season after finishing as the club's top scorer with 19 goals and four assists in all competitions, and the league's fourth top scorer with 13 goals.
In Their Own Story
The crowd at Stade Louis II watches as Balogun, just back from injury, scores on his first start in a 3–1 win over Saint-Étienne on May 3, 2025. But the real magic comes later. On November 4, 2025, he scores his first Champions League goal, securing a 1–0 away win over Bodø/Glimt. Then, on February 17 in the Champions League, Balogun scores a first-half brace against Paris Saint-Germain, though Monaco would ultimately lose 2–3. One month later on March 6, he records another goal and assist against PSG, with Monaco winning 3–1 in the league matchup. Dating back to February 21, he scores in eight consecutive league games, tying the 2025–26 top five European league season record goalscoring streak shared only by Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid.
Reader's Guide
The 2025–26 season represents a defining chapter in Balogun's Monaco career. After a 2024–25 season sidelined by a series of injuries, he returned to form with a vengeance. His eight-game scoring streak tied Kylian Mbappé's record for the longest in Europe's top five leagues that season, and came within one goal of the 21st-century Ligue 1 record. Balogun finished the season as Monaco's top scorer with 19 goals and four assists in all competitions, and the league's fourth top scorer with 13 goals. For his season performances, he was named the 2025–26 Monaco Player of the Season. His journey from Arsenal academy graduate to Monaco's Player of the Season shows how persistence through injuries and early struggles can lead to recognition.
Did You Know?
- Balogun was born in Brooklyn, New York, because airline staff did not allow his mother to board the family's return flight to London due to safety concerns over the advanced state of her pregnancy.
- He scored 22 goals during his loan to Reims, the highest ever for an American in a top five European league.
- Balogun scored his first senior hat-trick in a 4–2 win over Lorient on February 1, 2023, making him the top scorer in Ligue 1 at that time.
- He scored twice in his World Cup debut against Paraguay on June 12, 2026, becoming the first American to have a multi-goal World Cup match in 96 years.
- Balogun received a red card in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 World Cup, making him only the fourth World Cup player to receive a red card in that tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Zinedine Zidane start his career at Monaco?
He joined the club in 1989 after being discovered during a youth competition. This signing marked the beginning of his professional journey in Ligue 1.
What role did he fulfill on the pitch?
Zidane played as an attacking midfielder renowned for his exceptional vision and passing skills. His creativity was vital to Monaco's offensive strategies during that era.
How long was he affiliated with AS Monaco?
The French star spent three seasons developing within the team before moving internationally in 1992. These years were essential for establishing his reputation as a world-class talent.
Why is this chapter important to club history?
His presence signaled Monaco's ability to nurture and showcase future global icons. Fans regard his stint as the origin story of one of football’s greatest legends.
Where did he go after leaving the club?
He transferred to Juventus in Italy, continuing his rise to international fame. This move concluded his formative period with the French organization.
More in Club History
Elsewhere in the AS Monaco universe
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