No longer the ‘new guy’! Folarin Balogun ready to ‘change games’ for USMNT at Copa America after shaking rookie tag

by n8rngtd.top · 12/12/2025

Folarin Balogun no longer feels like a “new guy” with the USMNT and believes he is ready to “change games” at the 2024 Copa America.

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WHAT HAPPENED?

The 22-year-old Monaco striker is already up and running at that competition after finding the target in a tournament-opening 2-0 victory over Bolivia. Balogun made the most of his opportunity to start that game, with replacement Ricardo Pepi spurning several chances after joining the fray in the 65th minute.

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WHAT BALOGUN SAID

Balogun, who switched international allegiance from England in order to represent the United States, now has 13 caps and four goals to his name – with the ex-Arsenal star shaking his rookie tag. He has said of making a decisive contribution: “I don't really feel like the new guy anymore. I feel like me personally, I need to enter that transition into being somebody that can be relied on, somebody that's consistent, somebody that changes games. So yeah, I mean, I don't think you can achieve that being a new guy. So I feel confident in this group and everybody's helped me to feel that way.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE

Balogun is delighted to be off the mark at a major tournament, with confidence flowing through his game. He added: “I think it allows me to build momentum. It's always nice coming into a tournament, and in your first game scoring as well. So I always look to build momentum and to add more to my tally.”
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WHAT NEXT?

The USMNT will be back in action on Thursday when taking on Panama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Balogun – who endured a tough debut campaign at Ligue 1 side Monaco in 2023-24 – will be hoping to have done enough to retain his place in Gregg Berhalter’s starting XI for that contest.

WHAT HAPPENED?