When the public address announcer introduced the Arsenal players and MLS standouts competing in the All-Star Game skills challenge earlier this week at Audi Field, the loudest ovation came not for an internationally recognized star like Aaron Ramsdale or local favorite such as D.C. United’s Christian Benteke, but rather a 22-year-old Gunners forward with two English Premier League appearances to his name.
Such is the allure of Folarin Balogun, the Brooklyn-born, London-raised striker of Nigerian parentage who recently delighted stateside supporters by committing to the U.S. men’s national team and promptly lifting the Concacaf Nations League trophy.