USMNT striker Folarin Balogun joins LeBron’s Klutch Sports agency after World Cup star turn
United States forward Folarin Balogun has signed with the high-profile Klutch Sports agency following an eventful World Cup campaign that ended when the national team was eliminated by Belgium in the round of 16.
Balogun was a central figure throughout the USMNT’s tournament run, shining in the team’s swashbuckling victory over Paraguay and scoring three goals in total. He was then embroiled in a World Cup controversy and political storm when his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 was suspended, which allowed him to play in the losing effort against Belgium.
Klutch, which was founded by James’ longtime friend Rich Paul and represents the basketball star and other elite athletes such as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, made the announcement through social media on Monday.
Welcome @balogun! pic.twitter.com/wAxoY5Y8o0
— KLUTCH Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 13, 2026
In a twist that may or may not be incidental, Balogun twice used James’ iconic “Silencer” celebration against Bosnia, once for a goal that was disallowed and again for the strike that put the Americans ahead.
LFG!!!!!! THE 🤫 HAS 🛬 at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young 🤴🏾! 🫡. GO 🇺🇸
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 2, 2026
Paul, Klutch’s CEO, told the Hollywood Reporter that Balogun is “one of the most talented and influential players in global football today,” adding that his “relentless ambition and cultural impact represent the standard of excellence we hope to continue to bring to the sport.” Balogun was previously represented by UK-based Elite Project Group.
Klutch has not previously delved directly into soccer representation, aside from acquiring European agency roof, which has U.S. midfielders Malik Tillman and Gio Reyna in its stable, as well as some other notable players and coaches. The move comes at a potentially significant time for Balogun, who could be on the go this summer.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported Monaco will seek a fee in the region of €50 million (£43.2m; $57.1m) for Balogun, and that a summer transfer is expected, given the level of interest in the 25-year-old from teams in England and Italy.
Balogun came through Arsenal’s academy but has scored 31 goals in 91 total appearances for Monaco since joining the Ligue 1 club three years ago, with the deal including a 17.5 percent sell-on clause. He scored 19 times for Monaco last season in all competitions — including three against Champions League winner PSG — as the club finished seventh in the league.