The United States men’s national team and Monaco striker Folarin Balogun shared with ESPN that he is set to fulfill one of his dreams on Tuesday when the Ligue 1 club competes against Real Madrid at the iconic Bernabéu stadium in the Champions League.
A single point from their upcoming matches against Real Madrid and Juventus could suffice for Balogun and Monaco to secure a place in the UCL playoffs.
Last December, Balogun made history by becoming the first American to score in three consecutive Champions League matches, netting a crucial 68th-minute goal against Galatasaray to lead Monaco to a 1-0 victory.
He also found the net in Monaco’s prior two Champions League games against Pafos and Bodo/Glimt, bringing his tally to eight goals and two assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season.
“Facing Real Madrid in the Champions League is a unique experience. It’s a first for me and many of my teammates,” he remarked.
“However, it’s crucial that we focus on qualification. We have our own goals to achieve, and we aren’t just there for the experience.”
“We truly believe we can achieve a positive result. So far this season, we’ve performed well against top teams in the Champions League. Playing at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid is an incredible opportunity, and I’m excited.”
Despite suffering seven losses in their last eight league matches, Monaco has fared better in Champions League fixtures, leaving Balogun puzzled by the disparity.
“It’s a paradox,” he acknowledged. “Sometimes it’s frustrating for the coach and the staff because we can dominate these teams, yet in Ligue 1, we struggle for consistency.”
“The league standings reflect reality—we’re currently ninth. We understand the necessity of turning things around,” he said last week at Monaco’s training facility.
The Champions League has provided a refreshing change for both the players and for Monaco’s manager, Sébastien Pocognoli, who took charge of the team in October.
Pocognoli’s squad is aiming to recover from a recent 3-1 loss to Lorient, marking their fourth straight defeat in Ligue 1.
“I am inherently optimistic, but after a tough run in the league, it’s only natural to feel affected,” Pocognoli commented. “If you’re not, it suggests a lack of concern, which is certainly not the case. We’re putting in the effort and understanding why results don’t always favor us. There are aspects we can control and others that are more challenging. Most importantly, I feel for my players.”
When asked if it was a good time to face Real Madrid, Pocognoli emphasized the need to concentrate on Monaco’s performance.
“We need to focus on our level of play, regardless of the opponent. We’re not preoccupied with whether it’s an opportune moment or not. In crucial matches, we’ve demonstrated that we can rise to the occasion when least expected.”
Balogun, on the other hand, expressed that the Champions League experience has inspired him to reevaluate his role.
“For us this season, having the opportunity to participate in the Champions League felt like a reset—a new competition,” Balogun explained. “You can sense that the preparation is distinct; we don different training gear. I genuinely relish that aspect. We’ve faced some challenging matches.”
“When we went to Bodo/Glimt, it was 2 p.m., but already dark, cold, and raining outside. These are new experiences that help build team camaraderie. We need to have faith in ourselves.”
The 24-year-old forward from Brooklyn will spearhead the attack for Monaco on Tuesday.
His first-ever Champions League goal occurred last November when Monaco defeated Bodo/Glimt 1-0.
He is enjoying his time on the field but seeks further achievements as the World Cup approaches on home turf.
“The best path for me is to have a successful season with Monaco and, when the U.S. team comes together in March, I need to perform well,” Balogun emphasized. “I must remind myself to appreciate every moment. You don’t want to look back on your career and regret being so focused that you missed realizing your dreams.”
“Playing in the Champions League at the Bernabéu is an achievement in itself. At this level, one has to be merciless,” he noted.
“I have further aspirations. I hold high expectations for myself as we reach the midpoint of the season. While I’m thrilled to be fit and playing regularly, I yearn for even more accomplishments.”