REUTERS/Lee Smith
United States men’s national team star striker Folarin Balogun’s World Cup may be over, but his off-field momentum is just getting started. Balogun has capitalized on his World Cup stardom by signing with one of the country’s highest-profile agencies: Klutch Sports.
The USMNT striker has signed with Klutch Sports Group, the agency founded by Rich Paul that counts LeBron James, Jalen Hurts, and Anthony Davis among its clients. Balogun is Klutch’s first direct soccer signing — the agency entered the global football business two years ago when it acquired the European football-focused agency ROOF, but Balogun represents their first high-profile direct client in the sport.
Folarin Balogun has signed with Klutch Sports Group — LeBron James’s agency — following his breakout 2026 World Cup
“Folarin Balogun is one of the most talented and influential players in global football today. His relentless ambition and cultural impact represent the standard of excellence we hope to continue to bring to the sport,” Rich Paul said in a statement.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome him to Klutch and excited about everything we can build together.”
The timing Balogun was one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, scoring three goals and becoming one of the tournament’s most discussed players — both for his performances and for the unprecedented FIFA ruling that allowed him to play against Belgium in the Round of 16 despite a red card suspension, following reported intervention from President Trump
Beyond a potential transfer away from Monaco this summer — with Premier League clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea reportedly circling, in addition to rumored interest from Paris Saint-Germain — Klutch’s expertise in entertainment deals, docuseries, and brand partnerships across non-sports categories positions Balogun for a commercial profile that extends well beyond the pitch.
Balogun, 25 years old, is coming off a club season with AS Monaco in which he scored 19 goals in all competitions. Since transferring to Monaco from Arsenal in 2023, he has scored 24 league goals and 13 Champions League goals, and has made 72 official appearances for the club.