Folarin Balogun: When Will He Return to Action for AS Monaco After a Controversial Summer?

Balogun Returns to AS Monaco: His Controversial 2026 World Cup and the Challenge of Winning Back His Place at the Top of Ligue 1

AS Monaco remain unbeaten, defeated PSG and moved to the top of the Ligue 1 table

Folarin Balogun is back with AS Monaco, after missing much of the start of the season due to his late return from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, physical issues and the uncertainty surrounding his failed move to Everton of the English Premier League.

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WHEN WILL BALOGUN PLAY AGAIN? WILL HE START?

The United States international returned as a substitute in Matchday 5 of Ligue 1 against Lens on September 18 and scored again on October 3 in a friendly against Pisa, suggesting he is ready to play a role for Monaco this season.

The upcoming schedule gives Folarin Balogun several opportunities to regain his rhythm. His return could continue gradually against Toulouse on October 10, followed by matches against CSKA Sofia on October 15, Lorient on October 18 and Freiburg on October 22, before the clash with Lille on October 25.

Given his recent return, the most likely scenario is for Balogun to initially come off the bench, particularly in the first few matches, before competing for a starting role. The competition for places will be strong.

BALOGUN BETWEEN WORLD CUP CONTROVERSY AND AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

The striker was at the center of one of the biggest controversies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He scored against Bosnia, but was sent off and later had his suspension overturned by FIFA, allowing him to play against Belgium amid heavy criticism. The United States lost 4-1, with Balogun having little impact on the match.

His proposed move to Everton then collapsed after an issue during his medical, followed by his decision not to complete the transfer.

HOW DOES BALOGUN FIT INTO LEAGUE LEADERS MONACO?

Balogun's return could make AS Monaco even more dangerous. The Principality club opened the Ligue 1 campaign with four wins and one draw in its first five matches, putting them at the top of the table.

Paris Brunner, with four goals in those first five league games, has been one of Monaco's standout performers, while Mika Biereth and Matthis Abline have also made important contributions in attack.

Balogun adds pace, movement and attacking depth, giving Monaco another option in an attack that is already producing results.

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BALOGUN'S IMPACT SINCE ARRIVING IN FRANCE

Balogun established himself in Ligue 1 with Reims, scoring 21 goals during the 2022-23 season before joining Monaco. With the Principality club, he has recorded 31 goals in 91 appearances, including 19 goals in the 2025-26 season.

With the United States national team, Balogun has also scored 12 goals in 31 appearances, while at the 2026 World Cup he scored three goals in four matches.

THE KEY FACTORS BEHIND BALOGUN'S RETURN

Balogun is back: He returned against Lens and scored against Pisa after overcoming his physical issues and the controversy surrounding his failed move to Everton.
A gradual comeback: He could see minutes against Toulouse, CSKA Sofia, Lorient, Freiburg and Lille, initially coming off the bench.
A boost for the league leaders: His pace and goalscoring ability could make Monaco even stronger after their four-win, one-draw start to the Ligue 1 season.