Folarin Balogun: ‘It is a dream to represent my country in the Olympics.’ | OneFootball

Whilst the debate surrounding the release of players for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer rages on, AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun (22) has made his stance clear.

Certain clubs in France, notably Stade Rennais have shown a reticence to releasing players for the tournament, which does not fall within FIFA dates but does coincide with the start of the 2024/25 season. Speaking on the subject at recent press conferences, Adi Hütter has been coy, stating that it is too soon to discuss the issue.

However, during an interview with Get French Football News at Monaco’s Kid’s Tour in Villefranche-sur-Mer on Wednesday, Balogun made his ambitions clear.

“To represent my country in the Olympics is a dream for me,” began the USMNT forward, who is also set to represent the USA at the Copa America. “Obviously, I have never played in the Copa America and I am looking forward to this as well. I have to ask the club; the Olympics eats into the season a bit so I’m sure the club will let me know about this. For sure, it’s a dream and something that I want to do at some point in my career,” he added.

With other Monégasques, notably Maghnes Akliouche, also likely to be the subject of international call-ups for the Olympics, Monaco’s stance remains unclear. Balogun’s is not.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle