United States striker Folarin Balogun has revealed that his eye-catching celebration after scoring against Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was a heartfelt tribute to Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi, a player he credits with helping him during a crucial stage of his development.
After scoring his brace in the USA’s commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening Group D clash, Balogun lifted his jersey to reveal a shirt carrying the message “Thank you 17”, leaving supporters and observers wondering about the meaning behind the gesture. Balogun later provided the answer, explaining that the celebration was dedicated to Iwobi, who has worn the number 17 throughout much of his professional career.
The revelation transformed what appeared to be a simple goal celebration into a personal message of gratitude from one footballer to another. Balogun explained that his connection to the Nigerian international dates back to their time together at Arsenal, where Iwobi played an important role in helping him navigate the early stages of his career.
“When I was at Arsenal, he was a mentor who helped guide me at an important stage of my career. This goal was dedicated to him,” Balogun said after his performance. The celebration was his way of honoring Iwobi, making it clear that this goal was dedicated to Alex.
Balogun’s tribute came during what was already a memorable World Cup debut for the American striker, who scored twice to inspire the United States to victory in front of massive crowds at SoFi Stadium. The gesture highlighted the strong bond between the two players despite representing different nations at the global tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already delivering memorable moments, and one of the biggest just came from Nigerian-born forward Folarin Balogun, who scored twice to inspire the United States to a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay. His dedication to Alex Iwobi added an emotional layer to what was already a standout performance in the tournament.
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