USMNT star Folarin Balogun & Monaco secure Champions League return for 2024-25 season after six-year absence

A 2-0 win on Sunday, where the U.S. international notched an assist on the opening goal, secured second place and a Champions League comeback next season. His second assist in three weeks, Balogun supported his team-mates after coming off the bench at halftime and made an instant impact.

His debut campaign at Monaco hasn't quite gone to plan, with inconsistent minutes and weeks-long goal droughts throughout the season, too. However, Balogun sits at seven goals and five assists with just one match left, meaning he has reached 12 total goal contributions in Ligue 1.

After a breakout 2022-23 term on loan at Reims from Arsenal, where the 22-year-old netted 22 goals, his return this season has not lived up to the hype. More will be expected next year, but now his focus is shifting ahead of an important summer on the international stage.

This is the first time Monaco will be playing in the Champions League since the 2018-19 competition. They've had a six-year-long absence from the top-tier of European soccer, but they're back now.

Monaco wrap up 2023-24 against Nantes on Sunday in the final game of the Ligue 1 season. Then, the 22-year-old will switch focus to representing the U.S. at this summer's Copa America.