LeBron James reacts to Folarin Balogun's 'silencer' celebration after US World Cup goal

Published Jul 2, 01:20 AM UTC

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USMNT striker Folarin Balogun scored a goal in the 45th minute of a World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. After scoring, Balogun performed a 'silencer' celebration popularized by NBA star LeBron James. James responded on social media platform X, writing: 'LFG!!!!!! THE [silencer emoji] HAS [landed emoji] at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young [king emoji].' Balogun, a 24-year-old New York native, now has three goals in the tournament. The article notes Balogun had an earlier goal disallowed for offside and previously assisted a referee during group stage.

Source report

By Darryn Albert Originally published on Larry Brown Sports

Folarin Balogun has received The King's seal of approval.

The USMNT star striker found the back of the net in the 45th minute of his team's World Cup Round of 32 knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Balogun opened the scoring with a left-footed strike following a lucky deflection off a Malik Tillman pass.

After scoring, Balogun ran past the edge of the penalty area and performed LeBron James' "silencer" celebration.

THE @USMNT TAKES THE LEAD NOW BALOGUN CAN REALLY HIT THE @KingJames SILENCER!

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026

The celebration prompted a response from James himself on X:

"LFG!!!!!! THE [silencer emoji] HAS [landed emoji] at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young [king emoji]."

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 2, 2026

Now 41 years old, James popularized the "silencer" celebration over a decade ago during his tenure with the Miami Heat. He typically reserved it for moments when he hit particularly clutch shots at the end of games.

Balogun, who had an earlier goal in the 31st minute disallowed for offside, continues to impress at this year's World Cup. The 24-year-old New York native has now scored three times in the competition and also recorded a crucial assist involving a referee during the group stage.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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Source

Yardbarker: SoccerWestern

Original headline: LeBron James reacts to Folarin Balogun doing his celebration after scoring for US in World Cup

Original language: EN-US

Part of this Story

USMNT's Balogun scores, gets red card, earns LeBron praise at World Cup

See the full Story: all sources and camp coverage