Balogun red-carded after LeBron-style celebration, becomes US sports star

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Angelo Rachal, 31, watched the U.S. men's national team's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina from San Pedro Square in San Jose on Wednesday alongside thousands of others. The crowd roared when Folarin Balogun nutmegged the keeper for America's first goal.

At that point, Rachal had no idea who No. 20 was and certainly didn't know his name. But after scoring just before halftime, Balogun celebrated in a way Rachal and many other Americans knew well.

The Silencer.

It's the celebration of LeBron James — the one he made famous while playing with the Miami Heat. Balogun patted his chest twice with his right hand. Then, with three high-knee steps, he pushed down on either side with his hands.

"When I saw him hit the LeBron, that was crazy," said Rachal, an Antioch, Calif., native who works at a plant in Santa Clara and roots for the Golden State Warriors. "That's my dawg now. I might have to get his jersey."

He won't be alone. Balogun spoke in cultural shorthand that transcended soccer. Plenty of Americans watching may not have recognized him. Almost everyone recognized James. The World Cup is sports' biggest event. Soccer is the most popular sport on the globe. But Americans love basketball. Within seconds, amid euphoria, Balogun introduced and endeared himself to millions — including the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

LFG!!!!!! THE 🤫 HAS 🛬 at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young 🤴🏾! 🫡. GO 🇺🇸

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— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 2, 2026

James, one of the most popular athletes America has ever produced, is front of mind after announcing his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons. The basketball world — the sports world — awaits where he chooses to play his NBA-record 24th season. Perhaps it won't be far from Levi's Stadium, the place Balogun rocked Wednesday.

Doing James' celebration earned Balogun some cool points. For a striker with the nickname Flo, it's hard to be cooler.

But the red card he received earned him a legion of supporters. Americans went from impressed by Balogun to invested in him. The questionable decision to eject him from the game immediately turned Balogun into a sympathetic figure.

• In the 45th minute, he earned admirers.
• In the 64th minute, he gained advocates.

Social media filled with complaints about the officiating. Fans inside the stadium and at watch parties across the nation yelled at the screens. U.S. supporters who had just learned Balogun's name suddenly found themselves defending him. The striker many recently discovered had become a player they couldn't wait to see again — only to learn they wouldn't get the chance in the next game. The red card disqualifies Balogun from the Round of 16 match Monday in Seattle against Belgium.

America knows his name now.

Related coverage:

• Balogun Eyeing Quarterfinal Return
• The Making Of Tillman
• USA Are Complicated
• Off-Ball Excellence
• USMNT will face Belgium without Folarin Balogun — Tom Bogert and Lia Griffin

By Marcus Thompson II July 2, 2026