- Folarin Balogun has signed with Klutch Sports Group for off-field representation, led by CEO Rich Paul.
- The USMNT striker becomes the first soccer player to sign directly with Klutch (the agency previously entered football only through its 2024 acquisition of European agency ROOF).
- The move follows Balogun's breakout 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored three goals to help the U.S. reach the Round of 16.
- He was previously represented by UK-based Elite Project Group.
Folarin Balogun, striker for the U.S. men’s national team and Ligue 1 club Monaco, has signed with Klutch Sports Group for off-field representation. The deal makes him the first soccer player to sign directly with the agency founded by Rich Paul.
“Folarin Balogun is one of the most talented and influential players in global football today,” Paul said in a statement. “His relentless ambition and cultural impact represent the standard of excellence we hope to continue to bring to the sport.”
Balogun, 25, emerged as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup, scoring three goals as the U.S. advanced to the Round of 16 before falling to Belgium. He drew added attention when a red card issued against Bosnia and Herzegovina was controversially overturned, clearing him to play against Belgium. He was previously represented by UK-based Elite Project Group.
Klutch entered global soccer in 2024 by acquiring European agency ROOF, which represents Kai Havertz, Gio Reyna, and Mohammed Kudus.
Balogun’s signing marks a deeper, direct push into the sport. It also continues a busy 2026 for the agency, which recently added Jazz forward Ace Bailey, guard Isaiah Collier, and NFL lineman Leki Fotu.
Balogun joins a roster that includes LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jalen Hurts. His arrival comes amid reported transfer interest from PSG, Tottenham, and Chelsea this summer.
Takeaways
This is Klutch flexing beyond basketball and football again, and Balogun is a smart bet. He’s 25, coming off the best stretch of his career, and reportedly drawing interest from three major Premier League clubs. That’s exactly the kind of leverage moment where a heavyweight agency earns its cut.
It’s also a signal about where Klutch wants to go: direct ownership of soccer talent, not just inherited rosters from an acquisition. Balogun is the test case.
Does Klutch’s backing help push Balogun toward a big-money Premier League move this summer? Will Klutch’s entertainment and endorsement machine translate to soccer the way it has in basketball and football?
