Americans Abroad Player of the Week: Folarin Balogun

Three goals and two productive performances should do wonders for Folarin Balogun this winter.

Balogun found the back of the net three times this past week, taking his season tally up to 10 goals in all competitions for AS Monaco. The U.S. men’s national team forward earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors after scoring in back-to-back club appearances.

Balogun’s busy week started on Tuesday with the American forward scoring twice against domestic rivals Paris Saint-Germain. Although Monaco suffered a 3-2 first leg UEFA Champions League loss to PSG, Balogun’s goals keep them alive for a potential comeback this week in Paris.

The 24-year-old followed up his midweek showing by scoring once in Saturday’s 3-2 comeback win over Lens. Balogun helped kickstart a dramatic second-half comeback as Monaco would score three goals in a 10-minute span to flip the match in its favor.

Monaco now turns its attention towards a second leg showdown with PSG on Wednesday, knowing that an in-form Balogun could be what helps them stay in the competition. In addition, Balogun will hope his positive run of form boosts him back into the USMNT picture for March’s pair of home friendlies against Portugal and Belgium.

Here is a closer look at this week’s top Americans Abroad performances:

Naomi Girma

Chelsea booked its place into the FA Cup quarterfinals on Sunday after Naomi Girma played the hero for the Blues.

Girma scored the first goal of her club career as Chelsea outlasted Manchester United 2-1 in extra time. The USWNT defender finished off a rebound in the box, nine minutes into the first period of extra time.

She also completed 94% of her passes, made 14 clearances, and won three duels in the victory.

Johnny Cardoso

Johnny Cardoso’s best outing of 2026 could very well provide a spark for him over the next few months.

Cardoso logged 90 minutes on Saturday as Atletico Madrid defeated Espanyol 4-2 in La Liga play. The American midfielder won nine duels, drew two fouls, and completed five tackles, logging a strong shift for Diego Simeone’s squad.

With UEFA Champions League play coming up midweek, Cardoso could be back in the XI as quick as Tuesday.

Marlon Fossey

Make it back-to-back weeks with an assist for Marlon Fossey.

Fossey assisted once on Sunday in Standard Liege’s 3-0 road victory over Genk in Belgian league play. The USMNT wingback also made two defensive clearances and one interception as Standard Liege aims to stay in the top-eight picture.

Korbin Shrader

Lyon are rolling towards what looks to be another league title in France and Korbin Shrader is a major reason for it.

Shrader scored once and added one assist in Lyon’s 6-2 league win over Marseille on Saturday. The USWNT midfielder now has six goals and three assists for the club in all competitions this season, continuing what has been a stellar first season with Lyon.

Shrader is well on pace to set new career highs in goals and assists, a testament to her final-third abilities this year.

What did you think of this weekend’s slate of Americans Abroad action? Is there anyone else deserving of a shout on this list?

Share your thoughts below.