JAKARTA - Striker for the United States National Team and AS Monaco, Folarin Balogun, said that he would realize one of his dreams when the Ligue 1 club faces Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League group stage match, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, early morning WIB.
A point in their last two games against Real Madrid and Juventus could be enough for Balogun and Monaco to qualify for the Champions League playoffs.
In December 2025, Balogun became the first American to score in three consecutive Champions League appearances, when he scored from close range in the 68th minute against Galatasaray to give Monaco a 1-0 victory.
He also scored in Monaco's previous two Champions League games against Pafos and Bodo/Glimt. He has now scored eight goals and two assists in 22 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 team this season.
"Playing against Real Madrid in the Champions League is special. This will be my first experience. I'm sure this will also be the first experience for many of my teammates."
"However, the most important thing is that we qualified for the next round. We have our own goals. We didn't just go there to enjoy the experience."
"We believe we can get good results. We have played well against big teams in the Champions League this season. The opportunity to play at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid is really amazing. I'm very excited," he said.
Monaco have lost seven of their last eight league games, but have played much better in the Champions League. Balogun said it was hard to explain why the results were coming.
"It's a paradox. Sometimes there is a sense of frustration for the coach and the staff because we can beat these teams, we can dominate these teams, and then in Ligue 1 we have difficulty achieving that consistency."
"The league doesn't lie. We are in ninth place. We know we need to turn this around," Balogun said at Monaco's training ground.
The Champions League has been a breath of fresh air for the players and Monaco Manager Sebastien Pocognoli, who took over the team in October 2025.
Pocognoli's team is trying to bounce back after losing 1-3 to Lorient on Saturday, January 17, 2026, early morning WIB, their fourth consecutive defeat in Ligue 1.
"I am a very optimistic person, but after a series of bad results in the league, it is normal to be affected. Otherwise, it shows a lack of concern, which is far from reality."
"We worked hard. We know why things don't always go the way we want. There are things we can control and other things that are more difficult to manage. Above all, I feel sad for my players," said Pocognoli.
Pocognoli further stressed that he was not afraid of the big name of Real Madrid. Only, in the midst of Monaco's inconsistent performance, Los Blancos were clearly an opponent at the wrong time.
However, the coach refused to talk about their strong opponents. He chose to focus on his students and hoped to be at the best level when traveling to the Bernabeu.
"We need to focus on ourselves and be at a very high level, whatever the opponent. We don't think about whether this is the right time or not."
"In big matches, we have shown that we can be present when we are not expected and that we are capable of facing challenges."
Meanwhile, Balogun said his experience playing in the Champions League had motivated him to see his role differently.
"For us this season, when we have the opportunity to play in the Champions League, it's like a reset. A new competition."
"We can feel the preparation is different, we wear different uniforms during training. I really enjoyed it. We had some difficult matches."
"We went to Bodo/Glimt, at 2pm and it was dark outside. Cold, rain. It's a new experience. It gives us the opportunity to strengthen the bond as a team. We have to believe in ourselves," said Balogun.
The 24-year-old striker, who was born in Brooklyn, will lead Monaco's front line. His first goal in the Champions League came in November 2025 in Monaco's 1-0 win over Bodo/Glimt.
He enjoys his football, but wants more ahead of the 2026 World Cup in his country.
"The best thing I can do is have a good season with Monaco. When I meet the United States National Team in March 2026, I have to give my best."
"I have to remind myself to accept it all, to be in this moment. You don't want to look back on your career and think that I was so focused that I didn't realize I was achieving my dreams."
"It's an achievement to be in the World Cup or at the Bernabeu in the Champions League. At this level, you have to be ruthless."
"There is more I want to do. I have high expectations for myself in the middle of this season. I'm happy to be healthy and play every week, but I want to achieve more," said Balogun.
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