Folarin Balogun was the man of the match in the United States' 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 World Cup, and it caught the attention of LeBron James.
After finding the back of the net late in the first half, the USMNT striker celebrated by performing James' famous "Silencer" celebration, a gesture the NBA legend made iconic during his career. Before long, the man who made it famous had seen it.
Shortly after Balogun's goal, the Los Angeles Lakers star took to X to react, praising the striker and calling him "Young King."
Balogun pays tribute to LeBron before difficult end to the night
Balogun first pulled out the "Silencer" after putting the ball in the net early in the first half, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
He didn't have to wait long for another chance.
Just before the break, the USMNT forward finished off another attacking move, this time making sure the goal counted. He celebrated the same way again.
But for Balogun, though, the evening didn't end the way it started.
In the second half, referee Raphael Claus sent the striker off after VAR reviewing a challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović on the pitchside monitor. The straight red card means Balogun will miss the United States' Round of 16 match through suspension.
Even so, the Americans got the result they wanted, holding on for a 2-0 victory to continue their World Cup journey.
