Star forward Folarin Balogun's decision rocks U.S. soccer

Balogun was in the unique position of being eligible to play for national teams of the United States, England or Nigeria. International soccer rules dictate that you must commit to one, however, and many expected Balogun to choose England, the strongest of those three teams. 

Balogun was born in New York and emigrated to England at an early age. His parents were born in Nigeria. 

Balogun's decision seems to have come out of the international break earlier this spring. He was performing well for Reims -- a top French team -- and expected to receive his first call-up to the England national team. England coach Gareth Southgate, however, didn't think he was ready.

"We would like him to give it some time," Southgate said of his decision. "If he is progressing the way he is and continues that progression there will be opportunities for him, but I cannot offer him that this week."

With no England games to play, Balogun flew to the United States instead. He watched the U.S. Men's National Team play El Salvador in Orlando, Fla., where he was greeted by waves of American support. 

"I think that's when I really saw the full force of the U.S. fans," Balogun told ESPN. "I was there and I just posted a photo with my friends thinking that it was just a holiday picture. Before I knew it, I just saw loads of comments and people knew I was in America, and I just really felt the love from there."

Conversations between Balogun and the U.S. Soccer Federation developed over the following weeks while England kept its contact minimal.

Although Balogun is just 21, he's already considered a generational talent. He scored 19 goals in France in his debut season, the second most of any player in history. The only person to outscore him was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedish star.

Balogun's decision is a big get for the U.S. team, which is desperate for a reliable goal scorer.

It's also a win for the U.S. Soccer Federation as it plots its future. 

With a home World Cup on the horizon in 2026 and a roster full of talent, the USSF is finally operating like a world-class organization. It saw England's hesitation and pounced -- something it didn't always have the conviction to do in the past.

We can expect to see Balogun play his first games for the USMNT this summer in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals and Gold Cup. 

Balogun can't wait.

"I'm coming home," he told U.S. fans on his social media. "Let's make history."