17 July 2023 , 19:51
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Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has revealed he was forced to dye his hair orange after losing a bet.
Balogun, linked with moves to Chelsea and Inter Milan this summer, has joined the Gunners on their pre-season tour of America. Before Monday's session, an assistant glanced at him and shouted "Hey, it's Dennis Rodman" — after the US basketball legend famous for his wacky hairstyles.
He admitted he had little choice in the look. The 22-year-old lost a bet with US teammates Joe Scally and Gio Reyna who dared him to dye his hair if they won the CONCACAF Nations League last month. Not only did the Stars and Stripes defeat Mexico and Canada to lift the trophy, but Balogun personally chipped in with a goal in the final after committing his allegiance to his country of birth shortly before the tournament.
Asked to reflect on the triumph, Balogun said: "Honestly, the last few months when I first linked up with the team and then we went to Vegas and we played the games, that was honestly the best two months of my my life. It was such an amazing experience. I learned so much. I can't put into words winning my first professional trophy."
Folarin Balogun's hair was his natural shade during the CONCACAF Nations League but has now turned orange.Balogun has quickly built relationships with his USMNT team-mates after choosing to play for the Americans over England and Nigeria. He featured for the Three Lions at youth level but dramatically pulled out of England's Under-21 squad in March with an injury. "In life, go where [you're] appreciated," he wrote on Instagram at the time in what some interpreted as a subtle jab at Gareth Southgate for not naming him to the senior team.
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The USMNT had long desired a star striker, including at the 2022 World Cup, so Balogun's arrival has been met with fanfare. And the forward had an extra chance to soak it in this week as fans watching from metal bleachers cheered his name as he trained alongside new Arsenal signing Declan Rice.
Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman was known for his colourful hair styles. (Andy Lyons /Allsport)Fellow USMNT player Auston Trusty, a defender for the Gunners, is also part of the travelling party but goalkeeper Matt Turner remains absent just completing Gold Cup duties.
But Balogun may not be with Arsenal much longer. After demonstrating his potential on loan at Reims last year, he has gathered transfer interest from Inter, RB Leipzig, AC Milan and Crystal Palace, among others. The 22-year-old scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 in 2022-23 — tied for fourth in the division with Lois Openda.
He's comfortable with whatever happens, his distinct orange hair perhaps an apt symbol of his easy going attitude right now. "I obviously went away, and the point was to prove I could play first-team football," Balogun said. "I was able to do that and show people I can play at that level. I think with me coming back it's not really much of a situation where I think I can need to try extra hard to prove something, I think it's a decision that's not really with me. Whatever happens I'm cool with it."