England's post-Kane era finally looks far more rosy

It's too easy for Mayra Ramirez! Clinical Chelsea are looking ominous

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Santos, Doak & eight best Premier League loanees of the season

Saudi Arabia or MLS beckons for Pogba after Juve release

'Please leave him alone!' - Deschamps sends out Mbappe plea

Ronaldo stunner the cherry on top for five-star Portugal 

Kroos opens door to Real Madrid return 

Why Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad

Rashford branded a 'clown' after attending New York Knicks game

Amorim insists youth is no excuse for Mainoo and Co

Ex-Man Utd ace says Mainoo shouldn't be in Amorim's starting XI

Amorim told he's already made his first mistake at Man Utd

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Monaco defeat Montpellier 2-0</li><li>Balogun notches assist</li><li>Club secures 2024-25 UCL soccer</li></ul>

USMNT star Folarin Balogun & Monaco secure Champions League return for 2024-25 season after six-year absence

A 2-0 win on Sunday, where the U.S. international notched an assist on the opening goal, secured second place and a Champions League comeback next season. His second assist in three weeks, Balogun supported his team-mates after coming off the bench at halftime and made an instant impact.

WHAT HAPPENED?

His debut campaign at Monaco hasn't quite gone to plan, with inconsistent minutes and weeks-long goal droughts throughout the season, too. However, Balogun sits at seven goals and five assists with just one match left, meaning he has reached 12 total goal contributions in Ligue 1.After a breakout 2022-23 term on loan at Reims from Arsenal, where the 22-year-old netted 22 goals, his return this season has not lived up to the hype. More will be expected next year, but now his focus is shifting ahead of an important summer on the international stage.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This is the first time Monaco will be playing in the Champions League since the 2018-19 competition. They've had a six-year-long absence from the top-tier of European soccer, but they're back now.

DID YOU KNOW?

Monaco wrap up 2023-24 against Nantes on Sunday in the final game of the Ligue 1 season. Then, the 22-year-old will switch focus to representing the U.S. at this summer's Copa America.

WHAT NEXT FOR BALOGUN?

USMNT star Folarin Balogun & Monaco secure Champions League return for 2024-25 season after six-year absence | Goal.com

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun and Monaco have locked up Champions League soccer next season after a gutsy Ligue 1 win over Montpellier.