Folarin Balogun made his first appearance of the season as Monaco returned to the top of Ligue 1 with a 2-1 victory over Lens on Friday.
Balogun came off the bench in the 76th minute at the Stade Louis-II, replacing Matthis Abline, as Monaco maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Paris Brunner put Monaco ahead in the 32nd minute, continuing his impressive scoring run.
The German forward finished from close range after a move involving Abline, giving Filipe Luis’ side a 1-0 advantage at half-time.
Lens, playing their first match under interim coach Yannick Cahuzac following the departure of Dino Toppmoeller, responded strongly after the interval.
Matthieu Udol headed Lens level in the 57th minute from Florian Thauvin’s corner, giving the visitors renewed momentum.
Lens created several opportunities after the equaliser but could not complete the comeback.
Monaco eventually regained the lead through an unfortunate own goal.
Vanderson’s cross was diverted into his own net by Jonathan Gradit in the 84th minute, handing Monaco all three points despite Lens’ improved second-half performance.
Balogun had a chance to put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time when he broke into the area, but Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser denied him.
The return represented a significant moment for the 25-year-old United States international after a turbulent period surrounding his club and international career.
Balogun had been one of the United States’ standout performers at the 2026 World Cup, scoring three goals during the tournament.
His campaign was also overshadowed by a controversial red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.
FIFA subsequently suspended the automatic one-match ban for a year, clearing Balogun to face Belgium in the last 16. US President Donald Trump had contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the suspension before the governing body announced its decision.
The United States were eventually beaten 4-1 by Belgium, bringing Balogun’s World Cup campaign to an end.
His return to Monaco also follows a failed deadline-day move to Everton. The proposed transfer, reportedly worth around £40 million, did not go through before the window closed, leaving Balogun at Monaco.
Friday’s appearance therefore marked his first competitive action for the club since the World Cup.
The victory lifted Monaco to 13 points from five matches and kept them unbeaten. They moved three points clear of Lille and Rennes before the remainder of the weekend’s fixtures.
For Lens, the defeat marked a difficult beginning to the Cahuzac era.
The club parted ways with Dino Toppmoeller after only six matches, with Cahuzac stepping up from his previous role on the coaching staff.
Monaco will now head into the international break with their unbeaten record intact, while Lens will look to regroup under their new interim boss.
