Monaco Wins 2-1 Against Lens with Balogun Back on the Field

Monaco's players celebrated their victory at the French Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco and RC Lens at the Stade Louis II in Monaco on September 18, 2026. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)

Folarin Balogun made his first appearance of the season as Monaco kept up their strong start in Ligue 1 with a 2-1 win over Lens on Friday. This victory puts them clear at the top of the table.

Paris Brunner, a young striker from Germany, scored first for Monaco in the first half. This was his sixth goal in seven games since the season started.

Matthieu Udol equalized for Lens with a header in the 60th minute. Lens was playing their first match after the surprising sacking of coach Dino Toppmoeller, who was let go after just six games.

Toppmoeller has been replaced by Yannick Cahuzac, a former Lens player who was part of Toppmoeller’s coaching staff. But Cahuzac saw his team lose as Jonathan Gradit, an unfortunate defender, headed the ball into his own net in the 84th minute.

Monaco remains unbeaten with 13 points after five matches. They are three points ahead of their closest rivals, Lille and Rennes, before the weekend's matches.

Balogun came off the bench in the 76th minute. This was his first game since the World Cup, where he impressed by scoring three goals for the United States, who were co-hosts.

Balogun found himself in controversy after receiving a red card during the USA’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. The card would have kept him out of the next match against Belgium, but US President Donald Trump stepped in, and FIFA suspended the card.

This allowed Balogun to play against Belgium, though the USA lost 4-1. The 25-year-old former Arsenal striker was also close to joining Everton in a £40 million ($54 million) deal on transfer deadline day this month, but he changed his mind at the last minute.