Folarin Balogun Explains Hitting Damian Lillard Celebration After Goal for USMNT vs. Haiti on Video

Folarin Balogun says he was inspired by Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard when celebrating his first USMNT goal since the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Balogun tapped his wrist in imitation of Lillard's signature "Dame Time" celebration after scoring against Haiti during Saturday's Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal in Maimi.

"After the World Cup has been a bit of a up-and-down period for me, so it's just nice to come back here with the boys, get the win, and get a goal," Balogun told TNT Sports' Melissa Ortiz after the game.

"Just giving homage to Damian Lillard, Dame Time. I wanted to kind of show it's just my time. I'm back."

The nod to Lillard comes after the star returned from a season lost to an Achilles injury to help lead the Trail Blazers to a 9-3 start.

Balogun's goal marked the final tally of a 6-0 blowout over Haiti that allowed the United States to clinch a spot in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals.

The game took place in Balogun's first game back with the USMNT since he became a central figure in the USMNT's trip to the World Cup's Round of 16.

He followed up that run by pursuing an ultimately failed transfer from the French Club AS Monaco to the Premier League's Everton. Balogun has since seen limited playing time with Monaco, which he said he plans to transfer from in January, per ESPN's Jeff Carlisle.

Balogun could now look to ride the momentum of his return to the United States scoresheet as the USMNT heads to Cincinnati for the second leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal, which will mark manager Mauricio Pochettino's final game with the team before he leaves to coach Manchester United.