NBA Star LeBron James Gives Nod of Approval to Balogun Following 'Silencer' Goal Celebration

Following the United States' World Cup victory on Wednesday, LeBron James extended congratulations to Folarin Balogun, who emulated James' signature "Silencer" celebration after scoring for the team.

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Balogun scored twice in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with each goal prompting him to replicate James' trademark dance move, although his first effort was ultimately ruled offside.

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LeBron James took to X to express his admiration, posting "THE (Silencer) HAS (Arrived) at the World Cup!" accompanied by a shushing emoji and an emoji of a plane landing.

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James also praised Balogun with the message "Helluva goal there, Young (King)!", complete with a crown emoji, a nod to his own nickname, King James.

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The post on X has garnered nearly four million views, a testament to the widespread interest in James' reaction to Balogun's celebration.

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As the NBA's all-time leading scorer, James is renowned for performing the "Silencer" celebration after scoring crucial shots, a move that involves lifting his knees, pushing his palms down, and tapping his chest to signal he has "silenced" an opponent.

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Folarin Balogun, 24, is a self-proclaimed basketball enthusiast, born in New York but raised in London and currently residing in France.

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When American soccer scouts sought to recruit him to play for the US, they wooed him with NBA courtside tickets, flying him to Florida to persuade him to choose the US over England or Nigeria.

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Balogun has scored three goals in the World Cup so far, helping the US reach the last-16, but he will be ineligible to play against Belgium on Monday due to a red card in the second half of the Bosnia game.

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LeBron James, 41, recently announced his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, with plans to return for an unprecedented 24th season with another franchise, a move that has sent shockwaves through the league as free agency commenced.