Leon Balogun, the German-Nigerian defender, recently expressed his disappointment over his abrupt departure from Rangers Football Club. He shared his sentiments in a heartfelt message on social media, revealing that he was unaware his final two appearances for the club would mark the end of his tenure. The lack of a proper farewell left him saddened, as he missed the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Rangers supporters for their unwavering support during his two spells with the club. Balogun described Rangers as more than just a club, but a family, emphasizing the deep connection he forged with the team and its fans during his time in Glasgow. His message resonated with supporters, who shared his disappointment at the nature of his exit.
Balogun’s departure came as part of a broader exodus from Rangers, with several other players also departing the club. The club officially confirmed the release of Balogun, alongside Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence, whose contracts expired at the end of the season. Additionally, several loan players, including Václav Černý, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, and Rafael Fernandes, returned to their respective parent clubs. The club acknowledged Balogun’s contributions during his two stints at Ibrox, highlighting his role in their historic unbeaten league title triumph in the 2020/21 season under manager Steven Gerrard and their run to the UEFA Europa League final the following season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
During his time at Rangers, Balogun accumulated 114 appearances, experiencing both triumphant highs and challenging lows. He played a key role in securing several major trophies, adding the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish Cup, and the Scottish League Cup to his impressive resume. The defender reflected on these experiences, noting how the difficult moments only strengthened his affection for the club and its supporters. This sentiment resonated with many fans who appreciated his dedication and commitment to the team even during challenging times. His experience and leadership on the pitch were crucial during both successful campaigns and periods of adversity.
Balogun’s journey in professional football has taken him across several countries, including Germany, England, and Scotland. Born in Berlin to a Nigerian father and a German mother, he has represented Nigeria internationally on over 46 occasions, including appearances in all of Nigeria’s matches at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and four appearances at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations where the Super Eagles secured a third-place finish. His international career speaks to his versatility and adaptability, performing at a consistently high level on the world stage. This experience added considerable depth to the Rangers squad during his tenure.
While disappointed with the abrupt nature of his exit, Balogun reassured Rangers supporters that his connection to the club would remain strong. He expressed his hope to return to Ibrox in the future, promising to remain connected to the Rangers family. This sentiment offered a sense of closure for both the player and the fans, leaving the door open for a potential reunion down the line. His dedication and commitment to the club, even in departure, resonated with supporters who appreciated his contributions on and off the pitch.
Balogun’s emotional message underscored the deep bond he forged with Rangers during his two spells at the club. While he expressed disappointment at the lack of a proper farewell, his message was largely one of gratitude and appreciation. He acknowledged the impact Rangers had on his career and expressed his love for the club and its supporters, solidifying his place in the hearts of many fans. His departure marks the end of an era for both the player and the club, but his contributions and memories will remain etched in Rangers’ history. The sentiment expressed in his message echoed the feelings of many supporters who valued his dedication and passion for the club.
