What is the silencer celebration? How Folarin Balogun drew inspiration from LeBron following World Cup goal

What is the silencer celebration? How Folarin Balogun drew inspiration from LeBron following World Cup goal originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The silencer celebration has long been a favorite among athletes young and old. First crafted by LeBron James, the move has captured audiences’ glares for the better part of a decade.

On Wednesday, another James acolytes added the move to his collection. USMNT star Folarin Balogun celebrated his strike against Bosnia and Herzegovina with the dance, one of the sports world’s most iconic.

Balogun attempted the foxtrot after first sweeping an effort beyond the Dragons’ goalkeeper. However, his first goal was chalked off due to an offsides call.

Moments before the halftime whistle blew, the American striker ran back the gesture once more. This time, it was legitimate, bringing the gesture to the spotlight after a dormant past few months.

Here’s what you need to know about the silencer, one of sports’ finest choreographies.

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What is the silencer celebration?

The silencer celebration sees athletes push their arms down before lifting their knee following a made shot — be that on the basketball court or soccer field. The move was first introduced by James, who produced the gesture after canning a game-winner against the Warriors during his time with the Heat.

More than a decade later, Balogun was the latest in a long line of athletes to pull off the feat.

LFG!!!!!! THE 🤫 HAS 🛬 at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young 🤴🏾! 🫡. GO 🇺🇸 https://t.co/8wb2t2F6oq

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 2, 2026