James O'Gee Balagizi (born 20 September 2003) is an English footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder.
Early life Born in Manchester, Balagizi started his career with Liverpool, before joining Manchester City at the age of six. After Manchester City decided against enrolling him at St Bede's College, Balagizi and his family decided to return to Liverpool, and he rejoined at under-11 level for a compensation fee of £9,000.
Club career Balagizi progressed well through the youth ranks at Liverpool, and is seen as one of their brightest prospects, despite a string of injuries limiting his youth team development. He signed his first professional contract in September 2020.
He was named on the bench for the senior squad for the first time in a 3–0 EFL Cup win over Norwich City in September 2021.
On 30 June 2022, Balagizi signed for Crawley Town on a season long loan. He would score twice in a 3–2 loss at home to Northampton Town. He would score his third Crawley goal in the Carabao Cup in a 2–0 win over Fulham. He was recalled to Liverpool on 20 January 2023 after sustaining an injury, having made sixteen appearances and scored three goals for Crawley.
On 19 July 2023, he joined EFL League One club Wigan Athletic on loan for the 2023–24 season. On 4 January 2024, Liverpool recalled Balagizi from his loan.Glenn Price. "News: James Balagizi returns from Wigan Athletic loan spell". Liverpool FC. 4 January 2024. He subsequently joined Kilmarnock on loan until the end of the season.
In August 2025 he joined Forest Green Rovers on a season long loan. On 7 January 2026, Liverpool recalled Balagizi from his loan. He was released by Liverpool at the end of the 2025–26 season.
International career Balagizi was born in England and is of Zimbabwean and DR Congolese descent. He has represented England at numerous youth levels.
On 21 September 2022, Balagizi made his England U20 debut as a substitute during a 3-0 victory over Chile at the Pinatar Arena.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupEuropeOtherTotal DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsLiverpool U212020–21————1010Liverpool2021–22Premier League000000000000Crawley Town (loan)2022–23League Two14200210000163Wigan Athletic (loan)2023–24League One300010003070Career total17200310040243
References
External links
James Balagizi at the Liverpool F.C. website