James Balagizi

James O'Gee Balagizi is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Liverpool.

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. 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.

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.