17. Jean II Makoun

Position: Defensive Midfielder Date of Birth: 29th May 1983 Place of Birth: Yaoundé, Cameroon Caps: 54* Height: 173cm

Currently on loan at Olympiakos.

Jean Makoun began his career in his native Cameroon where he represented Jeunesse Star and Tonnerre Yaoundé at youth levels before moving to France to join OSC Lille in 2001. The midfielder became a firm fixture in the first team making 198 appearances in 6 seasons and his solid performances soon started to attract interest from top clubs across Europe including Arsenal and Serie A giants Juventus.

However on 16th June 2008, Jean signed a four year deal with French giants Olympique Lyonnais in a deal said to be worth €14,000,000 with Lille receiving a further €1,000,000 in add-ons. During his time with the seven time French champions Makoun wore the number 17 kit which was retired in 2003 after the death of Cameroon team mate Marc-Vivien Foé. Makoun, stated on wearing the number: “In memory of Marc, for me and for the whole Cameroon, this will be for something.”

Jean scored 12 goals in 105 appearances during his time at Lyon with the highlight coming in a 1-0 win over Real Madrid at Stade Gerland by hitting a looping shot from 25 yards out.

15th January 2011, former Lyon boss Gérard Houllier confirmed that Jean Makoun had signed a three and half year deal with Villa with the fee said to be £6,200,000. His international clearance came on the 21st January and the club confirmed that he would take over the number 17 shirt from Moustapha Salifou.

He went on to make his debut four days later in a 2-1 win over Wigan at the DW Stadium. On 12th February the midfielder sore red at Bloomfield Road after a two-footed challenge on Blackpool’s DJ Campbell.

Honours;
N/A

(*-as of 1st May 2011)