Jean Makoun

Jean II Makoun (, born 29 May 1983) is a Cameroonian former footballer who played as a central midfielder.

Makoun was called up to the first team by Manager Claude Puel during the 2002–03 season.

He made his Lille debut, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute, in a 1–0 loss against SC Bastia on 2 November 2002.

At the end of the 2002–03 season, he went on to make thirteen appearances in all competitions.

He played for the Cameroon national football team from 2003 to 2015.

Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Makoun began his career in his native Cameroon at Cotonsport Garoua, where he was part of the team's youth setup.

Following this, he spent time at other Cameroonian clubs Jeunesse Star and Tonnerre Yaoundé, before moving to France, to join Ligue 1 club Lille.

Makoun started out playing in the centre–back position but when he was at Lille, Makoun began playing in the centre–back position.

Makoun made his first start for the side, starting the whole game, in a 2–0 loss against OGC Nice on 10 January 2003.

At the start of the 2003–04 season, Makoun scored his first goal for the club, as they beat the defending champion, Lyon, to win 1–0.

He quickly became a first team regular for the side under the management of Puel, who was impressed with his quality performance.

As the season progressed, Makoun began to develop for the side by displaying "good technique and a lucidity which regularly allows him to play his role as a passer."

It wasn't until on 31 October 2003 when Makoun scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win against Nîmes Olympique in the second round of the Coupe de la Ligue.

Two months later on 17 December 2003, he scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–2 loss against Saint-Étienne in the last 16 of the Coupe de la Ligue.

At the end of the 2003–04 season, Makoun went on to make thirty–four appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.

At the start of the 2004–05 season, Makoun continued to regain his first team place, playing in the midfield position.

Makoun started the season well when he helped Lille win the UEFA Intertoto Cup after beating U.D. Leiria 2–0 on aggregate.

It wasn't until on 21 December 2004 when Makoun scored his first goal of the season against Strasbourg Alsace in the third round of the Coupe de la Ligue, as Lille lost 4–2 in penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw.

At the end of the 2004–05 season, Makoun went on to make forty–seven appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

Reflecting to the 2004–05 season, he said: "I had a great season. If I drew the attention of France-Foot journalists, it is because I have been very consistent. My club, Lille, was aligned on several fronts. We started our season with the Inter-toto cup. After this stage, we were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the Uefa Cup by Auxerre. In the league, we finished in second place, a position that directly qualifies us for the next Champions League. Unfortunately, for the two trophies competing in France, our journey was not very brilliant".

However, during a 0–0 draw against Sochaux on 5 February 2005, he suffered a knee injury in the 6th minute, resulting in his substitution and was sidelined for a month.

It wasn't until on 20 March 2005 when Makoun returned to the starting line–up against Saint-Étienne, as he helped the side draw 0–0.

At the start of the 2005–06 season, Makoun started the season well when he scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–3 draw against AC Ajaccio on 8 August 2005.

Makoun continued to regain his first team place, playing in the midfield position.

His second goal for the side came on 17 September 2005, in a 4–0 win against OGC Nice.

A month later on 22 October 2005, he scored his third goal of the season, in a 2–0 win against FC Nantes.

His performance against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League earned him praises from the British media.

At the end of the 2005–06 season, he went on to make forty–three appearances and scoring four times in all competitions.

Having progressed through the ranks of Lille youth system, he signed his professional contract, keeping him until 2006.

After spending January with his international duty, Makoun returned to the first team, starting the whole game, in a 0–0 draw against Paris Saint-Germain on 12 February 2006.

However, he was then sent–off for a straight red card in the 50th minute, in a 1–0 win against AS Monaco on 26 February 2006.

After serving a one match, Makoun returned to the starting line–up on 9 March 2006, helping the side win 1–0 against Sevilla in the first leg of the UEFA Cup.

Two weeks later on 25 March 2006, he made his 100th appearance for the side, in a 2–2 draw against Strasbourg.

It wasn't until on 6 May 2006 when Makoun scored his fourth goal of the season, in a 4–0 win against Lyon.

As a result, the win saw the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Ahead of the 2006–07 season, Makoun was linked a move away from Lille over the summer, but he made it clear of staying at the club.

Makoun continued to regain his first team place, playing in the midfield position.

He then helped the side qualify for the UEFA Champions League Group after beating FK Rabotnički 4–0 on aggregate in both legs.

It was announced on 10 October 2006 that Makoun signed a contract extension with the club, keeping him until 2011.

Four days later on 14 October 2006, he set up the club's equalising goal, in a 1–1 draw against Troyes.