Jean Makoun

Early career

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 became a firm fixture in the Lille side, making more than 150 appearances for the team in the league, and playing UEFA Champions League football. His performances attracted interest from clubs around Europe, including Premier League clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Serie A club Juventus, and French clubs AS Monaco, Marseille, and Lyon.

Lyon

On 16 June 2008, Makoun signed with seven-time French champions Olympique Lyonnais on a four-year contract. The fee was worth €14 million with Lille set to receive another €1 million based on incentives. During his time with Lyon, Makoun wore the number 17 shirt, which was retired in 2003 after the death of Cameroonian midfielder Marc-Vivien Foé. Makoun, also from Cameroon and a native of Yaoundé, stated on wearing the number: "In memory of Marc, for me and for the whole Cameroon, this will be for something." On the opening game of the season, he scored his first goal on his debut in a 3-0 win over Toulouse. In two consecutive games, he scored three in two games, in a brace against Nice and one against Le Havre, and which he made a double assist. Meanwhile, in the Champions League campaign, Makoun scored two goals in eight different games against Fiorentina in the Group-Stage Matchday, which Lyon win 2-1 and Barcelona in the last-sixteen second leg, which Lyon lost 5-2. In his first season at Lyon, Makoun established himself in the first team in the midfield position.

His second season at Lyon was more difficult for him and was more often inconsistent in midfield. Even worse for him was when he was subjected to criticism from Lyon fans and demands Makoun to leave the club, despite having played regularly. In Choc des Olympiques derby with a 5-5 draw on 8 November 2009, Makoun set up a goal for Lisandro López. Even worse when he received a red card after a second bookable offence in a 0-0 draw against Toulouse on 7 February 2010. Nevertheless, on 16 February 2010, Makoun scored the only goal in Lyon's first leg UEFA Champions League knockout round win over Real Madrid at Stade Gerland by hitting a looping shot from 25 yards out over the head of goalkeeper Iker Casillas and into the top corner of the net in the 47th minute. After the match, Makoun said his goal 'delighted' him. Eventually, Lyon went through to the next stage in the Champions League after a 1-1 draw in a second leg.

His third season at Lyon was more even difficult for him, as he suffered a thigh injury and endured an up and down as he experiencing peaks and troughs aplenty. Even worse when he struggled to hold down a regular first-team place. Makoun spoke out, that he might leave the club for a fresh start.

Aston Villa

On 13 January 2011, Lyon revealed via their official website that Makoun had travelled to England in order to discuss a possible move to Premier League club Aston Villa, managed by former Lyon boss Gérard Houllier. Two days later, on 15 January 2011, Aston Villa completed the signing of Makoun on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £6.2m. On 21 January 2011, Villa and Makoun were handed international clearance and a work permit, with this announcement it was also revealed that he would take over the number 17 shirt from fellow West African Moustapha Salifou. After the move, Houllier says Makoun is additional signing for the club. He made his Premier League debut for Villa in an away match against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on 25 January 2011 in a 2–1 win. On 12 February 2011, Makoun was sent off after receiving a straight red card for a tackle on Blackpool's DJ Campbell. After a match, Makoun received a three match ban. Upon his return from suspension, Makoun spoken out, that he was shocked to believe the length of his suspension. He made his return in a 0-1 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 19 March 2011.

Following the departure of Houllier, Makoun struggled to hold down a first-team position at Villa Park. His first appearance of the 2011–12 season came in a 2–0 League Cup victory over Hereford United on 23 August 2011.

He left Aston Villa at the end of the 2012/13 season, with Rennes deciding to make his loan move permanent for an undisclosed amount.

Olympiacos (loan)

On 28 August 2011, Makoun joined the Greek club Olympiacos on a season-long loan deal. He chose the number 77 for his shirt. On 13 September 2011, he made his club debut for them in their 1–0 loss to Marseille in the UEFA Champions League, coming on as a substitute in the 67th minute. and made his league debut five days later, coming on as a substitute in the 69th minutes, in a 2-1 win over Skoda Xanthi. He scored his first goal for Olympiacos against Aris in a 3-2 away win. His next goal came in a 2-0 home win against Panionios two month later. At Olympiacos, Makoun established himself in the first team, playing in the midfield's. With 19 appearance and 2 goals, the club won the league title and at the end of the season, Makoun returned to Aston Villa.

Rennes (loan)

On 15 August 2012, it was announced that Makoun is to go on loan to French side Rennes, after Villa manager Paul Lambert made it clear that Makoun is not part of his plans for the upcoming season. Makoun made his first appearance return for the club, in a 2-1 loss against Lorient on 16 September 2012, playing 90 minutes.

On 20 October 2012, Makoun scored his first goal, since his return to the club, in a 2-1 win over champions Montpellier. Having established himself in the first team, Manager Frédéric Antonetti praised Makoun's performance, with one goal in five starts and said to L'Equipe: "He is an experienced player, positive and generous, It is such big help for a young team as ours." In a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain on 17 November 2012, Makoun received a red card after second bookable offence. On 23 February 2013, Makoun scored his second goal in a 2-2 draw against Sochaux. Having made 22 appearance and scored twice, it was announced on the 1 of April that he would be joining Rennes on a permanent basis from July 1.

Career statistics

International career

He was part of the Cameroonian 2004 African Nations Cup team, who finished top of their group in the first round of competition. before failing to secure qualification for the semi-finals. Makoun also participated in the 2006 African Nations Cup, 2008 African Nations Cup and 2010 African Nations Cup. He participated in all of Cameroon's games in their disappointing 2010 FIFA World Cup. Makoun scored twice against Tunisia to seal a 4-1 victory in the return match of the CAF Third Qualification Round for 2014 FIFA World Cup. This ensured Cameroon qualification to the World Cup.

Honours