Soccer Olympique Lyonaise and Cameroon national team midfielder Cameroon

Jean 'McCoot' Makoun  is a Cameroonian football player who plays for Olympique Lyonnais as a dynamic midfielder.
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 sides Jeunesse Star and Tonnerre Yaoundé, before moving to France, to join Ligue 1 side OSC Lille.

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

On 16 June 2008, Makoun signed with seven time French champions Olympique Lyonnais on a four year contract. The fee is worth 14 million euros with Lille set to receive another million euros based on incentives. Makoun wears the number 17 kit, 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 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.

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.

source:wikipaedia