Who Is Jean Makoun? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jean Makoun was born on May 29, 1983, in Nkongsamba, Cameroon. As of 2025, he is 42 years old. Makoun is a well-known former professional footballer who primarily played as a midfielder. His career spanned numerous clubs, including Lille, Lyon, and Aston Villa, and he was also a staple of the Cameroon national team, representing his country in multiple African Cup of Nations tournaments and the FIFA World Cup.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 29, 1983 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Yaoundé, Cameroon |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Cameroon |
Popularity
Jean Makoun's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches), Jean Makoun has always been known for his agility and stamina on the field. Throughout his playing career, he maintained a weight of around 75 kg (165 lbs), making him a balanced player whose physical attributes contributed significantly to his success in football.
Makoun made his first appearance of the 2010–11 season, starting the whole game, in a 3–2 loss against SM Caen on 15 August 2010. In a follow-up match against Stade Brestois 29, he scored his first goal of the season, in a 1–0 win. Makoun then set up two goals, in a 3–1 win against Lens on 21 November 2010.
However, 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, saying that he might leave the club for a fresh start.
By the time Makoun departed Olympique Lyonnais, he made seventeen appearances and scoring once in all competitions.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Jean Makoun has kept much of his personal life private, it is known that he has a close-knit family. As of 2025, he is reported to be married to his longtime partner, with whom he shares two children. The couple prefers to keep a low profile, focusing on their family life away from the limelight of his career and public eye.
In the opening game of the 2014–15 season, Makoun made his first appearance, starting and playing 63 minutes before being substituted, in a 2–0 loss against Lyon. However, this turns out to be his only appearance for the side, as he was dropped from the first team, due to his poor relationship with Manager Philippe Montanier.
As a result, the club was keen on selling him but the move was never materialised. Because Makoun stayed at the club, he spent most of the 2014–15 season, training with the first team and playing in the reserve match. At the end of the 2014–15 season, Makoun was released by the club.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jean Makoun's estimated net worth is around $10 million. His wealth stems from his football contracts, endorsements, and post-retirement business ventures. During his playing days, he earned a substantial salary, particularly during his time in European leagues, making him one of the notable figures in Cameroonian football.
Following this, Makoun's 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.
He 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. Upon leaving the club, Lille pay tribute to him, praising his courage, commitment and his loyalty.
Career, Business, and Investments
Jean Makoun's professional career took off in 2002 when he joined Lille OSC. After several successful seasons there, he moved to Olympique Lyonnais, where he continued to excel. Later, he joined Aston Villa, enhancing his international reputation. After retiring from professional football, Makoun shifted his focus to business. He has been involved in various investment ventures, including sports management and youth football academies in Cameroon, aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent.
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. Having progressed through the ranks of Lille youth system, he signed his professional contract, keeping him until 2006.
Social Network
Jean Makoun is active on social media, using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with fans and share insights into his life post-retirement. He often posts about his philanthropic efforts, personal fitness journey, and family moments, further endearing him to his followers.
Following his release by Antalyaspor, Makoun remained a free agent until he joined Turkish Cypriot club Merit Alsancak Yeşilova on 2 October 2018. Makoun spent two years there before becoming a free agent in May 2020, where he was linked with a move to TP Mazembe, but the move broke down.
Despite the failing move, Makoun said in an interview that he has ruled out from professional football and would like to make a return to France.
Education
While specific details about his formal education are limited, it is known that Jean Makoun balanced his football training with schooling during his early years in Cameroon. His dedication to the sport often took precedence, but he has emphasized the importance of education in interviews, advocating for young athletes to pursue both their athletic and academic goals.
