Cyrille Makanaky

Cyrille Thomas Makanaky (born 28 June 1965) is a Cameroonian retired footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Known for his tenacity and vision on the field, Makanaky was instrumental in driving the team's offensive plays, often linking up effectively with the forwards. During the tournament, he showcased his stamina and skill, playing crucial minutes that contributed to Cameroon's historic quarter-final run. Despite receiving a couple of yellow cards, his fearless approach and ability to disrupt opponents' strategies made him a fan favorite. Makanaky’s performance in Italy 1990 remains a testament to his influence and enduring legacy in Cameroonian football. Recognised to be one of the finest attacking midfielders of the game.

Club career
Makanaky started his career in the fourth division FC Saint-Leu. He scored as many as 26 goals there, in 30 appearances. His next clubs were: Gazélec Ajaccio, Sporting Toulon Var, RC Lens, where he played with his compatriot and Cameroon teammate, Jean-Claude Pagal, later again at Sporting Toulon Var, where he met another compatriot, Jacques Songo'o. In the 1990/1991 season, he went to Spain to represent Málaga CF, where he played only 21 matches for three seasons, scoring only 1 goal. Later, he went to Maccabi Tel Aviv and was a basic player there. In 1995, he moved to Barcelona, Ecuador, then again to Gazélec Ajaccio and again to Barcelona. In this club, in 1996, he ended his career by playing 17 matches in the farewell season.

International career
In 1987, he made his debut in official matches as part of the national team of Cameroon. During the 1990 World Cup, Makanaky appeared in all matches of the Cameroon national team, against Argentina up to 81', against Romania the entire match, against the USSR up to 56', against Colombia up to 69' and the entire match against England. Cameroon reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to England only after extra time (the match ended 2:3). Makanaky played very well in this match and deserved a distinction, but he was not in the best eleven of the tournament. After the Championship, several European clubs applied for him, and Makanaky chose Málaga's offer. 

Honours
Barcelona SC
Ecuadorian Serie A: 1995

International
African Cup of Nations: 1988

References

Category:1965 births
Category:Living people
Category:Sportspeople from Douala
Category:Cameroonian footballers
Category:Association football midfielders