THAILAND LIFE AND CULTURE
The Anfield Connection
Muangthong United’s Jean-Claude Billong has played against some of the world’s best footballers.
Match Day Magazine — Inside Kirin: Muangthong United vs Khon Kaen United, Sunday, March 10th, 2024.
Welcome to Thunderdome!
Tonight, the Kirin look to maintain their winning form with a victory over Khon Kaen United.
On paper, the odds favour Muangthong. Khon Kaen is in 12th with a poor record away from home. They have one win in their last five games and haven’t scored in four. Last weekend, however, visitors Port FC were held to a 0–0 draw.
Muangthong United are without two important starting players as Willian Popp and Picha Autra must sit out yellow card bans. Coach Uthai and Coach Miloš will likely rotate in academy prospect Kakana Khamyok (#34) and Wongsakorn Chaikultewin (#24), although a lot depends on their performance in training.
The Anfield Connection: Jean-Claude Billong
Centre-back Jean-Claude Billong (#5) is in top form and ready. He has played against some of the game’s biggest names and will be instrumental tonight in organising the defensive shape and advancing the ball forward.
Born in Paris, Billong developed through US Créteil-Lusitanos’ youth program. As he approached the critical age of 19, he caught the eye of the American team, the New York Red Bulls, and soon after, joined their development side.
By 2015, Billong was back in Europe playing for Portugal’s Leixões and, in 2017, joined Slovenian champion Maribor.
Liverpool
One career highlight came in 2017 when Billong featured in UEFA Champions League action. In front of 50,000 fans at Anfield, he battled Liverpool’s Firminio, Mo Salah, and Daniel Sturridge.
“That was a big moment for me, and I performed well, closing down Firminio.” — Jean-Claude Billong
Billong also denied Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain his first-ever goal for Liverpool with a courageous slide tackle inside the six-yard box.
Cameroon Calling
Billong, coveted by English teams Bournemouth FC and Crystal Palace, also has three appearances for Cameroon, representing his heritage. With Cameroon, he’s played with André Onana, who is currently with Manchester United, and childhood friend Karl Toko Ekambi.
“I was proud to be called to represent Cameroon, especially as I was 27, which is quite late. And to be reunited with players I’d grown up with and known for 10–15 years was special.”
Moving to Thailand
After playing in France, Romania, and Turkey for several seasons, the 30-year-old Billong signed with Muangthong at the start of the 2023–24 season. An injury kept him out of action for most of the first leg of games, but he’s been solid for the Kirin ever since.
My family and I feel very at home in Thailand. We’ve been warmly welcomed, and everyone here is so kind.
With the start of the season’s second leg, Billong has been joined by South Korean centre back Lee Jae-sung. The two quickly fell into sync and are the keystone in the Muangthong defense.
“It’s been easy to work with Lee. It doesn’t matter that we speak different languages, because we also speak the language of football”
Stay updated on Muangthong United’s progress through our social media channels:
• Website: http://mtutd.com/en
• Twitter(X): twitter.com/MuangthongUtd
• Instagram: instagram.com/muangthongunited/
• Facebook: facebook.com/MuangthongUnitedFootballClub/
