Michael Amir Murillo #23

Profile

Murillo made his senior league debut in Panama for San Francisco in 2014 after standing out in a youth trial that included more than 130 players. He grew up in Colón, sharing a room with his mother and siblings but, while baseball was the family’s favourite sport, he chose football and wanted to provide. “My main strength is my mentality, 100%,” he has said. His pace, crossing ability and aerial prowess make him a modern full-back. Murillo’s big break came in MLS with New York Red Bulls, where he was the first player from Panama to feature in an All-Star game and won the 2018 Supporters’ Shield. After spells with Anderlecht and Marseille, he signed for Besiktas in February. A key part of the Panama side that qualified for the 2018 World Cup and performed well at the 2023 Gold Cup, the defender is a national treasure and has never forgotten his roots. “Be proud of your family, fight for your family and believe in your family,” he always says.

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