Just the second Panamanian to play in Ligue 1, Marseille’s Amir Murillo is enjoying his start to life at the Stade Vélodrome.
Panama could be entering a golden age in the nation's footballing history. The country is in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals, qualified for the 2024 Copa America, and is coming off a 2023 Gold Cup final appearance.
The next step for Panama will be for the nation to have footballers playing in Europe's top leagues, and that's where Michael Amir Murillo comes into the picture. The 27-year-old right-back made the move from Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht to Olympique de Marseille this past summer.
Last season, the defender made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian side, where he scored six goals and registered five assists. As a result, his form for his club and national team alike played a part in piquing OM's eyes to reinforce their backline.
Murillo has hit the ground running despite having to adapt to life in Ligue 1. He's made 11 appearances in all competitions for Marseille while scoring one goal and registering one assist. Furthermore, the goal scored against Olympique Lyonnais on Dec. 6 put him in historical company.
Le 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 d’@Auba 🎩 qui sert @Amir_Murillo62 sur un plateau ! 🤩 #OMOL
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) December 7, 2023
Le résumé complet 👉 https://t.co/BctjZ1Vfwx
🤝 #SublimeCôtedIvoire ✨ pic.twitter.com/kl7Ldkwpyj
The defender became the first Panamian in nearly 30 years to score a Ligue 1 goal. Dely Valdès was the only other player from the Central American nation who had previously scored in France's top-flight league,the striker having played at Paris Saint-Germain from 1995 to 1997.
If Murrillo can make an impact with Marseille and continue to play in good form, all bodes well for Panama in 2024. With the Nations League semifinal against Mexico on March 21, the right-back will be counted on to make a difference – he’s already made a difference to OM’s fan base in his home country, as he told RMC recently:
“There are actually people who have sent me photos of supporters with my OM jersey in Panama! Before this didn’t happen… It’s something that’s moving. Yes, OM has become one of the most popular teams. It's true that people are buying my jersey, or even that of Aubameyang who is surely the best known at the club.”
Following the season, an entire campaign with OM could also allow him to play a significant role in Panama's Copa America aspirations, as Thomas Christiansen and his side have been drawn in a competitive group with Bolivia, Uruguay, and the United States.
