Cameroon football icon Alexandre Song Billong has retired from the professional football scene.
The legendary midfielder, known as the "king of the Midfield," shared the news on Instagram, expressing gratitude to those who supported him throughout his illustrious career.
Alexandre's Youth Journey
Song's football Journey began in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where he built his skills playing barefoot on gravel. His formative years saw him transition to France, featuring prominently for Junior teams like Red Star FC and Sporting Club Bastia.
After an impressive performance with Bastia's Junior squad, he earned a loan move to Arsenal, catching the attention of manager Arsène Wenger, who later secured him a four-year contract.
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Alexandre Song's Senior Career
Upon joining Arsenal in 2006, Song flourished as a defensive midfielder, notably partnering with Cesc FÃ bregas. During his Arsenal tenure, he made 138 appearances and scored 7 goals.
2012 Barcelona acquired his services on a 5-year deal, followed by a loan to West Ham United in 2014.
Song's journey continued with spells at Rubin Kazan, Football Club de Sion, and The Arta Scholar7 Association in Djibouti, culminating in an impressive 413 caps and 13 goals in his senior career.
Alexandre Song's International Career
With dual nationality, Song commenced his international career in France before transitioning to Cameroon and, in his first year, joined the youth team in winning the African U-17 Championship.
His journey continued with the U23 team, leading to his debut with the Cameroon National Senior Team in 2005. Song played pivotal roles in competitions like the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
In 2015, he bid adieu to international football after 49 caps, choosing to focus on his club career with West Ham United.
Final Words
Known for his versatility as a central midfielder and center-back, Song left an irreplaceable mark with his advanced skills, physicality, resilience, and technique. As Cameroonians reflect on the legacy of their iconic number 17, Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong, his impact on the midfield will resonate throughout football history.
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