PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Amir Murillo Bermúdez |
| Date of Birth | 11 February 1996 (Age: 30) |
| Place of Birth | Panama City, Panama |
| Nationality | Panamanian |
| Height | 1.83 m / 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 78 kg / 174 lbs |
| Position | Right-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | — |
| Current Club | Beşiktaş JK |
| Previous Clubs | San Francisco, New York Red Bulls, Anderlecht, Olympique de Marseille |
| International Caps | 89+ |
| International Goals | 9 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2018, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup. Michael Amir Murillo, the 30-year-old right-back from Panama City who had become his country’s footballing icon, was named in Panama’s 26-man squad for their second World Cup appearance. The boy who had grown up playing in the streets of Panama City, who had risen from San Francisco FC to become a key figure at Marseille and Beşiktaş, was leading his nation on football’s grandest stage once again.
Murillo started all three of Panama’s group matches against Ghana, Croatia, and England, playing every minute of the tournament. Despite the results—narrow defeats to Ghana (0-1) and Croatia (0-1), and a 0-2 loss to England—the Panama right-back was one of his team’s most active players, recording 11 crosses across the three matches.
“Colectivamente tuvimos un gran torneo, competimos al nivel más alto, lastimosamente no tuvimos el resultado que queríamos,” Murillo reflected after Panama’s elimination. “El fútbol no es de merecer… nosotros tuvimos ocasiones pero no la concretamos.”
The boy from Panama City who had made his debut in 2016, who had played in the 2018 World Cup, who had become the first Panamanian to play in an MLS All-Star Game, who had signed for Marseille and then Beşiktaş, had led his nation on the biggest stage—and his journey was far from over.
Origins
Michael Amir Murillo Bermúdez was born on 11 February 1996 in Panama City, Panama. He grew up in the Panamanian capital and developed through the youth system of San Francisco FC, one of Panama’s most historic clubs.
He made his senior debut for San Francisco during the 2014–15 season at just 18 years old, quickly establishing himself as a regular starter. His breakthrough season came in 2015–16, with 21 league appearances and 3 goals. On 25 October 2015, Murillo scored his first two goals for Los Monjes in a 2-1 victory over Alianza.
On 10 December 2015, he played the full match in San Francisco’s Copa Panamá final victory over Chepo, winning his first senior trophy.
His international career began in 2016 with his senior debut for the Panama national team. On 27 April 2016, he scored his first international goal in a 2-1 victory over Martinique.
The Forge
San Francisco & New York Red Bulls (2014–2019):
Murillo spent his early professional career at San Francisco FC, making 42 league appearances and scoring 3 goals. On 18 February 2017, he joined New York Red Bulls on a season-long loan. He scored his first goal for New York on 29 July 2017 in a 4-0 victory over Montreal Impact. The Red Bulls activated their option to sign him permanently on 11 November 2017.
At New York Red Bulls, Murillo made 80 appearances across all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 8 assists. He was selected for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game against Juventus, becoming the first Panamanian player to feature in an MLS All-Star match. He also won the Supporters’ Shield with the club in 2018.
Anderlecht (2019–2023):
On 6 December 2019, New York Red Bulls announced Murillo’s transfer to Belgian side Anderlecht. He scored his first goal for the club on 23 February 2020 in a 6-1 victory over Eupen. Over his Anderlecht career, he made 107 league appearances and scored 10 goals.
Olympique de Marseille (2023–2026):
On 30 August 2023, Murillo joined French side Olympique de Marseille. Under Roberto De Zerbi, he showcased his versatility, playing across the defensive line and even in more advanced positions when required. He described his adaptation: “I’ve played a lot of positions. I just want to support the team.”
At Marseille, Murillo developed into a modern full-back comfortable in possession, ranking highly among his positional peers for passes attempted, progressive passing, and involvement in attacking phases. He participated in Marseille’s Europa League campaign in 2023–24, playing seven matches as the club reached the semi-finals, and made his UEFA Champions League debut with the club during the 2025–26 season.
Beşiktaş (2026–Present):
On 6 February 2026, Murillo joined Turkish Süper Lig side Beşiktaş on a three-and-a-half-year contract with an option for an additional year, for a reported fee of €5 million. The move brought him to Istanbul, where he quickly established himself as a key player.
In the 2026–27 UEFA Europa League, Murillo played a crucial role in Beşiktaş’s qualification campaign. He started all matches across three rounds, contributing a goal in the 3-0 first-leg victory over Kauno Zalgiris on 20 August 2026. Beşiktaş advanced to the league phase, where Murillo will face his former club Olympique de Marseille.
International Career:
Murillo has been a fixture for the Panama national team since his debut in 2016. He has earned 89 caps and scored 9 goals for his country. He was instrumental in Panama’s 2018 World Cup qualification campaign, starting three of Panama’s ten CONCACAF Hexagonal matches and helping the nation qualify for its first World Cup. At the 2018 World Cup, he started Panama’s group stage matches against Belgium and England, receiving yellow cards in both.
Murillo has represented Panama at multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups (2017, 2019, 2023), the Copa América (2024), and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His 89 caps place him among Panama’s most-capped players.
The Anatomy of His Game
Michael Amir Murillo is a 30-year-old right-back defined by his versatility, consistency, and modern full-back attributes. Standing at 1.83 meters, he is a physically capable defender who contributes effectively in attack.
In Possession:
Murillo is a modern full-back comfortable in possession. He ranks highly among his positional peers for passes attempted, progressive passing, and involvement in attacking phases. At Beşiktaş, he has continued to contribute offensively, scoring in the Europa League qualification campaign. At the 2026 World Cup, he recorded 11 crosses across three matches, demonstrating his attacking intent from right-back.
Out of Possession:
Defensively, Murillo is a reliable presence. His versatility allows him to play across the defensive line and even higher up the pitch when required. He has been described as offering “aerial security and physical presence.” He has maintained discipline throughout his career, accumulating 34 yellow cards and no red cards in 180 international appearances.
Psychological Edge:
Murillo’s mental resilience is his defining quality. He has been described as “Panama’s undisputed reference point” with more than 80 international caps and a World Cup appearance in 2018. His ability to adapt to different clubs and leagues—from MLS to Belgium to France to Turkey—demonstrates his professionalism. As he said of his Marseille move: “I’ve progressed a lot, tactically with and without the ball.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2026 World Cup)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Crosses | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Panama) | 3 | 270 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2017 | San Francisco | LPF | 42 | 3 |
| 2017 | New York Red Bulls (loan) | MLS | 17 | 2 |
| 2018–2019 | New York Red Bulls | MLS | 45 | 2 |
| 2020–2023 | Anderlecht | Pro League | 107 | 10 |
| 2023–2026 | Olympique de Marseille | Ligue 1 | 55 | 3+ |
| 2026–Present | Beşiktaş | Süper Lig | — | — |
TABLE C: International Record (2016–2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 World Cup Qualifying | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 FIFA World Cup | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 FIFA World Cup | 3 | 0 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 13 | 3 |
| Copa América | 2 | 1 |
| Friendlies/Qualifiers | 64+ | 5 |
| TOTAL | 89+ | 9 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Born | Panama City, Panama |
| 2014 | Senior Debut | San Francisco FC |
| 2015 | Copa Panamá Winner | With San Francisco |
| 2016 | Panama Debut | vs Martinique, scored |
| 2017 | New York Red Bulls Move | MLS move |
| 2018 | First Panamanian MLS All-Star | Selected for All-Star Game |
| 2018 | World Cup | Started vs Belgium, England |
| 2019 | Anderlecht Move | Belgian Pro League |
| 2023 | Marseille Move | Ligue 1 |
| 2026 | Beşiktaş Move | Süper Lig |
| 2026 | World Cup | Started all 3 matches, 11 crosses |
What these figures reveal is a player of significant international experience and steady progression through top European leagues. Murillo has accumulated 89 caps for Panama, making him one of the nation’s most-capped players. He has played in two World Cups (2018 and 2026) and represented Panama in multiple Gold Cups and the Copa América. His career path from MLS to Belgium to France to Turkey demonstrates his consistent progression.
The Present Tense
Michael Amir Murillo is 30 years old, in the prime of his career. He is Beşiktaş’s right-back, a Panamanian international with 89 caps, and a two-time World Cup participant.
The Beşiktaş Story:
Murillo joined Beşiktaş in February 2026 on a contract until 2028. He played a key role in the club’s qualification for the 2026–27 UEFA Europa League, scoring in the first leg against Kauno Zalgiris. He has accumulated 37 appearances in European competitions across his career.
The World Cup Campaign:
Murillo started all three of Panama’s World Cup matches against Ghana, Croatia, and England, playing every minute. He recorded 11 crosses across the tournament. Panama were eliminated in the group stage without scoring a goal.
International Record:
Murillo has earned 89 caps for Panama since his debut in 2016, scoring 9 goals. He has represented Panama at the 2018 World Cup, the 2026 World Cup, multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups, and the 2024 Copa América.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Michael Amir Murillo is defined by his role as Panama’s footballing icon. With more than 80 international caps and a World Cup appearance in 2018, he carries the weight of national expectation. As Panamanian journalist David Samudio Garay noted: “All Marseille matches are broadcast here. Any news about Amir is discussed.” In a nation traditionally dominated by baseball, Murillo has become an unlikely football icon.
His career has been one of steady progression—from San Francisco FC to New York Red Bulls, from Anderlecht to Marseille to Beşiktaş. His adaptability has been key, playing across the defensive line and even higher up the pitch when required.
As he said of his mentality: “My mentality is my main strength, 100%.” That mentality has carried him from Panama City’s streets to two World Cups.
The Verdict from the Camp
Michael Amir Murillo
, on Panama’s World Cup campaign:
Colectivamente tuvimos un gran torneo, competimos al nivel más alto, lastimosamente no tuvimos el resultado que queríamos.
Murillo
, on the team’s performance:
Marcar los goles, fue la única diferencia que tuvimos con los equipos que nos enfrentamos… nosotros tuvimos ocasiones pero no la concretamos.
David Samudio Garay
, Panamanian journalist:
All Marseille matches are broadcast here. Any news about Amir is discussed.
Murillo
, on his mentality:
My mentality is my main strength, 100%.
Murillo
, on his tactical development:
I’ve progressed a lot, tactically with and without the ball. This manager has taught us many things.
Where Next?
Michael Amir Murillo is 30 years old and in the prime of his career. He is established at Beşiktaş, a Panamanian international with 89 caps, and a two-time World Cup participant.
For Panama
, Murillo is the nation’s footballing reference point. His experience at two World Cups and his leadership will be invaluable for the Canaleros in future tournaments, including the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
For Beşiktaş
, Murillo is a valuable asset. He is under contract until 2028 and has already contributed goals and key performances in European competition. He is set to face his former club Olympique de Marseille in the Europa League league phase.
His career trajectory is one of steady progression—from San Francisco to New York Red Bulls, from Anderlecht to Marseille to Beşiktaş, from his debut in 2016 to two World Cups. He has overcome the challenges of adapting to new leagues and cultures at every step and has established himself as Panama’s most iconic footballer.
The boy from Panama City who rose through San Francisco’s youth ranks, who became the first Panamanian MLS All-Star, who played for Marseille and Beşiktaş, who led Panama at two World Cups—Michael Amir Murillo’s journey is a story of determination, adaptability, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
