Murillo: The Professional Journey of the Panamanian Talent
From the youth academies of Panama City to the elite stadiums of Europe, Murillo has carved out a distinguished career as a versatile professional footballer. His journey is marked by a steady ascent through the ranks of North American soccer before transitioning into the competitive leagues of Belgium, France, and Turkey.
Early Career and Breakthrough at San Francisco
Born in Panama City, Murillo began his professional path within the youth setup of San Francisco. He made his senior debut during the 2014–15 campaign at the age of 18, quickly proving his value to the first team. His most impactful period with the club came during the 2015–16 season, where he recorded 21 league appearances and scored three goals.
A defining moment in his early career occurred on October 25, 2015, when he scored his first two goals for the club, known as Los Monjes, in a 2–1 win over Alianza. Murillo also played a pivotal role in the club's success in the Copa Panamá (the national cup competition), featuring in the final on December 10, 2015, where San Francisco secured their first title via a 5–4 penalty shootout victory over Chepo.
His talent extended to international competition as well. On August 26, 2015, Murillo contributed to a notable 2–1 victory against the Mexican side Querétaro FC in the CONCACAF Champions League, a tournament featuring the top clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Success in Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls
Murillo's profile grew internationally when he joined the New York Red Bulls on a season-long loan on February 18, 2017. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club on July 29, 2017, in a 4–0 win against Montreal Impact. He followed this with a crucial goal on October 22, 2017, in a 2–1 victory over D.C. United—a match historic for being the final game played at RFK Stadium.
Impressed by his performance, the Red Bulls exercised their contract option to sign him permanently on November 11, 2017. Murillo continued to excel, providing two assists in a 3–1 win over Club Tijuana on March 13, 2018, which helped the team reach the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals for the first time in club history.
A career milestone arrived on August 1, 2018, when Murillo was selected for the MLS All-Star Game against Italy's Juventus at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This achievement made him the first Panamanian player to ever participate in an MLS All-Star game. By the end of his tenure with the Red Bulls, he had amassed 80 appearances, four goals, and eight assists, while winning the 2018 Supporters Shield (the trophy awarded to the team with the best regular-season record).
Transition to European Football
On December 6, 2019, Murillo moved to Europe, signing with the Belgian side Anderlecht. He marked his arrival in the Belgian league by scoring his first goal for the club on February 23, 2020, during a dominant 6–1 victory over Eupen.
His European journey continued on August 30, 2023, when he joined the French powerhouse Olympique de Marseille, further elevating his experience in one of the world's most competitive leagues.
Most recently, on February 6, 2026, Murillo signed with the Turkish club Beşiktaş. The transfer was reported at a fee of €5 million, with the player committing to a three-and-a-half-year deal that includes an option for an additional year.
Key Facts
- First MLS All-Star: The first Panamanian player to feature in an MLS All-Star game.
- Major Honors: Winner of the 2018 Supporters Shield and the Copa Panamá.
- European Experience: Has played in the top flights of Belgium (Anderlecht), France (Marseille), and Turkey (Beşiktaş).
- Red Bulls Stats: Recorded 80 appearances, 4 goals, and 8 assists during his time in New York.
| Club | Country | Key Achievement/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | Panama | Copa Panamá Winner |
| New York Red Bulls | USA | 2018 Supporters Shield Winner |
| Anderlecht | Belgium | First European Transfer |
| Olympique de Marseille | France | Joined August 2023 |
| Beşiktaş | Turkey | €5 million transfer fee |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Murillo make his professional debut?
Murillo made his senior debut for San Francisco during the 2014–15 campaign at the age of 18.
What is Murillo's most significant achievement in MLS?
Beyond winning the 2018 Supporters Shield, he became the first Panamanian player to participate in an MLS All-Star game, appearing in the match against Juventus in 2018.
How many goals did Murillo score for the New York Red Bulls?
Murillo scored a total of four goals during his 80 appearances for the New York Red Bulls.
Which European clubs has Murillo played for?
Murillo has played for Anderlecht in Belgium, Olympique de Marseille in France, and Beşiktaş in Turkey.
What were the terms of his move to Beşiktaş?
He joined Beşiktaş on February 6, 2026, for a reported fee of €5 million on a three-and-a-half-year contract, with an option for one more year.