Bengaluru FC midfielder Johnny Menyongar calls time on playing career

Johnny Menyongar will always be remembered fondly by the Blue Army

Bengaluru FC’s Johnny Menyongar has called time on his playing career after 15 years of competitive football, according to the club’s official twitter account. The 35-year-old played for a host of clubs in the United States and India throughout a career and was known for his calm style of play.

Johnny Menyongar was born in Liberia and moved to the United States in 1998. The midfielder played college football for the Lindsey Wilon Blue Raiders and his good performances at the youth level earned him his first professional contract at Minnesota Thunder in 2000. He would go on to spend the next five seasons in Minnesota, making 188 league appearances scoring 56 goals.

In 2006, Menyongar moved to Rochester Rhinos, where he was chosen as team MVP (Most Valuable Player) in 2008 and again in 2009. In the following season, he became NSC Minnesota stars’ first ever signing, although that spell lasted only one year.

He was recruited by Baichung Bhutia to play for United Sikkim FC in their inaugural season in the 2011 I-League 2nd Division where Menyongar managed to score 13 goals in 13 games, which earned him a move to Shillong Lajong. After spending the next couple of seasons in Shillong, he went on loan to champions Dempo in 2013.

Bengaluru FC came calling in 2013 for Menyongar’s services, and the Liberian didn’t disappoint. Despite being released by the team at the end of the season, Menyongar made a huge impact on the team in his 23 league appearances. He scored 3 goals for the club and was a pivotal figure in central midfield for the Blues, helping the newly formed club pick up their first ever I-League title in their maiden season in the competition.

On the international scene, Johnny made 25 appearances for Liberia making his debut in 2000. He took part in his national team’s World Cup qualifiers for the 2002 and the 2006 World Cup, and also captained them from 2004-2006.

Johnny Menyongar will always be remembered for his calmness and his contribution to Bengaluru FC’s sole I-League win, and the club wished him well on social media

Farewell, magician.

After years of foxing opponents, enthralling fans and drawing reactions of pleasant disbelief from teammates week in, week out, former BFC midfielder John Menyongar has decided to call time on his playing career. He will always have a special place in our hearts and we couldn't be happier that the magic ended with a goal and a title at BFC. #ThankYouJohnny

Posted by Bengaluru FC on Sunday, July 26, 2015

After years of foxing opponents, former BFC midfielder John Menyongar has decided to call time on his playing career. pic.twitter.com/Athihoj2mI

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) July 26, 2015