Born Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong (Alex Song) on September 9, 1987, in Douala, Cameroon, is a former professional footballer known for his versatility and skill as a defensive midfielder
In this article, you will learn about Alex Song’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Alex Song’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong |
| Date of Birth | September 9, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Douala, Cameroon |
| Nationality | Cameroonian, French |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder, Center-Back |
| Spouse | Olivia |
| Children | Nolan and Kaylian |
Alex Song comes from a large family, being one of 28 children with 17 sisters and 10 brothers. He lost his father at age 3, which led to his uncle, Rigobert Song.
Early Career
Song’s journey in football began in France, where he moved at age 16 to join SC Bastia’s youth academy.
His time at Bastia proved crucial in developing his skills and catching the eye of larger clubs.
During this period, Song showcased his versatility, playing in various defensive and midfield positions.
Professional Career
Song’s big break came when he signed for Arsenal in 2005. Initially, he struggled to establish himself in the first team, leading to a loan spell at Charlton Athletic in 2007.
In 2012, Song made a high-profile move to Barcelona for €15 million. While his time at Barcelona was less successful in terms of playing time, he was part of the squad that won La Liga in the 2012-13 season.
After Barcelona, Song had loan spells at West Ham United and later played for Rubin Kazan, FC Sion, and AS Arta/Solar7 in Djibouti, where he ended his professional career.
Wife
Alex Song married his wife Olivia at the young age of 18. The couple has 2 children together, Nolan and Kaylian.
Alex Song’s Net Worth Details
Alex Song’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Contract
Song signed a 5-year contract with Barcelona in August 2012. The transfer fee was reported to be around £15 million.
He later played for Rubin Kazan, FC Sion, and AS Arta/Solar7 in Djibouti. With Arta/Solar7, he signed a 7-year contract in 2020.
Career Earnings
| Club | Estimated Annual Salary | Years | Total Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | £2-3 million | 2005-2012 | £14-21 million |
| Barcelona | £3-4 million | 2012-2016 | £12-16 million |
| West Ham (loan) | £2-3 million | 2014-2015 | £2-3 million |
| Rubin Kazan | £2-3 million | 2016-2018 | £4-6 million |
| FC Sion | £1-2 million | 2018-2020 | £2-4 million |
| AS Arta/Solar7 | – | 2020-2021 | – |
Career Records
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Cameroon Caps | 49 appearances for the national team |
| World Cup Appearances | 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups |
| Africa Cup of Nations | Named in the Team of the Tournament (2010) |
| Arsenal Appearances | 205 across all competitions |
| Barcelona La Liga Title | 2012-13 season |
FAQs
1. Who is Alex Song and what position did he play in football?
Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong, commonly known as Alex Song, is a Cameroonian footballer born on September 9, 1987, in Douala. He primarily played as a defensive or central midfielder throughout his career, but was also utilized as a central defender when needed. He became known for his versatility on the field.
2. What teams did Alex Song play for during his professional career?
Alex Song’s club career included stints at Bastia (2004-2006), Arsenal (2006-2012), Charlton Athletic (loan in 2007), Barcelona (2012-2016), West Ham United (loans 2014-2016), Rubin Kazan (2016-2018), Sion (2018-2020), and Arta/Solar7 (2020-2023). His most notable periods were with Arsenal and Barcelona.
3. How did Alex Song’s international career develop with Cameroon?
Song represented Cameroon internationally from 2005 to 2014, earning 49 caps. He played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and competed in the Africa Cup of Nations, where Cameroon finished as runners-up in 2008. Interestingly, he initially played for France at the U16 level before switching to Cameroon.
4. What was Alex Song’s transfer history and most significant move?
Song’s most significant transfer was from Arsenal to Barcelona in August 2012 for £15 million ($23.4 million). Earlier, he had moved from Bastia to Arsenal, initially on loan in 2005 before a permanent transfer in 2006. Later career moves included loans to West Ham and transfers to Rubin Kazan and FC Sion.
5. What is Alex Song’s family background?
Alex Song comes from an extraordinarily large family, being one of 28 children with 17 sisters and 10 brothers. He married at age 18 and has two children. His humble beginnings in Cameroon shaped his perspective on life and later influenced his humanitarian work.
6. What controversial statements has Alex Song made about his football career?
In a candid interview, Song admitted joining Barcelona primarily for financial reasons, stating: “When Barcelona offered me a contract, and I saw how much I would earn, I didn’t think twice… I didn’t give a f*** about football.” He also confessed to financial irresponsibility during his early Arsenal days.
7. How has Alex Song contributed to humanitarian causes?
Song has been a supporter of UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), becoming a High Profile Supporter in 2018. He uses his social media platforms to spread awareness about refugee causes and has supported UNHCR campaigns for International Women’s Day and World Water Day.
8. What specific refugee work has Alex Song done in Cameroon?
Song visited urban refugees in Yaounde and Douala, listening to their stories and making personal donations. By 2019, he expanded his work to the Borgop, Gado, and Lolo refugee sites where he personally sponsored education for a refugee family with six children.
9. What major achievements did Alex Song earn during his football career?
Throughout his career, Song won La Liga with Barcelona (2012/2013), two Division 1 titles with Arta/Solar7 (2020/2021, 2021/2022), and the Spanish Super Cup (2013/2014). He was runner-up in several competitions including the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008 and the Copa del Rey in 2013/2014.
10. How did Alex Song start his professional football career?
Song began with Bastia’s youth team in 2003-2004 before joining their first team the following season, making 32 league appearances. His performances attracted attention from major clubs including Inter, Juventus, and Manchester United before Arsenal signed him to a four-year contract in 2006.
