Ismail Jakobs retires from international football with Senegal

Ismail Jakobs, a Galatasaray player in Turkey, has announced his retirement from international football with Senegal. At 27, he is ending his time with the national team after 33 international matches, in which he played an important role.

In his farewell, the player reflected on his journey and the place the national team has held in his life. “I joined the national team as a young boy, and I leave it as a mature man. I take with me unforgettable memories, friendships that last a lifetime and gratitude that will remain etched in my heart forever,” he said.

Jakobs also spoke about his connection with the country, saying he felt warmly welcomed despite growing up in Germany. He said representing Senegal had allowed him to fulfil his childhood dreams and experience moments he would treasure. The son of a Senegalese father, he also described the experience as fulfilling a dream shared with his father.

Looking ahead, the defender wants to focus on his club career and give more of his time to himself and his family. “Today, the time has come to open a new chapter,” he said. He also described his time on the pitch with Senegal as nearing its end, while stressing that his attachment to the country would remain.

His name had recently been drawn into controversy after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco. Jakobs had said that three Senegalese players suffered food poisoning. He was careful to qualify his remarks: “I cannot say that with certainty, but my personal opinion is that three of our players may have been poisoned.” He added that, in his view, the symptoms appearing at the same time made the episode frightening and did not seem accidental, while saying he did not want to accuse anyone.

Those remarks became a notable episode in his international career, but his retirement announcement also carried a message of gratitude to Senegal, its supporters and his teammates.