Ismail Jakobs ends Senegal career after 33 international appearances

Ismail Jakobs has announced his retirement from international football with Senegal at the age of 27, bringing an unexpected end to a career that included two World Cups and the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

The Galatasaray defender made his Senegal debut in 2022 and went on to win 33 caps. He had been expected to remain available for the national team, but has chosen to step away and concentrate on his club career, while spending more time with himself and his family.

“I joined the national team as a young boy and I am leaving it as a mature man,” Jakobs said, according to Foot Mercato.

“I take with me unforgettable memories, friendships that will last a lifetime and a gratitude that will remain engraved in my heart forever.”

Although Jakobs grew up in Germany, he said Senegal had made him feel at home from the moment he arrived.

“Even though I was raised in Germany, Senegal welcomed me with immense warmth and love,” he added. “The country, the fans, my team-mates and the culture made me feel at home from the very first moment.

“Thanks to Senegal, I was able to fulfil my childhood dreams and experience moments that I will treasure forever.”

Jakobs, whose father is Senegalese, said representing the country had allowed him to fulfil his father’s ambition as well as his own.

“As the son of a Senegalese father, it was a great honour to achieve not only my dream, but also my father’s,” he said. “Today, the time has come to open a new chapter. I want to focus on my club career and devote more valuable time to myself and my family.”

He concluded: “Time is precious, and some moments do not come around twice. My adventure on the pitch with Senegal is nearing its end, but my bond with this country will remain eternal.”

Jakobs was at the centre of controversy after Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, when he said three Senegal players had suffered food poisoning.

He argued that the timing and severity of their symptoms suggested what happened may have been deliberate.

“I cannot say that with absolute certainty, but my personal opinion is that three of our players were poisoned,” Jakobs said.

“It was not ordinary food poisoning. Three players went down at the same time and it was extremely frightening. I do not want to make accusations, but what happened was not accidental.”

The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying schedule lists Senegal’s match against Sudan for 12 November 2026, while Morocco are due to play Niger on 13 November 2026.