Senegal international Ismail Jakobs named in Galatasaray squad for Champions League campaign

Ismail Jakobs has been named in Galatasaray’s squad for this season’s Champions League, marking the Senegal international’s first appearance in the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition with the Turkish champions.

Galatasaray confirmed their squad list on Wednesday evening, with Jakobs included among the players registered to feature in the tournament.

The 24-year-old defender, who joined the Istanbul side after leaving Monaco, previously featured in Champions League qualifying rounds but will now make his debut at the main stage of the competition.

The announcement ensures Jakobs will play a central role in Galatasaray’s European push, as the club prepares to navigate a challenging group.

The Turkish giants have been drawn alongside Liverpool, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bodo Glimt, Ajax, Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco.

A meeting with Monaco will provide an added layer of intrigue for Jakobs, who spent two seasons at the French club before making the switch to Galatasaray.

The fixture also sets up a reunion with compatriots Lamine Camara and Krépin Diatta, both of whom represent Senegal at international level and are part of Monaco’s squad.

Jakobs has quickly established himself in Istanbul with his pace, defensive discipline and ability to contribute in attack.

His inclusion in the Champions League squad underlines the faith placed in him by Galatasaray’s technical team as they prepare to face some of Europe’s toughest opposition.

The defender will now have the chance to test himself against some of the most renowned forwards in world football, with Galatasaray’s group stage opponents including English champions Manchester City and six-time European Cup winners Liverpool.

Having lifted the Turkish Süper Lig title last season, Galatasaray are eager to translate domestic success into European progress.

Jakobs’ presence adds depth and experience to their defensive options as they attempt to make a mark on a demanding campaign.

For the Senegalese international, this season offers the opportunity not only to compete at the highest level but also to demonstrate his development since leaving Ligue 1.

With high-profile fixtures on the horizon, Jakobs’ performances could prove decisive in Galatasaray’s pursuit of a place in the knockout stages.

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— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) September 3, 2025