Ismaila Jakobs retires from Senegal: 'I came as a boy and leave as a man'
The German-raised international says he will focus on club football and family, and thanks Senegal for letting him live his dreams.
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Dakar — Ismaila Jakobs has retired from international football with Senegal, announcing the decision in an emotional message on Instagram.
"I arrived in the national team as a young boy, and I leave it as a man," he wrote.
Jakobs, who grew up in Germany and is the son of a Senegalese father, said representing Senegal fulfilled his childhood dream and his father's too. He thanked supporters and team-mates for making him feel at home and introducing him to Senegalese culture, and said he had given everything, from friendlies to major tournaments, in wins and in defeats.
A new chapter
He said he wants to concentrate on his club career and spend more time with his family, "because time is precious, and some moments never come back". He hopes to give something back to Senegal in future, including off the pitch.
"Senegal, you gave me the chance to live my dreams. For that, I will be eternally grateful," he wrote, signing off: "Jërëjëf for everything. Senegal Rek!"
Source: Dakaractu, 29 October 2026.
