Galatasaray left-back Ismaïl Jakobs has announced the end of his international career with Senegal, at the age of 27. He cites personal reasons and the desire to devote himself to his club and his family.
At 27, Ismaïl Jakobs, the Galatasaray left-back, has announced the end of his international career with Senegal, reports beIN Sports Turkey. The news was relayed by Sport.fr.
To explain his decision, he cites personal reasons, the desire to focus on his club career and the wish to devote more time to his family. Born and raised in Germany, he is the son of a Senegalese father.
33 caps and a family legacy
First called up in 2022, Ismaïl Jakobs has played 33 matches for Senegal, according to Sport.fr. His international journey took him to the last two World Cups as well as the 2023 and 2025 AFCONs.
His attachment to Senegal goes beyond sport. “As the son of a Senegalese father, it was something very special for me to fulfil not only my own dream, but also my father’s,” he confided, quoted by Sport.fr. In an interview with beIN Sports Turkey, he also mentions the privilege of having been able, thanks to Senegal, to live out his childhood dreams and experience moments he will carry in his heart for the rest of his life.
In his announcement, he declared, again according to Sport.fr: “I came into the national team as a young boy, and I leave it as a man. With unforgettable memories, friendships for life and a gratitude that will remain engraved in me forever.””
Galatasaray, the club as priority
On the sporting side, Ismaïl Jakobs has chosen to refocus his energy on Galatasaray. A former AS Monaco player, he has been at the club since the summer of 2024 and has made 12 appearances this season, according to Sport.fr.
His decision stems from a concern about time, which he sets out plainly. “I want to focus on my club career and devote more precious time to myself and my family. Because time is precious, and some moments never come back,” he explained, quoted by Sport.fr.
On the international stage, he had to contend with the rise of El Hadji Malick Diouf, Sport.fr recalls. He does not mention competition among his reasons: only personal reasons are given.
A left flank to reorganise
Senegal will now have to do without Ismaïl Jakobs on their left flank, with El Hadji Malick Diouf competing for that position, according to Sport.fr. A task for the Senegalese staff, who lose a player who was present at the last two World Cups.