Right-back Ismail Jakobs, 27, has told head coach Patrick Vieira of his decision to end his international career with Senegal. The manager accepted it with « a little bitterness ».
The news came through the voice of the head coach. Patrick Vieira announced that Ismail Jakobs has decided to end his international career at the age of 27, according to Taiyangcheng. It was the player himself who informed the staff, in a call made a few days after receiving his call-up.
A call-up, then a call
The timeline stands out: it was after receiving his call-up that Jakobs called the head coach. Vieira, speaking about the decision, drew a conclusion tinged with regret: « I can say I accepted it with a little bitterness, because I think he is at the peak of his career. »
The head coach does not hide how hard he finds the choice to understand. For him, the 27-year-old right-back is walking away from the national team at a time when his career is, in his eyes, at its peak.
« It’s his choice », Vieira accepts
The Senegal head coach set out his reasoning, again according to Taiyangcheng: « I have always thought that at that age, and for a player at a big club, giving up your international career is a real shame. But it’s his choice, I have to accept it. »
Vieira stresses how unusual the situation is, without calling the player’s decision into question: « Honestly, from my personal point of view, it’s hard to understand. But it’s his choice, and I have no other option. »
Sudan without Jakobs or Mané
The national team will now have to do without its right-back. The next fixture, set for 12 November 2026, is a Senegal – Sudan match that will be played without Jakobs or Mané.