Senegal left-back Ismaïl Jakobs has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his time with the Lions of Teranga to an end.

Published 29 Oct 2026, 17:03 GMT

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Senegal left-back Ismaïl Jakobs has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his time with the Lions of Teranga to an end as he looks to concentrate on his club career and spend more time with his family.

The defender confirmed his decision in an emotional farewell message, reflecting on the experiences, friendships and personal milestones that shaped his journey with the Senegal national team.

Jakobs, who was born in Germany but chose to represent Senegal because of his father's origins, described his time with the national side as an important chapter in his life.

He expressed gratitude for the welcome he received, the relationships he developed with his team-mates and the support of Senegalese fans.

“I joined the national team as a young boy, and I am leaving it as a man,” he wrote, highlighting how much he had grown during his international career.

His announcement marks the end of his involvement with the Lions of Teranga, with the defender now preparing to focus on other priorities away from international football.

A journey shaped by Senegal

Jakobs' decision to represent Senegal allowed him to connect with his family heritage and fulfil a personal ambition. In his farewell message, he reflected on the significance of that choice and the memories he accumulated while wearing the national shirt.

The left-back paid tribute to the people who had been part of his international journey, including his team-mates and the supporters who welcomed him into the national set-up.

He also underlined the commitment he had shown throughout his time with Senegal, describing his efforts across different competitions and stages of the national team's development.

His international experience included friendly matches, qualifying campaigns, the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

Jakobs said he had always sought to give his best whenever he represented his country.

The defender expressed pride in the achievements he shared with his colleagues, pointing to the collective successes and titles secured during his time with the team.

However, he acknowledged that his international journey had not been defined by victories alone. Defeats were also part of the experience, but he maintained that he had approached his responsibilities with determination and a strong sense of commitment to Senegal.

His message reflected both the sporting challenges he faced and the personal connections he established during his time with the national side.

Family and club football take priority

Explaining his decision to retire, Jakobs indicated that he wanted to begin a new phase of his life, giving greater attention to his club commitments, personal well-being and family.

The defender's choice reflects a desire to make more time for the aspects of his life that he now considers a priority, after years of involvement with the national team.

“Time is precious, and some moments never come back,” he explained, offering an insight into the thinking behind his announcement.

Senegal Defender Jakobs Says Emotional Goodbye to National Team

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