Ismail Jakobs: AS Monaco Star Explains Why He Ditched Germany for Senegal

• Ismail Jakobs has disclosed why he chose Senegal ahead of Germany
• The German-born defender played for the Lions of Teranga at AFCON
• Jakobs was one of the breakout stars for Senegal at the tournament

AS Monaco defender, Ismail Jakobs, has opened up on his decision to represent Senegal at the international level despite being born in Germany.

Jakobs was born to a Senegalese father and a German mother in Cologne but decided to play for Senegal after making nine appearances for the U21 team of the European nation.

In 2022, he completed his international switch and was part of the Senegal team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Although he had the chance to play for Germany, the Monaco left-back insists there is a special feeling playing for Senegal.

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“You feel more special when you represent an African nation. If a player represents Senegal, he will have the impression of being supported by the whole country, even if he is not with the selection at that moment. When you return to Monaco, they still support you. It’s something you don’t have in Europe,” he told 13 Football.

Jakobs has gone on to make 16 appearances for Senegal and was one of the breakout stars at AFCON 2023, per Transfermarkt.

The 24-year-old moved to France after spending two seasons at boyhood club FC Koln in the Bundesliga between 2019 to 2021.

Mane stops Jakobs from fighting Keita

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Al-Nassr forward, Sadio Mane played a peacemaker role in stopping his Senegal teammate, Ismail Jakobs and former Liverpool midfielder, Naby Keita from fighting.

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Teranga Lions wing-back, Jacobs and Guinea's captain, Keita clashed near the corner flag during their AFCON clash, leading to the referee cautioning both players.

The moment cast an unfavourable light on what was otherwise an exciting game between the two West African rivals at the continental competition in Ivory Coast.

Senegal thump Gabon in friendly

Sports Brief also reported that Senegal recovered from their AFCON setback to beat Gabon 3-0 in an international friendly in France during March's international break.

The 19-year-old defender was handed his debut by Aliou Cisse after an impressive campaign with Barcelona's B team.

Faye started as Senegal put behind them a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations by rebuilding a new team with their youngsters in Europe.