World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Bayern Munich's Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson will swap a bit-part role behind Harry Kane at Bayern Munich to lead the line for Senegal at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Name: Nicolas Jackson
Club: Bayern Munich
Nation: Senegal
International debut: 21 November 2022
Caps: 31
International goals: 8
Stats correct as of 7 May 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
Playing as a striker in the same team as Kane is always going to be a tough gig: you’re the back-up to one of the very best in the business. That is going to seriously limit your game-time, and Jackson must have known that when he moved to Bayern on loan from Chelsea in summer 2025. Nonetheless, he can take pride at mustering seven goals despite just 11 starts so far - including a spell of four goals in five games between late March and early April.
What he brings to the national team
Eight goals in his first 31 caps suggests Jackson’s worth to the Lions of Teranga is not just in finding the back of the net regularly.
He played five of Senegal’s seven matches en route to the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final, but only scored in the first: a brace in a 3-0 group-stage defeat of Botswana.
Jackson’s pressing and work rate as the front man in a 4-2-3-1 formation gives opposing defences a headache and provides space for others, notably former Bayern man Sadio Mané and Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr, to operate in.
What his coaches say
"Nicolas has performed very well in training and replicated it on the pitch. It's true that when Harry Kane plays in your position, or Michael Olise, or Luis Díaz, it's a bit difficult - but he's done well." - Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany
"He's someone who can bring us a lot in the future and help us win." – Senegal coach Pape Thiaw
