World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Bayern Munich's Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson has swapped a bit-part role behind Harry Kane at Bayern Munich to lead the line for Senegal at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as the African nation target the latter knockout rounds after advancing from Group I has one of eight best third-placed teams.
Name: Nicolas Jackson
Club: Bayern Munich
Nation: Senegal
International debut: 21 November 2022
Caps: 36
International goals: 8
Stats correct as of 1 July 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 eight goals despite just 12 starts - including a spell of four goals in five games between late March and early April.
What he brings to the national team
Although without a goal at this summer's tournament, Jackson’s pressing and work rate as the front man in a 4-2-3-1 formation gives opposing defences a headache and creates space for others, notably former Bayern man Sadio Mané and Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr, to operate in, providing an assist for the latter in Senegal's 3-2 defeat against Norway.
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
