The Beninese government has announced the appointment of Isabelle Yacoubou as Technical Advisor for High Performance and Sporting Excellence at the Ministry of Sports and Civic Engagement. This decision was made during the Council of Ministers meeting on October 7, 2026. Yacoubou, a renowned basketball player, brings with her a wealth of experience in high-level sports, including an Olympic medal, a European title, and several national championships.
Born in April 1986 in Godomey, Benin, Yacoubou initially gained recognition in athletics, specifically in shot put. She represented Benin at the 2003 and 2005 World Youth Athletics Championships, holding the national record in the discipline from 2004 to 2016. However, it was a video showcasing her skills that led to her discovery by a French handball coach, ultimately paving the way for her basketball career in France.
At 17, Yacoubou moved to Tarbes, France, to join the city's basketball training center. Two years later, she turned professional, rapidly becoming one of the top players in the French league. Her impressive performance earned her the title of Best Player of the French Women's Basketball League in 2009 and 2010. She went on to play for prominent clubs in Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey, and China, winning numerous championships and titles, including the EuroLeague and EuroCup.
Yacoubou's international career with the French national team was equally impressive. She earned 147 caps, winning a European title in 2009 and a bronze medal in 2011. At the 2012 London Olympics, she helped France secure a silver medal, narrowly losing to the United States. She continued to play for France until the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she served as team captain.
After retiring from professional basketball in 2024 due to a knee injury, Yacoubou shifted her focus to coaching and mentoring young players. She worked with the Tarbes team and coached the French under-16 women's team. Her commitment to promoting basketball in Benin led her to organize sports activities and establish the "Basketball Week" initiative, with plans to create a basketball academy.
As an ambassador for Peace & Sport and a member of the "Champions of Peace," Yacoubou has been involved in various initiatives using sports to bring together young people and communities. Her new role at the Ministry of Sports and Civic Engagement will see her utilize her expertise to help develop Benin's sports sector and produce future champions.
With her extensive experience and achievements in basketball, Yacoubou is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in her new role. Her appointment has been welcomed by the Beninese sports community, who see her as a role model and a source of inspiration for young athletes. Her mission will be to support the development of high-performance sports in Benin and help the country produce its own champions.
Key points
- Isabelle Yacoubou was appointed Technical Advisor for High Performance and Sporting Excellence at the Ministry of Sports and Civic Engagement on October 7, 2026.
- Yacoubou brings a wealth of experience in high-level sports, including an Olympic medal and several national championships.
- Her mission is to support the development of high-performance sports in Benin and help the country produce its own champions.
