A Dream Realized: Yebo to Represent Father’s Homeland

Kevin Yebo, the leading scorer for the Niners Chemnitz in Germany’s easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga, is poised to make his debut for the Ivory Coast national team. The game marks a significant milestone for the 29-year-traditional, who is the son of a German mother and an Ivorian father.

The Easycredit Basketball-Bundesliga is currently paused for international play as Yebo prepares to fulfill a long-held ambition. He described the opportunity as Ein Meilenstein – “a milestone.”

World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Dakar

Yebo and the Ivory Coast team will compete in a mini-tournament in Dakar, Senegal, beginning on Thursday. They will face Senegal, Congo, and Madagascar in a series of games to advance to the next round of FIBA World Cup qualifying. The 2027 World Cup will be held in Qatar.

Should the Ivory Coast advance, Yebo could potentially face off against teammate Nike Sibande, who plays for Uganda.

A Journey to His Roots

This trip is more than just basketball for Yebo; it’s a journey to connect with his Ivorian heritage. His father continues to reside in Germany. Yebo previously expressed his desire to play for the Ivory Coast, stating, Wenn ich gesund bleibe und die Zeit finde, dann bin ich dabei. Ich bin in Kontakt mit der Nationalmannschaft und die würden sich freuen, wenn ich dabei bin. – “If I stay healthy and find the time, then I’m in. I am in contact with the national team and they would be happy if I were there.”

Yebo had hoped to participate in the Africa Championship last August, but it did not materialize. He revealed his childhood dream, Ich habe früher Fußball gespielt, wollte Profi werden…. Didier Drogba war mein Lieblingsspieler. Es war mein Traum für die Elfenbeinküste Fußball zu spielen. Jetzt vielleicht Basketball, das wäre schön. – “I used to play soccer, wanted to be a professional… Didier Drogba was my favorite player. It was my dream to play soccer for the Ivory Coast. Now maybe basketball, that would be nice.”

Recent Accolades

Yebo was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Month in November 2025 in the easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga. He previously earned the same honor in January 2024. He plays as a power forward for the Niners Chemnitz.

Player Profile

Kevin Yebo, born November 6, 1996, is a German-Ivorian professional basketball player currently with the Niners Chemnitz. He has also played for Bayern Munich. He began his career with VfR Limburg in 2015 and has since played for Ehingen Urspring, Hamburg Towers, and Eisbären Bremerhaven.

FAQ

• What is Kevin Yebo’s current team? Niners Chemnitz.
• What position does Yebo play? Power forward.
• What is Yebo’s heritage? He is of German and Ivorian descent.