During Thursday’s 1-0 Conference League win over Trabzonspor, SC Freiburg defender Jordy Makengo had the unique experience of facing off against former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, a player he often controls in video games. The 25-year-old left-back played a key role in helping his team secure their third straight competitive victory, as they contained the threat of the Egyptian international.
As noted in reports, Salah intensified his efforts as the match went on, but Freiburg’s defense, anchored by Makengo, managed to keep him at bay. The side’s disciplined approach forced Trabzonspor’s Salah to test goalkeeper Mio Backhaus, who made a vital save in the 61st minute.
Advertisement
Freiburg’s defense effectively restricted Salah’s impact, with Makengo, along with teammates Vincenzo Grifo and Philipp Lienhart, closing down the spaces on Trabzonspor’s right side.
Makengo: “I always used to play as him on PlayStation”
In the mixed zone after the match, Makengo expressed his excitement about competing against one of football’s top stars. “I’m a big FIFA gamer on PlayStation,” he mentioned. “I always used to play as him, and now I’m playing against him in real life. That’s simply incredible, and I’m really happy about it.”
Advertisement
Freiburg’s head coach Julian Schuster, while not particularly invested in gaming, acknowledged the humorous aspect of the situation. “If the PlayStation has something positive to offer, perhaps this is it,” he quipped.
This exchange followed what Schuster described as Freiburg’s best performance of the season, highlighting their aggressive first-half pressing and organized defensive play, which helped them overcome a Trabzonspor team on a seven-match winning streak.
Makengo’s Freiburg development continues to gather momentum
Apart from the amusing video game anecdote, Thursday’s match showcased another positive development in Makengo’s career. After struggling during the 2025/26 season, he has shown remarkable improvement this summer, competing for his place against seasoned captain Christian Günter and returning player Berkay Yilmaz. Reports from GGFN indicate that he has made significant strides, prompting Schuster to rethink his selections.
Advertisement
Makengo’s contributions on the offensive side are also noteworthy. He recorded four assists in five appearances this season, a sharp contrast to his previous 58 matches without a goal contribution. Furthermore, he made his senior international debut for DR Congo during the October international break, adding to an already impressive season.
During Freiburg’s recent Bundesliga match against Schalke 04, Makengo’s attacking prowess was evident as he linked up effectively with Derry Scherhant, providing significant threats down the left flank.
In contrast, Thursday’s match required a different skill set. Makengo faced the challenge of Salah’s vast experience and technical skills, which demanded a high level of defensive discipline. While Salah found opportunities, especially in the second half, Freiburg’s cohesive defensive strategy ultimately withstood the challenge.
Advertisement
Makengo received a 7/10 rating from GGFN for his defensive performance in maintaining a clean sheet. For a player whose status at Freiburg seemed uncertain earlier, facing one of the Premier League’s top talents marked a significant progression in his career.
For Makengo, this match also provided the satisfaction of experiencing up close what it’s like to compete against a video game idol in real life.
