FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas 2021 SuperDraft pick Thibaut Jacquell enters preseason with a chance to achieve a long-harbored dream.
Born in Laverne, France, Jacquell grew up training FC Metz’s academy, a youth system known for producing some of the continent’s top players like Miralem Pjanić and Sadio Mané. But at age 19, Jacquell was released by the club and his dream becoming a professional was put in jeopardy.
“I saw the door to be a professional was closed in Europe, so I just decided to take my chance here in America,” Jacquell told FCDallas.com. “I knew at the same time that, in America, I could continue to go to school so it was a really great opportunity for me.”
Jacquell moved to North Carolina to attend Campbell University and play for the school’s soccer program. In two full seasons with the Camels, Jacquell scored 22 goals and added 13 assists in 36 starts—including a standout 2019 campaign where he led the nation with 18 goals from 21 games.
“I enjoyed my time here a lot,” the 23-year-old Jacquell said. “It’s very different from Europe but I had a great time. It’s a very physical (style) of soccer compared to Europe but I think we Europeans shouldn’t underestimate the soccer in America. I think a lot of people underestimate the level here but I think it’s a great level in college.”
Although he stood out at the collegiate level, Jacquell wasn’t convinced he’d catch the attention of MLS coaches ahead of the 2021 draft. Despite his reservations, FC Dallas called Jacquell’s name with its first of three third-round picks (75th overall).
“I didn’t know what to say or what to do, I was just shaking and very surprised,” Jacquell admitted. “I didn’t have a lot of hope going into the draft but I was very happy and my emotions were very high.
“He (FCD head coach Luchi Gonzalez) first congratulated me for being picked and then said that he’d seen me play and watched a lot of videos of me. He knew the type of player that I am and said that he’s excited to work with me.”
As usual, there will be a transitional period once Jacquell arrives in Frisco for preseason training camp. Aside from the step up in the level of play, Jacquell wasn’t a fan of the Texas climate when the Campbell Camels faced SMU in Dallas two years ago.
“My first time in America, we started the regular season by playing against SMU. When I played, I’ll be honest with you, I couldn’t breathe. It was the first time I was in the U.S. and my first game and I couldn’t breathe when we played in Dallas.”
Coincidentally, fellow 2021 FCD SuperDraft pick Nicky Hernandez lined up against Jacquell and the Camels in the very same game.
“I don’t have a lot of memories of him (Hernandez) from the game,” Jacquell said. “But my coach told me we played against each other, so I re-watched the game to see how he plays and stuff. He was very good and really impressive.”
Challenges aside, Jacquell knows preseason marks an opportunity to achieve his dream of becoming a professional player. He also knows it’ll take a lot of hard work to earn it.
“I want to have the best preseason I can,” he said. “I’m training with Campbell right now to make sure that I’m fit and I’ll do all that I can to earn a professional contract and to show the coach that I’m a good option that he could use during the season.”
