A faithful servant for Slovakia since 2005, Martin Jakubko is a player that national coach Vladimir Weiss respects and admires. In 2006, Weiss, then at the head of Russian club Saturn Moscow, fought hard to persuade Jakubko to eventually leave the club so close to his heart, Dukla Banska Bystrica, where he had scored 25 goals in 58 appearances, and won the Slovak Cup in 2005.

In Russia, the giant striker would not enjoy the same return in front of goal. Indeed, his first couple of seasons were a struggle. He was used sparingly, lacked the required playing time to show what he could do, and a departure from the Aliens became inevitable. Luck and confidence also deserted Jakubko at new club Khimki though, where he managed just two goals in fifteen games. At the beginning of 2009, FC Moscow took a gamble on him, and it was one that the club from the capital would not regret.

An accurate passer, capable of holding up the ball well at the tip of his team’s attacking formation, the player nicknamed Kubo began to regain his eye for goal, scoring a respectable eight goals in 23 matches. After just a year, Saturn came calling again, offering him a second chance to impress. During this time, Weiss kept confidence in Jakubko, a loyalty that the marksman has repaid through excellent performances and crucial goals, helping his country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup™ for the very first time.