Finding Solace in Football: Malang Sarr’s Path from Grief to Glory

Malang Sarr’s journey is one of resilience, family bonds, and determination, emerging from one of the toughest neighbourhoods in France to the heights of professional football. Many might notice his physical resemblance to N’Golo Kante, not just in size but in his demeanour and work ethic. However, few know the full depth of his story beyond the pitch.

This biography delves into the life of Malang Sarr, a tenacious defender who found strength in football after the devastating loss of his father. At just a young age, Malang faced the harsh reality of grief, but his older half-brother, Idriss, who was working as a cook in Australia at the time, left everything behind to return and take care of Malang and his siblings.

Football became more than just a game for Malang—it was his escape and his path to success. Through sheer willpower and talent, Sarr not only uplifted his family but also inspired his entire community.

From his early life struggles to his rise in football, this is the story of Malang Sarr, a player whose dedication transformed his own life and the lives of those around him. Let’s now dive into the full narrative of his remarkable journey.

Preamble:

In short, this article shares the inspiring journey of Malang Sarr, a young boy who turned the challenges of growing up in a poverty-stricken neighbourhood and the heartbreak of losing his father into motivation for success. It’s a story that, while not uncommon, is deeply compelling.

We take you through his early days in Les Moulins, a tough neighbourhood in Nice, France, all the way to his rise to fame. To spark your interest in Malang Sarr’s biography, we’ve included a visual gallery capturing his journey from childhood to becoming a well-known footballer. Here is a snapshot of Malang Sarr’s incredible football path.

Malang Sarr Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he bears the full name – Malang Mamadou William Georges Sarr. On the other hand, Malang Sarr’s nickname is “The potential Paolo Maldini“.

The Footballer was born on the 23rd day of January 1999 to his parents in the city of Nice, France.

Sarr is one among other siblings (including an older brother, Idris), born of the union between his mother and a late father who died when he was fourteen years old. Witnessing his Dad’s death was one of the worst moments for the family.

When Malang Sarr’s Father died, his half-brother, Idriss (21 at the time), was a cook in Australia. Upon hearing the sad news, he left everything behind to come to take care of little Malang and his brothers.

Early Life and Growing-Up Years:

The left-handed central defender spent most of his childhood days with his mother and brothers. Sarr grew up in the neighbourhood of Les Moulins in Nice, France.

This is a place where emptiness ends for little boys as soon as there is a football on their foot.

Malang Sarr Family Background:

Unlike Hugo Lloris, who has rich parents, he wasn’t raised in a wealthy background.

Before monies from Football elevated his household, Malang Sarr’s family suffered from abject poverty. Now let’s tell you about the occupation of his parents.

Malang Sarr’s father, before his death, was a delivery driver at Les Moulins in Nice.

He always woke up before Malang and his two older brothers to say his prayers and prepare for his daily delivery job. Malang Sarr’s Mum, on the other hand, is a housewife.

Coming from a lower-middle-class family background, neither did Malang Sarr’s Dad nor Mum got the best financial education.

But one thing is sure: the fact that he is from a close-knit family, one that sometimes struggles with money.

How Malang Sarr’s Family got Affected by Les Moulins Violence:

For the French defender, spending a childhood in his poverty-stricken hometown is something he really likes to forget. Truth be told, Les Moulins in Nice is a difficult district to raise a child in France.

Early on, Malang Sarr’s parents always worried for safety – as they shielded both him and his brothers from repeated violence (like this) that erupted in Nice’s des Moulins district.

Recalling one of the worst cases (in 2014), the French defender confessed to the media that he did something foolish which could have cost him his life.

Malang Sarr’s Mum warned him about going out to play football that day. Unluckily, the boy disobeyed her by going to play football. In Malang’s words,

I did something foolish. Coming home from football when I couldn’t see anything. Only smoke from the violence. That day, I disobeyed my mother.

The scene in November 2014 led to one of Nice’s biggest civil unrest or insurrection – with around a hundred arrests.

This neighbourhood of Les Moulins offered Malang Sarr little except the solace he found in football.

Malang Sarr Family Origin:

Judging from his facial looks, you could easily guess his ancestral roots. We tie it NOT to France but possibly to a West African country like Senegal, Ivory Coast or even Northern Nigeria etc.

Results from our research to determine Malang Sarr’s Family’s origin show he is of West African origin and of Senegalese descent. This is similar to the origins of Boubacar Kamara‘s Dad.

Although born in France, the French Footballer comes from an immigrant family who left Senegal for France.

Malang Sarr’s parents, before they decided to raise a family, immigrated to France to seek a much-improved future.

Les Moulins, the poor French Neighbourhood of Nice, was the best place they could afford to stay and raise a family.

Malang Sarr Education and Career Buildup:

Being born in Nice, a vibrant sports city, represented big hope for his future.

Like many other kids, Malang Sarr went through a type of schooling that allowed for his participation in football. His love for football led to his dream of pursuing a career.

As Malang Sarr became rich, he sponsored an association (ADAM), which offered academic support that he himself once benefited from. The organization helped him with his homework during his youth.

Even throughout his career days, Malang Sarr ensured he completed his education to a considerable level.

The fourth grade of his primary school was the most challenging time of his schooling days. Speaking about the experience, the Defender said,

After three weeks of my fourth grade, I was told that I might not do well. I was a little scared, But I picked up the pace. My parents were proud.

I loved history. My best history book was written by Guy de Maupassant: a fairly poor young man who climbs the ladder with self-sacrifice because he wants to. I really liked history.

Malang Sarr Biography – Football Story:

When you are 6 six old, and you get the chance to play for OGC Nice Academy, then it is a great thing.

Malang Sarr wasn’t just destined to play for Nice because it was a great sports city. The truth is, nature naturally gifted Sarr with the act of playing football.

Upon passing trials, little Sarr began attending a training centre run by Alain Wathelet, his first football coach.

In his early years as a footballer, there were never doubts that he wouldn’t make it. The boy’s determination to become a pro was never a passing fantasy.

Malang, in his OGC Nice academy days, had one goal in mind. It was no other than to use football as a means to save his family from poverty.

Sarr knew he had talent and, of course, he used it to win trophies for his beloved OGC Nice Academy.

Journey to Fame:

Despite many other football academies declaring interest in him, the boy chose to remain loyal to Nice.

Hence, it became his dream to sign pro there. Malang Sarr spent the next 12 years in the Nice Academy. While there, he completed his footballing maturation process.

To the joy of Malang Sarr’s family, their breadwinner son made his Les Aiglons debut on the 14th day of August 2016 against Rennes, aged 17. Luckily for Sarr, he scored the winning goal in that match, thanks to a bullet header.

In doing so, Malang Sarr became the second-youngest footballer to ever score on debut in Ligue 1, behind Nigerian ex-international forward Bartholomew Ogbeche.

After the match, the youngster dedicated his debut goal to the victims of the 2016 terror attack.

Please note that this attack happened in the violence-ridden neighbourhood of Nice, where Malang Sarr’s parents raised him and his brothers.

On that tragic day, a man of Tunisian descent drove a truck through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in the city of Nice, resulting in the deaths of approximately 84 people.

Malang Sarr Biography – Success Story:

Since his debut goal, the youngster’s progress continued at a geometric rate. Sarr endured a meteoric rise to prominence to become one of the hottest young defensive properties in Ligue 1.

Many big European clubs, early on, circled around Malang Sarr like sharks. His brilliance (as observed in this video) made the likes of PSG, Arsenal Chelsea, Inter and AC Milan, all interested in his services.

One particular manager who wanted Sarr was Arsène Wenger, a man with a powerful scouting network in France.

He never lost sight of Malang as he wanted him to learn from Per Mertesacker and be a strong competitor to Shkodran Mustafi.

In February 2018, Sarr’s impressive defensive abilities earned him significant recognition. The CIES Football Observatory ranked him as the fifth-most promising footballer in the world under the age of 20.

Also, back then, everyone talked about OGC Nice because they signed Mario Balotelli and had the person of Alassane Pléa.

These footballers made OGC Nice the genuine revelation of Ligue 1. That time, Nice fought for the title with the powerful PSG and other candidates.

The Chelsea Acquisition:

Allowing his contract to expire on 30 June 2020, Sarr subsequently became a free agent.

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea became the fastest club to grab his signature as they announced on their official website – the signing of Sarr on a five-year deal.

A happy Malang Sarr is pictured here signing his Blues contract – a joyful moment indeed for his family.

He joined big names – the likes of Kai Havertz (AM), Timo Werner (CF), Ben Chilwell (LB), Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy and Thiago Silva, who joined Chelsea that season.

To give him a taste of football experience – before competing in the toughest league in the world, Lampard sent Sarr on loan to Portuguese side FC Porto. The likes of another promising Chelsea star, Armando Broja, were also pushed on loan.

While there, the youngster impressed his coach – with a series of breathtaking performances.

Sarr had so many standout moments in an FC Porto shirt. He showed a fantastic leap and a determined attitude while having a great learning experience with the Dragões.

With this sort of performance (in this video), Chelsea’s new management got convinced to recall him.

The Thomas Tuchel Re-Call:

With impressive performance with Porto, further loan moves to Germany, Italy, and France reportedly collapsed.

Chelsea’s new boss, Thomas Tuchel, in the 2021/2022 season, decided he would place his trust in Sarr alongside other loanees – Chalobah (CB), Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley.

New boy Malang Sarr made his Premier League debut against a newly-promoted Brentford side – because of the unavailability of Antonio Rüdiger.

Playing alongside Andreas Christensen, the Left-footed defender showed why he deserved to be a starter for Chelsea football club.

In fact, Sarr was able to halt a stubborn Brentford side made up of very sharp footballers like – Sergi Canos and Ivan Toney. His bravery against fellow French star, Bryan Mbeumo was proof that the hype surrounding him is real.

After his premier league debut, Metro, in their report, said Malang Sarr singles out ‘really smart’ Chelsea duo Andreas Christensen and Trevoh Chalobah. The defender expressed his gratitude for their support in helping him make an immediate impact during his Premier League debut with the London club.

Yes, France has always had luck in their endless production line of central defenders. Yes, the likes of Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde and Ibrahima Konate exist, but we can tell you that Sarr is a class of his own. The rest of his Biography, as we always say, is history.

Love Life

Making a name for himself in football, the world’s most famous sport shows he is successful. And behind every successful footballer, there is a glamorous girlfriend or WAG.

Like the flu, Malang Sarr’s smile is very contagious and surely capable of melting the hearts of ladies. In this section of his Biography, we’ll tell you facts about his relationship status.

First thing first, we once noticed the existence of a female child whenever the Defender posts holiday pictures. Hence, it is very likely that the child could be Malang Sarr’s daughter.

Based on the above premise, we conclude that there could also be the existence of a girlfriend or wife-to-be – whose identity Sarr has not made public.

Personality:

N’Golo Kante is an excellent, all-action midfielder and the nicest footballer in the world.

Thankfully, the game of soccer might just have gotten someone who not only has similar looks but competes with Kante in terms of humility. Now, this video explains it all.

These days, Malang Sarr no longer needs to put in much effort to set himself an example at Les Moulins – where his parents raised him. As soon as families of the neighbourhood see him arrive, their reaction is immediate.

Who is Malang Sarr?

First off, he is a refreshingly humble guy, someone who speaks very little of himself like N’Golo Kante. In fact, you’ll have to tickle Sarr or do something extra-ordinary funny to bring that cute smile to his face.

Outside football, the defender loves to keep what he often termed as his little habits. It is no other than spending time with family – (mostly his Mum, brothers and relatives). Finally, about Malang Sarr’s personal life, he is the type who likes to stay with the same friends.

Malang Sarr Lifestyle:

The down-to-earth footballer with very clear ideas to living an enjoyable life. Even though making lots of money is a necessary evil, Malang Sarr sure needs it to fund his lifestyle. A perfect seaside scenery is simply enough, as it evokes vivid memories that lift his mood.

The seaside always gives Malang Sarr the avenue to experience his favourite hobby – which is no other than playing with Dolphins. Interacting with the friendly aquatic mammals brings him calmness, joy, and, most importantly, soothes Malang Sarr’s soul.

Malang Sarr Car:

When it comes to having ideal comfort, especially during the holidays, the French defender sticks with the private jet. Malang Sarr’s fat wages can surely get him his dream cars.

Malang Sarr Family Life:

From the onset, the French footballer had found himself in a household that gave him everything – career support, food, clothing, shelter, and security.

This section of our Bio unveils more truths about Malang Sarr’s Family members. Let’s begin with his late Dad.

About Malang Sarr’s Father:

After leaving Senegal for France, the Super Dad – because of his low-income status could only settle in the poor neighbourhood of Les Moulins in Nice. While there, he wife gave birth to his children.

Malang Sarr’s Dad raised him and his older brothers from the little proceeds he had as a delivery driver. Sadly, he died when the breadwinner of the family was only fourteen.

According to Malang, his father, before his demise, never believed football could help his family to get out of their situation.

Although he allowed Malang to attempt pursuing a career. Speaking about father support, the Chelsea footballer once told the press;

I was with my father a lot before his death. and at the same time, he never took me in the direction of the hair.

After the games, he very rarely told me that he found me good.

About Malang Sarr’s Mother:

Born in Senegal like her husband, we regard her as a super-woman who ensured her sons were properly raised following the death of her husband in the year 2013.

Malang’s Mum not only supported but pushed Sarr out to do the hard work and that has uplifted the family from poverty.

About Malang Sarr Siblings:

The French footballer has more than one brother and the most popular of them is his oldest, who goes by the name Idris Sarr.

After Malang Sarr’s father, a delivery driver, died, Idris, his half-brother, is credited to looking after him and the rest of the family.

The older half-brother of Malang was once a cook in Australia. He sacrificed and placed his job on hold – went back to France just to be with his beloved family after the demise of their Dad. These days, he works with P&P Sports management to oversee Sarr’s career.

About Malang Sarr Relatives:

While some of them live in France, the major of his extended family members live in his West African country of Senegal. Together, they form the Senegalese base of Malang Sarr’s fan support.

Malang Sarr Untold Facts:

Rounding up our memoir, we’ll use this section to unveil more truths about the French footballer who behaves very much like N’Golo Kante.

Malang Sarr Salary:

On 27 August 2020, Chelsea agreed to pay him a whooping £120,000 in wages. Breaking down his wages, we’ve decided to show you what the Malang Sarr makes (up to the second) in both Pounds and West African CFA franc.

It might interest you to know that in the country of Malang Sarr’s family origin (Senegal), they see him as a Billionaire footballer.

Now, here comes an interesting fact about how rich the French footballer is – in his African homeland. In the country of Malang Sarr’s ancestry (Senegal), the average citizen needs 6 years to make his hourly Chelsea wages. Wow!

The Sarr’s Street Park:

As football blessed him, Malang Sarr paid back by inaugurating a street park in his childhood district of Les Moulins – where his parents raised him. What a kind gesture to his underprivileged neighbourhood.

Les Moulins, where Malang Sarr’s parents raised him, in response, did something great to honour their Football hero. The poverty-stricken hometown, according to the Sun, though its mayor of Nice (Christian Estrosi) immortalized Malang Sarr in the town’s districts.

Malang Sarr Profile – The Poor FIFA Stats:

For comparison’s sake, the Frenchman has the combined attributes of Fikayo Tomori and Cristian Romero. Let’s not forget Italy’s EURO 2024 talent, Riccardo Calafiori. However, several FIFA fans believe that one of the worst ratings in the game has been awarded to Malang Sarr. Surely, Malang would prove FIFA wrong.

Malang Sarr Religion:

The French professional footballer identifies himself as a Muslim who practices and adheres to the Islamic faith. Here, we picture Sarr celebrating Eid MUBARAK with his fellow Muslim brothers.

He bears a Christian Name:

Before identifying Malang Sarr’s Religion as Islam, there’s been a recent twist as to the possibility of him or some members of his family being non-Muslims.

This comes because the footballer has the Christian name – William Georges.

Upon his birth, Malang Sarr’s parents made him bear the non-Muslim name – William Georges.

Very likely, the reason could only be traced to the fact that the families of either his Dad or Mum might be Christian.

Malang words to the Senegalese Football Federation:

In 2018, Sarr confirmed his motherland had approached him to represent the nation. The defender’s response is that he hopes to achieve greater things with France.

By this statement, it sure means that Sarr really has big ambitions.

Conclusion:

NOT many aspiring French footballers make something of their lives in Les Moulins, a rough suburb to avoid because of repeated violence.

This is where Malang Sarr’s parents raised him, and with what he has achieved, we believe that anything is possible in life.

The Chelsea FC defender grew up mostly alongside his Mum and brothers and hailed from a poor family background.

Malang Sarr’s family are of Senegalese origin, and his Dad and Mum immigrated from the country to France – where they had him and his brothers.

Early in his life, the aspiring footballer faced a family tragedy. Malang Sarr witnessed the death of his beloved father, who was a delivery driver.

That forced his older brother (a cook) to return from Australia to take care of himself, other siblings and his surviving parent.

Owing to what he went through in his Childhood, Malang Sarr understands – that what he achieved in his life was truly against the norm for kids from Les Moulins.

Hence, we are not surprised to see him getting celebrated as an ambassador for children in his hometown.

Thank you for spending your quality time reading the story of Malang Sarr, a Baller who struggled in Chelsea colours but found success outside of it. We strive for accuracy and fairness in our daily routine of delivering the Biography of French Footballers.

Please let us know if you notice just anything that doesn’t look nice in this memoir about Sarr. Otherwise, we would appreciate it if you give us your perception (in the comment section) of the French Baller. Please stay tuned for more Biography stories from us.