Inside Malick Thiaw’s Background: A Multilingual Baller’s Rise to Stardom

This is the story of Malick, a 6ft 4in giant from Dusseldorf, born to Marjo Kristiina and Souleymane Thiaw, who bewitched AC Milan. We explore the journey of this footballer who almost chose ice skating over soccer. Malick began his early years as an ice skater, and our story delves into his skating career and how he eventually transitioned to football.

We’ll also narrate the story of a multilingual footballer born to a Finnish mother and a Senegalese father. Fluent in six languages, including Finnish and Senegalese Wolof, Malick stands out in the German football world. We discuss his unique surname, which is often mispronounced by fans. Contrary to common belief, ‘Thiaw’ is not pronounced as it appears. Our story explains the correct pronunciation and the reasons behind it.

In a nutshell, this article on Malick Thiaw goes beyond his career, offering you insights into his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents – Souleymane Thiaw (Father) and Marjo Kristiina Thiaw (Mother), Family Background, Wife (Birgit Thiaw), Siblings – Brother (Seny Laye Thiaw) and Older Sister, and Cousin (Alassane Thiaw). We also cover details of his Family Origin, Ethnicity, Hometown, and Education. Additionally, we delve into the German central defender’s Net Worth, Personality, Lifestyle, and Salary Breakdown.

Preamble:

Our version of Malick Thiaw’s Biography unveils notable events from his boyhood years. Next, we’ll take you through his early career journey with TV Kalkum-Wittlaer, Fortuna Düsseldorf, and several other top football academies. Finally, we’ll tell you about the German defensive tower’s meteoric rise in the beautiful game.

We aim to satisfy your curiosity for autobiographies by engaging you with Malick Thiaw’s Biography. To start, let’s unveil this photo gallery that tells Laye’s story. From his adorable childhood years to the moment he achieved a meteoric rise in the game, Malick has truly come a long way in his remarkable life journey.

When you first see him, knowing he has German nationality, you quickly remember Joel Matip. Malick stands out as a defender who exudes calmness and confidence with the ball. He is known for his intelligent tackling and impressive speed, combined with his towering stature, which provides him with a distinct edge over his opponents.

In our history of telling you the stories of fast-rising German Footballers, we found a missing link. The truth is, not many football lovers have read an in-depth version of Malick Thiaw’s Biography. This is the reason we have taken the time to prepare this article. Now, without taking further of your time, let’s get started.

Malick Thiaw Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he bears the nickname; “The New Joel Matip”. And his full name are Malick Laye Thiaw. The German Footballer was born on the 8th day of August 2001 to his Mother, Marjo Kristiina Thiaw and Father, Souleymane Thiaw, in Düsseldorf, Germany. Interestingly, Thiaw was born on the same day as Joel Matip, the German-born Cameroonian Defender.

The German professional Defender is one among his siblings, notably his younger brother and older sister, born to the union between his Senegalese Dad and Finnish Mum. Now, let’s introduce you to Malick Thiaw’s Parents. Souleymane and Marjo Kristiina are a devoted couple who have, over the years, prioritised their son’s personal development and career advancement.

Growing Up:

Malick’s parents raised him alongside his brother, Seny Laye Thiaw. Interestingly, Seny, born on the 11th day of November 2006, prefers to shoot baskets. Malick’s brother is a professional basketball professional who (at the time of writing) plays for the ART Giants Düsseldorf.

On this day (an Islamic festival), the Thiaw brothers (Malick and Seny Laye Thiaw) wished their fans Eid Mubarak. Judging by his basketball profession, we are not surprised to see that Seny Laye is taller than his older brother, Malick. Since Seny is taller than Malick, then he should have a height of around 1.95 meters or 6 ft 5 in).

The Thiaw brothers were raised in a household that was fluent in multiple languages. From a young age, Malick learned German, Finnish, French, and Wolof, his father’s native tongue. At home, conversations often switched from French to Finnish, especially around his mother and her family. When spending time with his Senegalese father, Malick frequently spoke in Wolof.

Thiaw’s pronunciation:

While growing up, Malick had to tell lots of friends and other people the correct prognostication of his last name (Thiaw). The truth is, people had a lot of problems in terms of the pronunciation of the name. The name Thiaw was mispronounced almost daily, and questions were asked about the name’s origins. Malick often told friends that his surname (Thiaw) was from Senegal, and it is pronounced a little differently.

Now, here’s the correct way to spell Malick Thiaw’s surname. First, the “Th” at the beginning of the name should sound like “tsch”. Then, the letter “I” must be silent. Next, the “w” has the Phonetic transcription [ʄaɰ], and it should be pronounced without rounding your lips. Aware of the complexity, Malick once remarked that he anticipated difficulties with his surname wherever he goes. On this particular day, he set aside football to teach fans the proper pronunciation of “Thiaw”.

While living in Germany, Malick Thiaw’s parents passed on the cultural influences to him.  He learnt different insights and perspectives of life that many children of his age weren’t able to get. Malick’s Dad taught him that he should always feel grateful for everything he has got. It is important to state that the German, while growing up, spent a great deal of time with his Finnish grandparents who lived in the north of Finland.

Malick Thiaw’s Early Life:

Malick’s football skills are inherited, but football wasn’t his only childhood sport. It is not the only sport that is practised professionally in the Thiaw family. In fact, Malick could have pursued ice hockey instead of soccer. As the son of a Finnish mother and a Senegalese father, learning both cultures was essential. During his childhood, Malick frequently visited his grandmother in west-central Finland.

Visiting Oulu in Finland often leads to a love for ice skating, as many have observed. Witnessing the locals in Oulu passionately engaging in their favourite sport, Malick developed a keen interest in ice skating and began learning it at a young age. In an interview with Funke Mediengruppe, Thiaw revealed that he was close to choosing ice hockey over football. This story is similar to that of Mateo Retegui, another footballer who almost pursued field hockey instead.

Embracing Football:

When Malick considered giving up football for ice hockey, his childhood friends convinced him to stick with soccer. His deep involvement in ice hockey was partly due to its accessibility. Just a minute’s walk from his grandmother’s house in Finland was a large open-air ice hockey rink. Boys his age gathered there to practice regularly. For many, ice hockey wasn’t just a hobby; it became a professional sport that provided a livelihood.

After every holiday in Oulu, Finland, Malick would return to his birthplace, Düsseldorf, Germany. There, his natural talent for running and inherent football skills shone through in local street football. Even with this success, he toyed with the idea of switching to ice hockey.

Then, one day, a friend suggested he try out for a recognized football academy. Heeding this advice, Malick joined TV Kalkum-Wittlaer, a local football club near his home. He passed their trials successfully, setting him on the path to becoming a German football defender.

Malick Thiaw Family Background:

The German Central Defender attributes his sporting talent and genes to his parents. Malick Thiaw’s mother, Marjo Kristiina, was a track and field athlete during her teenage years. His football skills are inherited from his Senegalese father (Souleymane Thiaw), a retired goalkeeper who spent most of his career playing in Senegal. Now, let’s delve deeper into the Central Defender’s family background.

Malick Thiaw, born in Germany to a Finnish mother and a Senegalese father, automatically received Finnish citizenship due to his mother’s nationality. However, he did not acquire German citizenship at birth, as it is typically granted based on descent from German parents, not merely by being born in Germany. Malick Thiaw’s parents not being German citizens was the key reason for this. It wasn’t until 2021 that the Central Defender obtained German citizenship, despite his birthplace being in Germany. This aligns with the German principle of citizenship, which prioritizes descent (jus sanguinis) over the place of birth.

When discussing Malick Thiaw’s family background, it is often said that his father is from Senegal, while his mother is Finnish. His eligibility for German citizenship stemmed from his parents’ prolonged residency in Germany. Thiaw obtained his German passport through naturalization in 2021. That same year, he joined the Germany U21 football team, a significant milestone in his career that coincided with his new German citizenship.

Malick Thiaw Family Origin:

Starting off, The German Defender traces his maternal origins to Oulu, a central Finnish city located where the Oulujoki River flows into the Bay of Bothnia. Knowing his Finnish roots is particularly important to his mother. To this day, the Thiaw family frequently visits Oulu to connect and bond with their relatives, especially his grandmother.

You might find it interesting that Malick, like Amadou Onana, is a polyglot. He usually speaks German with his siblings and Wolof with his Senegalese father. Wolof is a language widely spoken by about 70% of Senegal’s population and also in Mauritania and The Gambia. When talking to his mother, Malick primarily speaks Finnish. He learned Finnish from his mother and family during visits to Oulu, his hometown in west-central Finland.

As of the writing of this biography, Malick is fluent in English and is actively learning Italian, especially since joining AC Milan. In comparison, Amadou Onana is proficient in four languages: French, English, German, and Dutch. Malick, however, speaks six languages: Finnish, Wolof, German, English, Italian, and French. When living with his parents and siblings, two of these five languages were regularly spoken in their multilingual household.

Malick Thiaw Ethnicity:

The German Central Defender is mixed or biracial due to his Senegalese and Finnish ancestral heritage. His father’s Senegalese roots lead Malick to identify as part of the Afro-German ethnic group. Other well-known Afro-European footballers include Ilman Ndiaye (CF) and Leroy Sane (RW), who have Senegalese origins as their Dads, and Karim Adeyemi and Jamal Musiala, both of whom have Nigerian paternal heritage.

Malick Thiaw Education:

According to Express.de, a German news portal, the Centre Back attended Berger Feld Comprehensive School in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Known as Gesamtschule Berger Feld, the school boasts over 118 teachers and 1325 pupils. Interestingly, it’s a well-known fact that many former students of Berger Feld have gone on to become professional football players. Alongside Malick Thiaw, other notable alumni who became famous professional footballers include Manuel Neuer, Benedikt Höwedes, and Julian Draxler.

While attending Berger Feld Comprehensive School, Malick Thiaw had subjects he preferred and those he disliked. He was fond of subjects related to sports and enjoyed learning English. However, Thiaw found scientific subjects like mathematics and biology more challenging. Similar to Thiaw, other footballers who struggled with mathematics during their school days include Jurrien Timber (RB), Harry Wilson (RW), and Gleison Bremer.

Malick Thiaw Biography – Football Story:

The journey towards professional football began when his best friend suggested, “Come along to TV Kalkum-Wittlaer.” Following this advice, Thiaw’s parents enrolled him in the youth division of the district league team TV Kalkum-Wittlaer. Malick spent three years there, starting with the Bambini team and later playing for the club’s F junior team. During his time at the club, it became clear that he was an exceptional talent, standing out from his peers.

Eventually, Thiaw outgrew TV Kalkum-Wittlaer, earning the nickname “Mr. Versatile Footballer.” His rapid development saw him become a well-rounded athlete, capable of running, shooting, scoring, defending, and delivering precise passes from unexpected areas of the pitch, often surprising his teammates and fans.

Interestingly, Malick didn’t start as a defender when he joined the club. He initially excelled in more advanced positions, including defensive midfield, central midfield, and attack areas. Lukas May, Malick’s first coach at Kalkum-Wittlaer, shared insights about his former student in an interview with Gazzetta. In his words,

When I coached him, Malick played as a striker and consistently scored at least three goals per game.

He was adept at scoring with both his right and left foot and even managed sliding goals.

Back then, he would collect balls from the back, dribble past everyone, and then finish with a goal.

Road to Fame Story:

In the village club from Wittlaer, Kalkum-Wittlaer wasn’t far from Dusseldorf, where his family lived. Thanks to that proximity, Malick Thiaw’s parents were always very keen to monitor and promote their son’s talent. Recognizing that he had surpassed the level at TV Kalkum-Wittlaer, his childhood club, they encouraged him to join larger teams for more challenging competition.

Following a successful trial, Malick Thiaw, originally from Düsseldorf, joined Fortuna Düsseldorf for the 2008/2009 season. After quickly outshining his peers there, he moved to the academy of the prominent Bundesliga club, Bayer Leverkusen. However, seeking the best opportunities for their son, Thiaw’s parents soon decided to transfer him from Bayer Leverkusen’s youth academy to another renowned academy.

At the beginning of the 2011/2012 German soccer season, Malick joined Borussia Mönchengladbach’s youth sector. He spent five seasons with the club, focusing more on assisting goal scorers than scoring himself. During this period, Malick idolized Yaya Tourè, reflecting his own role as a box-to-box midfielder. Like Tourè, Thiaw excelled in midfield cover and aerial duels and was known for his speed.

Around the age of 14, Malick Thiaw realized his potential to become a professional footballer, provided he worked hard on improving himself. His dream at that time was to join Germany’s most prestigious football academy, FC Schalke 04. FC Schalke 04 is renowned for producing top talents like Mesut Özil, Leroy Sane, Julian Draxler, Joel Matip, Ilkay Gündogan, Manuel Neuer, Sead Kolašinac, and Thilo Kehrer, among others. This reputation made it an aspirational destination for young, ambitious players like Thiaw.

The Schalke 04 story:

In 2015, Malick joined the youth academy of Schalke 04 at age fourteen. During his time there, he attended Berger Feld Comprehensive School, the same school once attended by Draxler, Matip, and Neuer. At Schalke’s renowned “Knappenschmiede” youth academy, Thiaw was coached by the esteemed Norbert Elgert, a member of the Schalke Hall of Fame and one of Germany’s most influential youth football coaches.

Norbert Elgert, the coach at Schalke 04, was responsible for transforming Malick Thiaw into a central defender. Thiaw, in an interview with “Schalke TV,” mentioned that this change was beneficial for him. Despite previously playing as an attacker and midfielder, he adapted well to the new role. He remains thankful to Coach Elgert for this pivotal decision. Elgert had convinced Malick to switch positions, suggesting he would have better chances as a central defender. Malick now acknowledges that Elgert’s advice was indeed correct.

During his time as a defender in Schalke 04’s youth academy, Thiaw didn’t commit to a single role model. Initially, when playing midfield, he was impressed by the likes of Yaya Toure and Paul Pogba. However, after transitioning to central defence, his admiration shifted to world-class central defenders like Kalidou Koulibaly, Raphael Varane, and Virgil van Dijk.

Malick Thiaw Bio – Rise to Fame:

Adapting to the role of a full-fledged central defender was not too challenging for Thiaw, who had seen himself as an all-round footballer. He dedicated extra effort to improving defensively, including watching numerous YouTube videos of the renowned players he admired. Thiaw spent seven years at Schalke 04, where he successfully transitioned into professional football.

The 6 foot 4 German played a key role in Schalke 04’s resurgence after their relegation to the 2. Bundesliga on April 20, 2021. Alongside players like Kerim Calhanoglu (cousin of Hakan Çalhanoğlu), he was pivotal in winning the 2. Bundesliga title and securing the team’s promotion back to the German first division. Thiaw’s outstanding performances caught the attention of AC Milan, leading to his signing with them on August 29, 2022.

Joining the Rossoneri and The Die Mannschaft Call:

Since his childhood, Malick Thiaw has been a fan of AC Milan, admiring players like Ronaldinho and Kevin-Prince Boateng, who once played for the club. Reflecting on his journey, Thiaw expressed his admiration for AC Milan, praising the club through its official channels following his arrival. In his words,

“It’s incredible, I still can’t believe it. It’s my first time here, and it’s fantastic,” Thiaw said about joining AC Milan. “I’m really very happy and excited.

When the call came, I immediately told my parents. it’s a great opportunity for me. I’ve been following Serie A for a long time and sometimes I even choose AC Milan when playing on the PlayStation.”

At AC Milan, Malick Thiaw joined a team with rising defenders like Pierre Kalulu and Fikayo Tomori. He formed a strong partnership with Tomori under coach Stefano Pioli. Thiaw was a key part of the AC Milan squad that reached the Semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, where the Rossoneris were defeated by Simone Inzaghi‘s Inter Milan.

In the 2022/2023 season, Malick Thiaw established himself as a central figure in AC Milan’s defence. Despite interest from Real Madrid, he revealed he had no desire to leave AC Milan following his streak of impressive stats for the club.

Before the season fully began, he received a call-up to the Germany senior team by head coach Hansi Flick, a moment of pride for his family. This early inclusion in the German national team indicated his potential as a future defensive pillar for his country. Thiaw’s journey to this point is now a part of his evolving history.

Malick Thiaw Wife:

Being tall, handsome, and playing for a top club like AC Milan naturally attracts female fans. Many might aspire to be Malick Thiaw’s girlfriend, wife, or the mother of his child. With these qualities in mind, we ask the following question:

Is Malick Thiaw Married?

Yes, Malick Thiaw is happily married to Aminah. This was confirmed in an interview titled “My Story Below” with SkySport DE. When asked about his favourite food, Malick mentioned that his wife, Aminah, often cooks various African dishes. He also noted that he is very attentive to his diet.

Poor dietary choices can significantly impact athletes, as illustrated in our biography of Orkun Kokcu. Our research indicates that Aminah is Malick Thiaw’s wife. His love story bears a resemblance to Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting‘s, as both German-born footballers met their wives during their school years. As of this biography’s writing, Malick has chosen not to reveal his wife’s identity publicly. On the 14th of November, 2023, Malick and his partner Aminah celebrated the birth of their daughter, Moussa Laye.

Lifestyle Facts:

Regarding the way he lives his life, it is important to state that Thiaw is not active in his private life as he is on the pitch. During his conversation with SkySport DE, the athlete revealed he prefers to stay at home, and if you live with him, you will always find him lounging on the couch all day.

Malick also said that sometimes, his family members had to force him out of the house. And when he goes out, he easily gets attracted to fashionable outfits. Before Thiaw joined AC Milan, he wasn’t interested in fashion. Since he began playing football in Italy, he noticed that fashion is a much bigger topic, even among fellow footballers like him.

Personality Facts:

Joshua Klaff, his youth coach, describes Malick as very easy-going, very friendly and a really good guy. Similar to Benoît Badiashile, he is the type of person who hasn’t changed much since his boyhood days, and he still remains very down-to-earth.

Caleb Kwarteng, another of his youth coaches, added that Malick is a super sweet and shy guy who is super well-mannered. He also added that there can be a very funny side to Malick Thiaw. He revealed that the German loves to make a lot of jokes, which illustrates his warm and receptive nature.

One of Thiaw’s biggest career goals was to play for Germany. He sees his country of birth as a big football nation with a very successful national team, one which he has cheered for since he was a child. Malick never doubted his quality to play for Germany.

Finally, one of the most disappointing times for Malick’s career was the relegation season with Schalke. The club, in April 2021, experienced one of their worst moment, which could destroy a player or strengthen their character. The latter was the case for Malick Thiaw. With a strengthened character, he helped the club move back to the Bundesliga.

Malick Thiaw Family Life:

As a child, the Defender’s life revolved around football and ice hockey. When Malick chose football as his preferred sport, his family fully supported his decision. Next, we’ll delve into the details about both the nuclear and extended family members of the Thiaw household.

Malick Thiaw Father:

Souleymane, the retired goalkeeper, is a visionary Dad. He is celebrated by his peers for his forward-thinking approach to parenting successful athletes, including his son Malick. Through Souleymane, Malick, Seny Laye and their older sister got to know not just Senegalese but African culture in general. Souleymane instilled moral values in his children, teaching them about the need to be grateful for everything they have.

Malick Thiaw Mother:

Growing up mostly around her, she is the reason why her sons largely speak Finnish when they are at home. Malick Thiaw’s Mum is always keen on her sons knowing their origins. This is the reason why she, since their childhood, sanctioned regular visits to Oulu, where they visit their maternal relatives.

Aside from his Dad, Malick also took his sporting gene from his Mum, who is a retired track and field athlete. He credits her for the time she spent driving him to his youth teams. When Thiaw’s career took off in 2009, it was his Mother who accompanied him for trials with Fortuna Dusseldorf, which he passed with flying colours.

Malick Thiaw Grandparents:

The most popular or frequently spoken about are those from the Athlete’s maternal side. Malick Thiaw enjoys visiting his grandmother in Oulu, his hometown in west-central Finland. Aside from bonding with her, the Defender fell in love with the town’s Ice skating activities. As earlier recalled in this Bio, this almost made him take ice skating as a professional career option.

Thiaw last visited Finland with his family when he was 13, during the summer. In recent years, they haven’t managed to visit as a group. Malick fondly remembers his grandmother’s cooking, especially the Finnish salmon and other fish dishes she prepares. Although he’s not a big fan of potatoes, he enjoys them when his grandmother makes them. The sauna and time with his maternal relatives are also cherished memories for him.

About Malick Thiaw’s Siblings:

The German footballer has a brother who is a professional basketballer. ART Giants Düsseldorf, the team Seny Laye Thiaw plays for, is a Basketball club in Düsseldorf, his birthplace in Germany. Regarding his basketball skills, Malick Thiaw’s brother excels a lot in scoring Points and Rebounds.

Research indicates that Malick is the second child in an athletic family. In addition to his younger brother, Seny Laye Thiaw, he also has an older sister who is involved in sports.

Malick Thiaw’s Cousin:

Research indicates that professional football talent runs in Thiaw’s extended family. Transfermarkt data shows that Malick is related to Alassane Laye Thiaw, a left winger for JFV Bremerhaven. The versatile footballer also plays as a Right-Back and Defensive Midfield. JFV Bremerhaven, Alassane’s club, is based in Bremerhaven, Germany, located 353.5 km from Düsseldorf.

Alassane, Malick Thiaw’s cousin, holds both German and Senegalese citizenship. His exceptional football skills caught his coaches’ attention during a match against his former club, SV Werder II. In that game, where his team achieved a significant victory, Alassane’s performance was outstanding. His coach, Pinter, shown below, was quick to commend Alassane with the following words,

Alassane possesses the essential skills for football; he’s quite the complete player. Our goal is to elevate his game even further. He has the potential, he just needs to keep working hard.

Untold Facts:

In the final section of Malick Thiaw’s Biography, we’ll unveil more truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Malick Thiaw FIFA:

In the world of football, finding a 6 foot 4-inch centreback with excellent movement stats is uncommon. Players like Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, Arsenal’s William Saliba, and Dortmund’s Niklas Süle, despite their height, don’t have top-tier acceleration and sprint speed. Malick Thiaw stands out in this regard.

As observed from his FIFA stats above, he has an A rating in jumping (84) and impressive speed (76), acceleration (72), and defensive skills (awareness of 77, standing tackle of 78, and sliding tackle of 77). These attributes make Thiaw one of the most rapidly advancing centrebacks in world football.

Malick Thiaw Salary:

The German Defender’s contract with AC Milan earns him €19,808 weekly and €1,031,600 annually. When comparing his salary to that of other AC Milan players, there’s a significant difference.

According to Capology stats, teammates like Davide Calabria (RB), Mike Maignan, US Midfielder Yunus Musah, and Swiss star Noah Okafor have notably higher earnings than Thiaw (as of 2023). At the time of writing, Malick’s earnings are equal to those of Yacine Adli and Luka Romero.

How rich is the 6-foot-4 defensive tower?

In Senegal, where Malick Thiaw’s father is from, the average annual income is 4,201,000 XOF (World Salaries data). To earn 677,140,805 XOF, which is equivalent to Thiaw’s annual salary of €1,031,600 at AC Milan, an average person in Senegal would need to work for about 161 years. Wow! This is, indeed, more than a lifetime!

Religion:

Malick Thiaw, a German Defender, is Muslim. This was revealed when he posted a photo with his brother in Islamic attire, wishing fans Eid Mubarak during the 2022 Salah celebration. He follows his father’s religion, Islam, which is practised by about 95% of the population in Senegal.

Endnotes:

Malick Thiaw is the son of a Senegalese father, Souleymane Thiaw and a Finnish Mother, Marjo Kristiina Thiaw. He was born on the 8th day of August 2001 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The German Defender grew up alongside his brother, Seny Laye Thiaw and older sister in a multilingual household. Seny Laye Thiaw is a professional basketball. Malick does speak Finnish fluently, which is the language of his Mum, as well as Wolof, his Dad’s Senegalese language. While learning Italian, the Düsseldorf Defender is also fluent in English and French.

Thiaw’s Athletic abilities came naturally. His Finnish mother, Marjo Kristiina, was a track and field athlete, while his Senegalese father was a soccer goalkeeper in his home country, Senegal.

Malick’s childhood was spent mostly in Germany, with his parents passing on their cultural influences to him and his siblings. As a child, he almost became an ice hockey player after bonding with friends who played the sport in Oulu, his mother’s hometown in Finland.

Career story:

After the holidays from Finland back home in Germany, Malick’s best friend advised that he should register with the local football team, TV Kalkum-Wittlaer. Marjo Kristiina took her son to register with TV Kalkum-Wittlaer, a local team in his hometown, Düsseldorf, where he passed their trials.

Malick played there for about three seasons and then moved to Fortuna Düsseldorf in 2009, then to Bayer Leverkusen after a year and finally to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2011. Thiaw played for the Fohlen until the summer of 2015 before joining FC Schalke 04.

Thiaw joined a club that, in the past, has been the springboard for the careers of Leroy Sané, Thilo Kehrer and Weston McKennie. With FC Schalke, he managed to help the club return to the Bundesliga in the 2021/2022 season after they were relegated a season earlier.

AC Milan club legend, sports director and five-time Champions League winner Paolo Maldini raved about Thiaw and approved his signing into the Italian club. Thiaw is grateful for being in an AC Milan era that had the Legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He has watched and admired the Swedish Legend on television since he was a little boy.

The German Defender, alongside notables like Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders, are part of an Italian club team that is currently experiencing a renaissance again. From a national perspective, Malick Thiaw hopes to be part of the German team to play in the 2024 Euros, which is to be hosted by Germany.

Beyond Malick Thiaw’s biography, we have more football stories for you. The life histories of central defenders Ezri Konsa, French rising star Leny Yoro, and German starlet Nico Schlotterbeck are sure to spark your interest in soccer autobiographies.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Malick Thiaw’s Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver German Football Stories. Thiaw’s Bio is part of our wider collection of European Football Stories.

Please reach out to us via comment if you find anything that doesn’t look right in our article about Malick. Also, in the comment section, tell us what you think about the polite and modest athlete. We talk about a footballer who Real Madrid is willing to pay big sums of money to get (as revealed GOAL in October 2023).