Malick Thiaw

Malick Thiaw was born on August 8, 2001, in Dusseldorf, Germany. His full name is Malick Laye Thiaw, and he was born to a Senegalese father and Finnish mother. He grew up in Germany where he began his journey into professional football.

In July 2010, Malick Thiaw joined the Bayer Leverkusen youth academy. It marked the beginning of his formal training in football, where he developed his skills as a defender and gained valuable experience in competitive youth matches.

In July 2015, Malick Thiaw transferred to the Schalke 04 youth academy. His move to Schalke was a significant step in his development as a young footballer, as he joined one of the most notable youth development systems in Germany. At Schalke, he continued to hone his abilities, quickly becoming recognized for his defensive skills.

On March 9, 2019, Malick Thiaw made his first team debut for Schalke 04. This important milestone in Malick's career occurred during a Bundesliga match, showcasing his transition from youth football to the professional stage. Thiaw's performance in this game highlighted his potential as a solid defender.

On July 17, 2020, Malick Thiaw signed his first professional contract with Schalke 04. This contract confirmed his status as a key player for Schalke's senior team and signaled the club's belief in his potential to grow as a crucial part of their defense. The signing was seen as a pivotal moment for Thiaw, setting the stage for his future development.

Malick Thiaw scored his first goal in the Bundesliga on February 17, 2021, for Schalke 04 against VfB Stuttgart. It was a memorable moment for the young defender, marking his entry onto the scoresheet in Germany's top tier. Thiaw's goal demonstrated his ability to contribute defensively and offensively.

On September 1, 2022, Malick Thiaw completed a transfer to AC Milan. The move to one of Italy's most storied football clubs represented a significant step in Thiaw's career, providing him the opportunity to showcase his talents on a larger European stage. His transfer came after impressive performances in the Bundesliga with Schalke.

Malick Thiaw made his Serie A debut for AC Milan on January 14, 2023. Playing against Lecce, Thiaw displayed his defensive prowess, contributing to his team's solid back line. His debut in Serie A marked an important milestone as he integrated into the team and adapted to the challenges of Italian football.

Malick Thiaw made his UEFA Champions League debut on March 15, 2023, playing for AC Milan against Tottenham Hotspur. The match was a significant milestone as it offered Thiaw the platform to perform against elite European teams. His entry into the Champions League highlighted his progress and growing importance in the squad.

On June 20, 2023, Malick Thiaw made his international debut for the Finland national team in a friendly match against Sweden. Thiaw, who holds dual nationality, chose to represent Finland. His debut was celebrated as he contributed defensively to Finland's efforts on the field, marking the start of his international career.