Following last weekend’s agonising 2-1 derby defeat to Sunderland, the current international break offers Newcastle United a vital moment to breathe and recalibrate.
For a squad navigating a challenging season, looking at the bigger picture is essential.
At the heart of that bigger picture is Malick Thiaw—a 24-year-old defender whose journey to Tyneside is a masterclass in resilience, cultural synergy, and unwavering ambition.
Football is, at its core, a story of belonging.
For Thiaw, that story spans continents, but its heartbeat echoes the vibrant, rhythmic wisdom of Africa.
Born to a Senegalese father and a Finnish mother, and shaped by the rigorous academies of Germany and Italy, Thiaw is a magnificent blend of cultures. Yet, it is his African heritage that provides his spiritual anchor.
"From my dad, I got the wisdom of the Senegalese people," Thiaw explains.
"They are so friendly and chill; they don't take life too seriously. I try to find the balance between those two, while also having that German strictness and set of principles."
It is a "crazy mix" that he proudly passes down to his two young sons, weaving a family tapestry that now includes Italian birthplaces, German parents, Finnish and Senegalese heritage, and—thanks to his wife—South African roots.
"And now they live in England. They’re Geordies now."
Faith as the Ultimate Foundation
That grounded, Senegalese wisdom is fiercely complemented by his devotion to his Islamic faith.
Having just observed Ramadan, Thiaw views the physical limitations of fasting not as a hurdle, but as a profound mental triumph.
"Religion comes first for me," he states unequivocally.
"In the good moments, it teaches me to be thankful and humble. In the bad moments, it teaches me to be patient and even grateful for the challenge."
The rigours of elite Premier League football without food or water—especially during daytime kick-offs—are immense.
Yet, Thiaw’s mindset elevates him above the physical strain.
"Ramadan is there to help you get to know yourself better. It proves how strong you actually are and that you can break habits that aren't good for you. I survived the 90 minutes [against Manchester United] and had great energy. I think everything in life is mental."
Finding Home on Tyneside
Leaving a European powerhouse like AC Milan is not a decision taken lightly. But for Thiaw, the allure of English football was an itch that had to be scratched.
"It was a big decision, but it was always my dream to play in the Premier League. To me, it’s the best league in the world."
A pivotal phone call with his agent and Eddie Howe sealed his fate.
Thiaw resonated with the manager’s vision and the club's soaring ambitions, heavily influenced by his friend Sandro Tonali's earlier move.
"I liked how the team played and the atmosphere in the stadium. We shared the same vision, so it felt like the right move."
Reflecting on his first six months, the defender is visibly moved by the reception he has received.
He still frequently visits the local hotel where he lived for his first three weeks with his wife and children.
"I have very nice memories of this place," he recalls.
"I'm so happy I chose Newcastle and that everything turned out the way it did. I think the people, the staff, and the players made it so easy for me. Even the people in the city made me feel welcome quickly... they're lovely."
The Player, The Person, and The Pride of St. James' Park
Thiaw wears the number 12 shirt for Newcastle—a deeply personal choice honouring his eldest son's birthday on the 12th of November, after discovering his preferred number 28 (his wedding anniversary) was occupied by Joe Willock.
It is a subtle reminder of the young father beneath the aggressive defensive exterior.
While he admits to being a "quiet, chill guy" away from the pitch, preferring a relaxed dinner with family over a wild night out, his competitive edge remains razor-sharp.
It is an edge that recently saw him net two goals against Everton. When pressed on what brings him more joy—a clean sheet or a goal—the defender offers a refreshing admission: "I love clean sheets and that is my job... but the actual feeling of scoring is better, to be honest."
That infectious passion has already endeared him to the St. James' Park dressing room.
Veteran defender Dan Burn took it upon himself to teach Thiaw his new terrace chant, while Bruno Guimarães famously shoved him toward the traveling fans to soak in the adoration.
"Dan is a great guy—so funny, a great leader, and a great player," Thiaw says, recalling walking into the physio room to hear Burn belting out his song.
As for the chant itself? Thiaw laughs, feeling the pressure to recite it.
"He came from Milano, to play with Sandro... Ciao, Malick Thiaw." "It’s incredible," he says, with the pride evident in his eyes.
"I never had a song for myself before. I get goosebumps every time I hear it in the stadium."
Witness the Magic Live
As the international break concludes, Malick Thiaw and his Newcastle United teammates will be looking to bounce back in spectacular fashion.
You can catch every breathtaking moment of the Premier League live on SuperSport.
Make sure to tune in for Newcastle’s highly anticipated next fixture against Crystal Palace on 12 April at Selhurst Park in London. Kick-off is at 15:00.
Catch all Newcastle games, and the very best of the Premier League, live on SuperSport. Your World of Champions.
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