Malick Thiaw’s journey at Newcastle United has quickly become one of the most heartwarming stories of the season. The 24-year-old defender, who joined from AC Milan during the summer, has made a strong impression since arriving at St James’ Park.
His steady performances and composed defending have earned him not only the respect of his teammates and supporters but also a recall to the German national team under Julian Nagelsmann. For a player who had once struggled with consistency in Italy, this turnaround marks a significant step in his career.
Thiaw, who already has three caps for Germany, last featured for his country in October 2023 during a friendly against Mexico. Since then, his form at Milan had not been enough to warrant another call-up, with many critics highlighting his lack of stability and confidence.
But since making the move to Newcastle, he appears to have found both rhythm and belief. His performances have been among the few consistent positives in what has been a challenging season for the Magpies, and his return to international football is a fitting reward for his hard work.
While his defensive displays have been impressive, there’s something else that has made Thiaw’s Newcastle experience even more special the chant dedicated to him by the Toon Army.
During an interview with Sky Deutschland while on international duty, Thiaw revealed just how much that moment meant to him.
He explained that hearing the fans sing his name for the first time was a surreal experience, unlike anything he had encountered before.
“I know the lyrics, they’re fantastic,” Thiaw said with a smile. “I’ve never had a song like this before in my career. I was surprised when I first heard it. My teammates told me it’s quite common in England, but for me, it was something really special. I first heard it at an away game when I was standing in front of the stands, and I’ll never forget that moment.”
His words capture the essence of what makes Newcastle United’s fanbase so unique their ability to make new players feel like part of the family almost instantly.
For Thiaw, that connection has strengthened his sense of belonging in the North East, reinforcing his belief that he made the right choice in joining the club. Coming from Milan, where football culture is different and chants for individual players are less common, the warmth and passion of English fans have clearly left a lasting mark on him.
Moments like these can often help players settle into new environments more comfortably, and in Thiaw’s case, the support from the terraces seems to have played a huge role in his confidence on the pitch.
His performances for Newcastle reflect that calm under pressure, disciplined in his positioning, and increasingly vocal as a leader at the back.
Newcastle supporters have quickly taken to Thiaw, admiring not just his ability but also his humility and commitment. It’s rare for a new signing to establish such a bond with fans so early, but Thiaw’s attitude and appreciation have made it easy.
He is proving to be one of the club’s smartest acquisitions in recent years, showing qualities that could make him a mainstay in the side for many seasons to come.
As he continues to grow in confidence and experience, both at club and international level, Thiaw’s story serves as a reminder of how much a player’s environment and the support they receive can influence their success.
For Newcastle, having a defender who not only performs consistently but also embraces the culture and connection with the fans is invaluable.
And as for the chant that has already become part of his Newcastle journey it’s safe to say that Malick Thiaw will be hearing it echo around stadiums for a long time to come.
