Malick Thiaw has quickly settled into life at Newcastle United, and it’s fair to say the supporters have embraced him with open arms. The 22-year-old defender, who joined from AC Milan in a €40 million deal, now proudly wears the number 12 shirt at St James’ Park.
In just a short time, he’s become a fan favourite and even inspired a terrace chant based on the famous Italian song Bella Ciao, a fitting nod to his former club and his growing legend on Tyneside.
Thiaw admitted that the song caught him completely by surprise. “I don’t know who came up with it, but they’ve done a great job,” he laughed.
“My family and friends couldn’t believe it when they heard it. Even in the physio room, the lads are singing it now.” The chant, which echoes through the stands both home and away, is a clear sign of how quickly he has won over the hearts of Newcastle fans.
On the pitch, Thiaw has been equally impressive. Since arriving, he has slotted seamlessly into Eddie Howe’s defence, forming a strong partnership with Sven Botman and pushing Fabian Schar out of the starting lineup.
His calmness in possession, physical strength, and reading of the game have made him one of the standout signings of the season. Boasting a 93% pass completion rate and averaging more than five recoveries per match, Thiaw’s numbers underline just how reliable and composed he’s been at the back.
Eddie Howe was full of praise for his new signing, saying, “Malick has integrated very quickly. That is the biggest compliment I can give him. He already feels at home with his teammates.”
That sense of belonging has translated into consistently solid performances, with the young German showing maturity beyond his years.
In Italy, however, there’s a sense of curiosity and perhaps regret over Milan’s decision to let Thiaw go. The Serie A giants opted to bring in De Winter and promote youth players instead of keeping hold of the defender, a move that now looks questionable given his rapid success in the Premier League.
For Thiaw, though, the move to Newcastle has been nothing short of transformative. The club has offered him the perfect environment to grow, and the fans’ instant affection has only fueled his confidence.
With his commanding presence, intelligence on the ball, and humble personality, he’s quickly become everything Newcastle supporters love in a player hardworking, passionate, and committed to the cause.
As the chant inspired by Bella Ciao rings out from the terraces, it’s clear that Malick Thiaw has found not just a new club, but a new home.
At only 22, he already looks like a cornerstone of Newcastle’s defence for years to come a player whose blend of composure and grit perfectly reflects the spirit of St James’ Park.
