Malick Thiaw: Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

If you’re a football fan, chances are you’ve heard the name Malick Thiaw pop up in discussions about promising young defenders. Standing tall at 6’4”, with composure well beyond his years, Thiaw has quickly become a rising star in European football. From his humble beginnings in Germany to playing for AC Milan, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.

In this blog post, we’re going to walk through Malick Thiaw’s biography, career path, transfer history, salary, and net worth. I’ll break it all down in a friendly way—like we’re just having a chat over coffee about one of football’s most exciting defenders. So, let’s dive in!

Early Life and Background

Malick Thiaw was born on August 8, 2001, in Düsseldorf, Germany. His parents are of mixed descent—his mother is Finnish, while his father is Senegalese. This multicultural background has always been a part of his identity, shaping him not only as a player but also as a person.

Growing up in Düsseldorf, Thiaw wasn’t always destined for football. Like many young kids in Germany, he played casually, but his raw talent stood out. Soon enough, local coaches began to notice his towering presence and ability to read the game.

Interestingly, he started his football journey in the youth academy of Fortuna Düsseldorf, the local club in his hometown. But as his talent blossomed, bigger academies came calling. He later joined Bayer Leverkusen’s youth system before finally making a home in Schalke 04’s academy, where his development really took off.

Rising Through Schalke’s Ranks

Schalke 04 is well-known for producing top-class talents like Manuel Neuer, Mesut Özil, Leroy Sané, and Julian Draxler. Malick Thiaw soon added his name to that list.

He joined Schalke’s youth system in 2015 and quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his defensive solidity, aerial dominance, and leadership qualities. Coaches praised him for being calm under pressure—something rare in a teenager.

His big break came in March 2020, when he made his Bundesliga debut against TSG Hoffenheim at just 18 years old. Despite Schalke struggling at the time, Thiaw’s maturity and composure stood out. Fans began to see him as a future star and a beacon of hope during Schalke’s rough period in the Bundesliga.

In June 2020, Schalke showed their faith in him by handing him his first professional contract, which kept him at the club until 2024.

Playing Style and Strengths

Before diving further into his career and transfers, let’s talk about what makes Malick Thiaw special as a defender.

• Physicality: At 6’4” (1.94m), he’s a nightmare for strikers in the air. Whether it’s defending set pieces or scoring from corners, his height is a huge advantage.

• Composure: Unlike many young defenders, Thiaw doesn’t panic under pressure. He calmly plays out from the back and makes smart decisions.

• Versatility: Though primarily a center-back, he can also slot in as a right-back or defensive midfielder when needed.

• Tackling & Interceptions: He has excellent timing in challenges, rarely diving in recklessly.

• Leadership Potential: Even at a young age, he commands respect from teammates with his maturity and work ethic.

No wonder top European clubs started circling around him so early!

Transfer to AC Milan

By 2022, Schalke was facing financial difficulties after relegation battles and needed to cash in on their top assets. Enter AC Milan, one of Italy’s most historic clubs, fresh off their Serie A title in 2021/22.

In August 2022, Malick Thiaw officially signed for AC Milan for a reported fee of €5 million, an absolute bargain in today’s transfer market. Many Milan fans didn’t know much about him at first, but he quickly proved his worth.

At Milan, he’s been learning under the guidance of Stefano Pioli and alongside experienced defenders like Fikayo Tomori, Simon Kjær, and Pierre Kalulu. Within his first season, he showed flashes of brilliance, helping Milan compete strongly in both Serie A and the Champions League.

For a player who cost just €5 million, his rise has been incredible—Milan might have secured one of the best bargains in recent years.

International Career

Thanks to his diverse heritage, Malick Thiaw had the option of representing Germany, Finland, or Senegal at the international level. He initially played for Germany’s U18, U19, and U21 teams, showing great promise.

His breakthrough came when he was called up to the Germany senior national team in 2023. Representing Germany is no small feat, considering the fierce competition for spots, especially in defense. While he’s still finding his place among established defenders, his future looks bright.

Salary and Net Worth

Now, let’s talk money—something football fans are always curious about.

At AC Milan, Malick Thiaw reportedly earns around €1.2 million annually, which translates to roughly €23,000 per week. Compared to some of his teammates and global stars, this isn’t massive, but remember—he’s still at the beginning of his career. If he continues to develop at his current pace, he’ll definitely secure more lucrative contracts in the future.

As for his net worth, estimates put him at around €2 million as of 2025. Most of this comes from his football contracts, but as his profile rises, expect endorsements and sponsorships to add to his income.

Transfer History at a Glance

Here’s a quick breakdown of Malick Thiaw’s transfer journey so far:

1. Fortuna Düsseldorf (Youth Career) → Developed basic skills.

2. Bayer Leverkusen (Youth Career) → Brief stint in their academy.

3. Schalke 04 (2015–2022) → Professional debut, developed into a top defender.

4. AC Milan (2022–Present) → Signed for €5 million, became a rising star in Serie A.

It’s a fairly short history for now, but considering his trajectory, don’t be surprised if he becomes a target for Europe’s biggest clubs in the next few years.

Net Worth Growth Potential

Given that Thiaw is just in his early 20s, his financial and footballing ceiling is sky-high. If he cements himself as a starter at Milan and continues playing for Germany, we could see his net worth soar into the tens of millions over the next five years. Add sponsorships, potential transfers, and performance bonuses, and the sky’s the limit.

Off the Pitch

Unlike many modern footballers who constantly make headlines off the field, Malick Thiaw is known for being grounded and humble. He isn’t flashy on social media, preferring to let his football do the talking. His calm personality mirrors his style of play—measured, composed, and focused.

Future Prospects

So, what’s next for Malick Thiaw?

• At Milan: He looks set to become a cornerstone of Milan’s defense. If he continues to grow, he could be their leader at the back for years to come.

• In Europe: With big clubs always on the lookout for reliable defenders, don’t be shocked if he attracts attention from the Premier League or La Liga.

• Internationally: Cementing a place in Germany’s national team could see him compete in major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.

Conclusion

Malick Thiaw’s story is a perfect example of how hard work, patience, and talent can take a young player from local academies to the grand stages of Serie A and international football. At just 23 years old, he has already achieved a lot, but the best is yet to come.

Whether it’s his commanding presence at the back, his calmness under pressure, or his promising future with AC Milan and Germany, Thiaw is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young defenders to watch in world football today.

Keep an eye on him—because the Malick Thiaw we see now is just the beginning of something truly special.