Malick Thiaw ends debate, pledges only to Germany
Malick Thiaw has closed the door on questions about his international future, stating clearly that representing Germany sits at the centre of every career decision he has made.
The Newcastle United defender spoke in a Sky Sport Germany interview on 11 November 2025, outlining his national team journey and the competing approaches he received before confirming his choice.
Thiaw, who built his foundations at Schalke 04 before rising into Germany’s senior setup, acknowledged that more than one federation tried to secure his loyalty.
Senegal, his other nation of eligibility through heritage, opened conversations early and sustained interest for an extended period.
Finnish representatives also contacted him while he assessed options outside the German national team sphere.
Despite the dialogue, the defender said he never wavered from the target he set for himself years ago.
“My priority has always been to play for Germany,” Thiaw told Sky Sport Germany. “I listened to the plans of Senegal and Finland.
As I hadn’t been with the DFB for two years, I had kept in touch with the other two nations.
However, I made it clear from the start: Germany remains my priority and if the call comes from there, I will gladly play for Germany.”
Sources close to Senegalese football confirmed that the country’s senior head coach, Pape Thiaw, spoke to the 23-year-old defender directly in an attempt to shift his international plans.
The Lions’ staff valued his profile as a long-term answer in central defence and worked to present a sporting project they believed could resonate with the player.
Malick Thiaw confirmed the contact, welcomed the conversations professionally, yet remained firm in his stance.
The defender now moves forward with all attention on Germany, where competition at centre-back continues to intensify.
For Thiaw, the decision brings clarity after years of dual-nationality discussions, recruitment efforts and public speculation.
He emphasised that transparency guided every conversation he held with interested nations, and he delivered his final answer without leaving room for interpretation.
