Malick Thiaw and Senegal's Lions: dream or reality?

Lions head coach Pape Thiaw makes no secret of his interest in the player. Since taking charge as interim coach last October following the departure of Aliou Cissé, he has made repeated efforts to persuade Malick Thiaw to join the Senegal squad. When he announced his first official squad as permanent coach in March, Pape Thiaw said: "I went to see Malick and we had a good chat. I'd rather keep what we said between us. You'll see, it's a surprise." An enigmatic statement, which suggested that the player's switch of international allegiance was only a matter of time. Yet when the squad for the June matches was unveiled, Malick Thiaw's name was still conspicuous by its absence. This time, the coach's tone was more measured. "As for Malick, the necessary steps have been taken. At the moment, he is in talks with his club. We can see he hasn't been playing much lately... Time will tell", the coach said, tempering expectations.

A player on the sidelines with Germany

Since his last appearance for the German national team in October 2023, Malick Thiaw has not been called up again by the Mannschaft. Being left out raises doubts over his international future. The situation could have prompted a clear choice in favour of Senegal, but the player still seems to want to take time to think. Despite the Senegalese staff's repeated interest, Malick Thiaw does not want to rush his decision. To date, he has made no firm commitment. And Pape Thiaw has understood that: there is no question of forcing his hand. The coach remains cautious but open. For him, the key is to respect the player's pace and aspirations, without rushing things.

Eligible, but still undecided

Under the new FIFA rules adopted in 2020, a player can switch national teams if he meets several conditions. But in Malick Thiaw's case, those conditions are simplified. He has not played any competitive match for Germany, only friendlies. That means he is still free to represent Senegal. His eligibility is therefore not an obstacle. "In terms of the regulations, Malick Thiaw faces no obstacle. He is free to play for Senegal," a legal specialist explains.

A complex reality, a dream still possible

This case highlights how complex decisions are for dual nationals. Between sporting ambition, media pressure, a sense of identity and club career plans, the choices are never simple. Malick Thiaw illustrates that tension. Senegal dream of having him, while the player himself still seems to be deep in thought. "It isn't easy for a German to change nationality. The rules are very complex. Pape Thiaw will have to be patient to succeed in winning over Pape Thiaw", says an agent who wishes to remain anonymous.

But one thing is certain: the door is open. The day Malick Thiaw decides to answer the Lions' call, he will find a team ready to welcome him... without pressure, but with hope. On the pitch, he could be a real boost for Pape Thiaw and his coaching staff. A few months before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and a year before the 2026 World Cup, Senegal dream of landing one of the most promising talents in his position.