Who is the Somali boy who appeared in Arsenal's match against Lille a few days ago

Who is the Somali boy who appeared in the Arsenal team during the match they played against Lille a few days ago?

If you watched the Champions League match that Arsenal played against Lille at their Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening, Maalik Hashi was among the players sitting on the bench for Arsenal.

This is the first time the 18-year-old midfielder has been included in Arsenal's first team list.

Maalik Hashi, who was born in London on September 3, 2008, joined Arsenal when he was 14 years old in December 2022.

This young boy has consistently progressed through the various levels of the club's academy, and he signed his first professional contract in February 2026.

When he signed the contract, Hashi said: "I am very happy, it is an honor for me and my family. I am not alone on this journey".

"My family is with me, and they help me every day to keep improving".

"I started, perhaps, in the backyard with my father, playing there, and then I got the opportunity to join Arsenal".

"After that, I spent two years with the under-16 team (U16), then I received an educational and sports scholarship, and now here I am" he said.

Hashi was part of the Arsenal team that won the Under-16 Premier League Cup in the 2024/25 season, before he secured a place in the under-18 team (U18).

He previously played for the under-21 youth team while still attending school, and he continued to stand out at a level above his age.

Xaashi primarily plays in midfield. He can also play as a defensive forward if needed.