William Saliba is a practicing Muslim who has been spotted at mosques, including during Ramadan when he made regular trips to the mosque despite injuries. The Arsenal defender has been caught on camera saying Islamic prayers before matches, demonstrating his commitment to his faith.
Quick Profile: William Saliba
| Full Name | William Alain André Gabriel Saliba |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 2001 (24 years old) |
| Place of Birth | Bondy, Seine-Saint-Denis, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Height | 1.92 meters (6 feet 4 inches) |
| Religion | Muslim |
What Religion is William Saliba?
William Saliba is a Muslim who actively practices his faith. His religious identity became more publicly known when videos and photos emerged showing him engaged in Islamic worship. The camera has caught him saying an Islamic prayer before he started some matches for Arsenal. Despite his injuries, Saliba ensured that he fulfilled his religious commitments and made regular trips to the mosque during the period.
The Arsenal defender comes from a diverse family background. His father is of Lebanese descent, while his mother was of Cameroonian origin. With the majority of the population in Lebanon being practicing Muslims, it’s quite possible that Saliba’s Lebanese heritage contributed to his Islamic upbringing, though his exact path to the faith remains private.
Interestingly, his given name William has Christian origins and references the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. However, it appears that the 24-year-old Arsenal man is not a practicing Christian. This shows how names don’t always indicate religious affiliation, particularly for children born to immigrant families in France.
Early Life
William Alain André Gabriel Saliba was born on March 24, 2001, in Bondy, Seine-Saint-Denis, a commune in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, France. Bondy has become famous for producing exceptional football talent, including Ousmane Dembélé, and represents the working-class, immigrant-rich neighborhoods that have shaped French football for decades.
His parents came from very different backgrounds. His father was Brian Robertson, a man of Lebanese descent, while his mother was of Cameroonian origin. This blend of Middle Eastern and West African heritage created a unique multicultural environment for young William. Tragically, both of Saliba’s parents passed away when he was still establishing his career. His mother died during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, while his father had passed away earlier. The exact circumstances and causes of their deaths remain private matters.
The loss of both parents at such a young age while pursuing his football dreams must have been devastating. Saliba has kept a photo from his childhood as his Instagram profile picture, showing him sitting in his mother’s warm embrace. This touching tribute demonstrates the profound impact his mother had on his life and how he continues to honor her memory.
Career Journey
Saint-Étienne
After spending formative years at AS Bondy and FC Montfermeil, Saliba moved to AS Saint-Étienne’s academy in 2016 when he was just 15 years old. The move south to Saint-Étienne represented a significant step in his development, taking him away from his Parisian roots.
He progressed rapidly through the youth ranks, moving from the U-17 team to the U-19 squad in just two years. His performances at youth level were so impressive that he earned his first professional contract with Saint-Étienne in May 2018 at the age of 17.
Arsenal Move and Loan Periods
Arsenal spotted his talent early and moved decisively. On July 25, 2019, Arsenal announced that Saliba had signed a long-term contract with the club for a reported fee of £27 million. This was a significant investment in a teenager who had played just one full season of professional football.
The transfer wasn’t without controversy. Arsenal faced competition from rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with both clubs meeting Saint-Étienne’s valuation. However, Saliba chose Arsenal, fulfilling his childhood dream. The club’s interest in him dated back to late 2018, showing their long-term planning.
Following the transfer, Saliba was immediately loaned back to Saint-Étienne for the 2019-20 season to continue his development. He played 17 games for the club and helped them reach the 2020 Coupe de France Final, though he missed the match because his loan agreement ended two weeks before the final due to COVID-19 delays. When he returned to Arsenal in July 2020, expectations were high. However, he was handed the number 4 shirt but struggled to break into the first team. Instead, Arsenal sent him on further loans to gain experience.
In January 2021, Saliba joined OGC Nice on loan for the remainder of the 2020-21 season. He impressed immediately, earning Nice’s Player of the Month award for January. His performances in the French Riviera showed his quality and helped restore confidence after a difficult period.
The following season brought his most successful loan spell. In July 2021, Saliba joined Olympique de Marseille for the 2021-22 campaign. Playing alongside fellow Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi, he made his competitive debut on August 8, 2021, in a 3-2 away win against Montpellier. At Marseille, everything clicked. He made 52 appearances across all competitions and became one of the standout defenders in French football. He helped the club reach the semi-finals of the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League season and secured Champions League qualification for the following campaign.
Establishing Himself at Arsenal
Saliba finally made his competitive Arsenal debut on August 5, 2022, in the opening match of the 2022-23 Premier League season. He had waited three years for this moment, but he seized it immediately. His composure, reading of the game, and physical presence made him an instant starter. That debut season was spectacular, Saliba played a pivotal role as Arsenal challenged for the Premier League title, eventually finishing second. He scored his first Arsenal goal and formed a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães at the heart of defense. His performances earned him a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2022-23.
His consistency earned him another spot in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2023-24, making it back-to-back selections. He also helped Arsenal reach the Champions League semi-finals and once again finish second in the Premier League. On July 10, 2023, recognizing his importance to the team, Arsenal rewarded Saliba with a new four-year contract extension until June 2027. His salary was increased to £190,000 per week, up from just £40,000 per week on his initial contract.
The 2024-25 season continued his excellent form. Despite receiving the first red card of his professional career in October 2024 against Bournemouth, he bounced back strongly. In December 2024, he scored his first goal of the campaign in a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, then followed it up with another goal against Fulham in a 1-1 draw. His performances throughout the season earned him yet another place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2024-25, making it three consecutive selections. This unprecedented achievement for an Arsenal defender highlighted his status as one of the best centre-backs in world football.
On September 30, 2025, Saliba signed a new long-term contract extension with Arsenal until 2030. The new deal dramatically increased his wages to £250,000 per week in base salary, plus an additional £2.6 million per season in performance-related bonuses. This made him one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players, alongside Bukayo Saka.
Personal Life
Despite his rising fame and status as one of football’s brightest defensive talents, Saliba maintains an intensely private personal life. He is currently single and appears focused entirely on his football career rather than romantic relationships.
Those who know him describe him as humble, grounded, and respectful. His childhood friend Daniel Mboma told France Football that “Wilo is loved and listened to by everyone, he keeps his feet on the ground.” This assessment speaks to his character and the respect he commands despite his young age.
Growing up without both parents while pursuing a demanding professional career required immense mental strength. The support system around him, including his extended family and the football community, helped him navigate these challenges.
Transfer Value and Market Worth
Saliba’s transfer value has appreciated dramatically since Arsenal signed him for £27 million in 2019. His market value peaked at around £30 million in May 2022, but subsequent performances have pushed his worth much higher.
Current estimates suggest his transfer value would exceed £70 million if Arsenal were to consider selling him, making him one of the most valuable defenders in world football. However, given his new long-term contract and importance to Arsenal’s project, the club has no intention of selling.
