William Saliba Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 25, 2025
As the 2024–2025 football season unfolds, William Saliba stands not just as a key player for Arsenal FC, but as one of the most commanding and respected center-backs in world football.
Once a highly-touted teenager shipped off on loan after a single controversial debut, Saliba has transformed into the backbone of Arsenal’s defense, a leader on the pitch, and a symbol of patience, perseverance, and elite development.
Then: The Early Promise and Painful Beginnings (2019–2022)
1. A Rising Star in France
Born on March 24, 2001, in Bondy, France—a suburb of Paris known for producing footballing talent—William Saliba began his career at AS Bondy before joining Stade Rennais’ academy at 15. His rise was meteoric.
By 2018, at just 17, he made his professional debut for Rennes. In the 2018–19 season, he played 18 Ligue 1 matches, earning the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year as a teenager—an extraordinary feat for a defender.
His performances showcased everything a modern center-back should be:
- Physical dominance (6’4” frame)
- Exceptional reading of the game
- Composure on the ball
- Leadership beyond his years
It wasn’t long before Europe’s elite came calling.
2. The Shock Move to Arsenal – And a Silent Debut
In July 2019, Arsenal FC signed Saliba for £27 million—a significant investment in a 18-year-old. But in a surprising twist, he was immediately sent back on loan to Rennes for the 2019–20 season.
When he finally made his long-awaited Premier League debut in July 2020, it was a disaster. Coming on as a substitute against Brighton, Saliba was caught out of position multiple times in a 2–1 defeat. Fans and pundits criticized his performance, and the moment became a viral lowlight.
Rather than break him, Saliba used it as fuel.
3. The Loan Years – Building a Champion
Instead of being rushed, Saliba was loaned to:
- Saint-Étienne (2020–21) – Played 35 games, showing maturity and consistency
- Nice (2021–22) – Excelled under coach Christophe Galtier, helping Nice finish 5th and qualify for the Europa League
During these years, he matured physically and mentally, refining his positioning, tackling, and ability to play out from the back—skills that would later define his game at Arsenal.
Related: Lisandro Martínez Then and Now
Now: The 2024–2025 Season – Saliba’s Reign as Defensive King (In 2025)
1. Arrival as a Star – Not a Prospect
When Saliba returned to Arsenal permanently in 2022, few expected him to become an instant starter. But under Mikel Arteta, he seized his chance and never looked back.
By the 2022–23 season, he was already one of the best defenders in the Premier League, playing 34 league games and helping Arsenal mount a title challenge. His aerial dominance, last-ditch tackles, and calm distribution became hallmarks of Arsenal’s high-line defensive system.
2. 2023–2024: The Title Challenge and Individual Accolades
In the 2023–24 season, Saliba was nothing short of elite:
- Played 37 of 38 Premier League games
- Arsenal’s Player of the Season
- PFA Team of the Year inclusion
- Shortlisted for the Premier League Player of the Season
- Finalist for the Ballon d’Or—a rare honor for a defender
He formed a world-class defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhães, anchored by goalkeeper David Raya, and became the linchpin of a defense that conceded the fewest goals in the league.
His leadership grew visibly—organizing the backline, communicating constantly, and stepping up in high-pressure moments.
3. 2024–2025: Captaincy and Global Recognition
By the 2024–2025 season, Saliba had reached new heights:
- Named vice-captain of Arsenal (as of early 2025)
- Wearing the #4 jersey—a number symbolizing defensive excellence at the club
- Linked with Ballon d’Or contention once again
- One of the most sought-after defenders in Europe, though Arsenal has ruled him “untouchable”
His performances against top attackers like Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Marcus Rashford have been masterclasses in anticipation, timing, and composure.
4. Tactical Evolution Under Arteta
Saliba is the perfect embodiment of Arteta’s defensive philosophy:
- High defensive line – relies on pace and reading of the game
- Ball-playing center-back – averages over 90% pass accuracy, often initiating attacks
- Zonal marking expert – rarely beaten in one-on-one situations
- Set-piece threat – scored 5 goals in 2023–24, mostly from headers
He’s also improved dramatically in one-on-one duels, aerial battles, and recovery speed—making him arguably the most complete center-back in the Premier League as of 2025.
Related: Takefusa Kubo Then and Now
International Career: France’s Defensive Future
1. Breakthrough with Les Bleus
After years of being overlooked, Saliba earned his first senior cap for France in June 2023 in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier. His inclusion came after injuries to key defenders and growing pressure from fans and pundits.
By Euro 2024, he was a starter alongside Dayot Upamecano, forming a young, dynamic French backline. His performances were praised for their calmness, intelligence, and physical control, helping France reach the semifinals.
2. A Key Figure for 2026 World Cup
With Raphaël Varane retired and Presnel Kimpembe aging, Saliba is now seen as France’s defensive leader for the future. At just 24 in 2025, he is poised to captain Les Bleus in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Related: Yassine Bounou Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Off the pitch, Saliba is known for his quiet confidence, professionalism, and humility. Born to a Cameroonian father and French mother, he identifies strongly with his African roots and often speaks about the importance of representation.
He lives a low-key life in North London, focusing on football, family, and fitness. He’s active on social media—where he has over 4 million followers—but uses it primarily to share moments with teammates, family, and fans.
He’s also involved in charity work, supporting youth football programs in Bondy and mentoring young defenders.
Cultural Impact and Legacy (As of 2025)
William Saliba’s journey is a blueprint for modern football development:
- Patience over panic – Arsenal’s decision to loan him was once criticized, but now hailed as visionary
- Mental resilience – turning a disastrous debut into a legacy-defining career
- Defensive excellence in an attacking era – proving that defenders can be stars too
He’s become a role model for young defenders, showing that success isn’t just about aggression—it’s about intelligence, timing, and consistency.
Moreover, his rise has redefined how clubs view long-term player development, especially for defenders who need time to mature.
Related: Marc-André ter Stegen Then and Now
Conclusion: William Saliba – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A 19-year-old French prodigy, criticized after one bad debut, sent away on loan with questions about his readiness.
- Now: A 24-year-old defensive titan, Arsenal’s vice-captain, Ballon d’Or contender, and one of the best center-backs on the planet.
William Saliba’s story is not just about redemption—it’s about vision, patience, and relentless self-improvement. He didn’t just silence his critics; he made them cheer his name at the Emirates every weekend.
As he leads Arsenal’s charge for silverware in 2025 and prepares to anchor France’s defense on the world stage, one thing is clear:
William Saliba isn’t just stopping attackers.
He’s stopping doubters.
And he’s only just getting started.
🛡️ “They said I wasn’t ready. I just needed time. Now, I’m not just here—I’m leading.” – William Saliba (2025)
Related: Jan Oblak Then and Now