William Saliba warns: this World Cup will be tough

William Saliba says he’s “very happy” as a centre-back, sketches how his leadership looks from the back line, and points to a World Cup that promises hard battles.

William Saliba describes the kid he used to be—one who dreamed of being the striker who fires the decisive goals, then grew into the position he was “meant” to play.

Back in Bondy. a Paris suburb. he said he watched the forwards most because they’re the ones who score and create the decisive moments. “God decided I’d be a centre-back. and I’m very happy with that.” He adds that even if he’d needed a completely different role to make it professionally. he would have accepted it. “Even if I’d had to be a goalkeeper to turn professional, I would have done it.”.

The ambition was always there, he insists—just directed toward a different outcome. If he’d been able to be a striker. he believes he could have delivered the kind of numbers that define careers. “If I’d been able to. I’d have been a striker and scored 30 goals a season.” He doesn’t portray himself as the kind of headline-grabber people associate with superstar names. “I’m not a star like Mbappé or Dembélé, but in my position I’m one of the best.”.

That mindset, he says, fits how he leads the French team. Saliba lays out a clear distinction between the types of influence inside a squad. Some players lead with experience. Others shine through technical flair. Some carry authority with their voice in the locker room. And a few are watched as much for their off-pitch profile as for their football. He lists examples across every lane: N’Golo Kanté as an experienced leader; Olise. Dembélé and Cherki as those who lead with technical ability; Mbappé and Maignan as charismatic voices; and Koundé and Tchouameni as “image leaders. ” with off-field activities closely scrutinised.

Saliba’s own role is quieter, but not passive. “It’s clear that I’m not someone who’s going to speak up in the locker room like Mike [Maignan] or Kylian [Mbappé],” he admits. What he can control is communication during play—because defenders see more than anyone from their position.

“As a defender. I operate on the principle that you have to talk a lot to your teammates on the pitch. because you see everything.” He says he tries to be constant in those moments. then pairs it with what he believes actually changes matches. “So I try to do that. And then play well and win my duels. That’s how you make your mark on a team.”.

He also traces his path through Raphaël Varane. the French national team legend he succeeded in the Les Bleus lineup. Saliba’s first call-up to the France squad came in 2022, and it coincided with Varane’s last. There was a feeling. he says. of the “baton being passed.” He points to the resemblance between them beyond football—especially their character and composure.

“He’s someone who didn’t say much off the pitch either. But on the pitch. he made his presence felt and you knew he was going to give his all and put in some great performances.” Then Saliba comes back to what he notices from the stands of the field—how one player’s commitment can raise the level for everyone around them. “When you see someone next to you who’s willing to put their neck on the line. who’d give his all on the pitch. you just want to do the same.”.

The World Cup is now looming over all of it. and Saliba’s message is blunt: “This World Cup is going to be a tough one.” The way he talks about it—grounded. unsentimental—matches the picture he paints of his own football life: not chasing spotlight. but making himself essential through discipline. communication. and duels.

William Saliba France national team World Cup centre-back Les Bleus Raphaël Varane N’Golo Kanté Kylian Mbappé Mike Maignan