Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about joining La Liga powerhouse Villarreal, stating that it brings him one step closer to his ultimate goal of competing in the prestigious Champions League. Saliba was unveiled by Villarreal during a recent press conference, having signed a long-term contract with the club until 2031.
Originally from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will be playing alongside Canadian compatriots Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a top-tier Spanish football team. Saliba emphasized the significance of playing in a top European league, highlighting the dedication and hard work that have shaped his career thus far.
The talented midfielder expressed his eagerness to feature in the Champions League, describing it as a dream shared by every professional player. Saliba credited his Canadian colleagues for providing positive insights about the club and the city, praising Villarreal’s playing style and the camaraderie among the players.
Villarreal, who secured a third-place finish in La Liga last season, have qualified for the upcoming 2026-27 Champions League. The team commenced the current La Liga campaign with two draws and is set to face Deportivo Alaves in their next fixture.
At 22 years old, Saliba makes the move to Villarreal from Anderlecht in Belgium, where he featured in two matches this season. In his prior season with Anderlecht, Saliba netted three goals across 34 appearances in the Belgian Pro League. Before his European stint, Saliba amassed 78 appearances for Major League Soccer’s CF Montreal from 2023 to 2025, registering two goals.
Saliba notably represented Canada at the recent World Cup, scoring a remarkable free-kick goal in a 6-0 victory over Qatar. During the tournament, he paid tribute to his injured teammate Ismael Kone by displaying Kone’s jersey after scoring, following a serious tackle that forced Kone off the pitch.