Saliba's transformation began at his hometown club, AS Bondy, in north-east Paris, where he was taught that becoming a top player requires putting in extra effort. "If you want to be a top player, you have to work hard, harder than everyone else," he recalls. This lesson was a valuable one for Saliba, who admits that he was initially lazy and struggled to run during games.

As a young player, Saliba played as a striker until he was 14, when he switched to defense. During this time, he was coached by Kylian Mbappe's father, who pushed him to improve his game. Although they were in different age groups, Saliba appreciated his coach's honesty and guidance, which helped him develop his skills.

Saliba's journey to becoming a top defender has been remarkable, with him making 131 appearances for Arsenal. His hard work and dedication have earned him a spot in the team, and he is now one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market.

With reports linking him to Real Madrid, Saliba may have the opportunity to reunite with Mbappe and his father, who have been a significant influence on his career.