Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about his move to La Liga side Villarreal, stating that it brings him closer to his aspiration of playing in the Champions League. Saliba was officially presented by Villarreal at a press event where his contract extension until 2031 was announced.

Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will be playing alongside fellow Canadians Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a prominent club in Spanish football’s top division. The midfielder emphasized the significance of competing in a top European league, highlighting his dedication to hard work and development throughout his career.

Regarding his upcoming opportunity to play in the Champions League, Saliba expressed his eagerness and described it as a dream come true for any player. Having received positive feedback about both the club and the city from his compatriots, Saliba is looking forward to immersing himself in the team and its footballing culture.

Villarreal secured a third-place finish in La Liga last season, earning them a spot in the upcoming 2026-27 Champions League campaign. The club has kicked off the La Liga season with two draws and is gearing up to face Deportivo Alaves in their next fixture.

At 22 years old, Saliba joins Villarreal from Anderlecht in Belgium, where he showcased his talent by scoring three goals in 34 appearances during the previous season. Prior to his European stint, Saliba contributed to CF Montreal in Major League Soccer, participating in 78 matches and finding the net twice between 2023 and 2025.

Saliba notably represented Canada at the recent World Cup, making an impact by scoring a free-kick goal in the team’s resounding 6-0 victory over Qatar. In a touching gesture, Saliba honored his injured teammate Ismael Kone by displaying his jersey after the goal, following a serious injury sustained by Kone during the match.