Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about joining La Liga’s Villarreal, bringing him one step closer to his aspiration of participating in the Champions League. Villarreal officially presented Saliba to the media during a press conference, having secured his services until 2031.

Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will be part of a Canadian trio at Villarreal alongside Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi, competing in Spain’s top-flight soccer league. Saliba emphasized the significance of playing in a prestigious European league, highlighting the hard work and dedication that have led him to this point in his career.

Thrilled about the prospect of playing in the Champions League, Saliba shared that fellow Canadians provided positive feedback about Villarreal and the city. They lauded the team’s quality, camaraderie among players, and the club’s footballing philosophy, building his anticipation for the upcoming experiences.

Villarreal, who finished third in La Liga last season, secured a spot in the 2026-27 Champions League group stage, commencing next month. The club kicked off the current La Liga campaign with two draws and gears up to face Deportivo Alaves in their next fixture.

At 22 years old, Saliba moves to Villarreal from Belgian side Anderlecht, where he featured in two matches this season. His previous season in the Belgian Pro League saw him score three goals in 34 appearances for Anderlecht. Prior to his European stint, Saliba showcased his skills in Major League Soccer with CF Montreal, participating in 78 matches between 2023 and 2025, finding the net twice.

Saliba notably represented Canada in this year’s World Cup, notably scoring a free kick in Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar. During the tournament, he paid tribute to teammate Ismael Kone, who suffered a severe leg injury, showcasing sportsmanship and solidarity on the field.