Naveed
William Saliba is a practising Muslim. He rarely talks about religion in interviews, but he fasts during Ramadan, attends Friday (Jummah) prayers and has been filmed making a dua, a personal prayer, before matches.
| Religion | Islam |
|---|---|
| Status | Confirmed through public practice |
| Full name | William Alain André Gabriel Saliba |
| Born | March 24, 2001, Bondy, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Profession | Footballer (centre-back), Arsenal and France |
| Family background | Father of Lebanese descent; mother of Cameroonian descent |
What Religion Is William Saliba?
Saliba is Muslim. He keeps his faith low-key and almost never discusses it in interviews, but it is visible in his routine: he is regularly listed among Premier League players who fast during Ramadan, and he makes time for Friday prayers.
Why His Surname Surprises People
Saliba is a surname most often found among Lebanese Christians, and the word relates to the cross. That is why fans are sometimes surprised to learn he is Muslim. His faith comes through his family rather than his surname’s history.
Lebanese and Cameroonian Roots
Saliba grew up in Bondy, the same Paris suburb that produced Kylian Mbappé, whose father coached him as a boy. His father’s family has Lebanese roots and his mother’s family is from Cameroon. He joined Arsenal in 2019 and became a regular for France.
FAQ
Is William Saliba Muslim?
Yes. He is a practising Muslim.
Does William Saliba fast during Ramadan?
Yes. He is regularly listed among Premier League players who fast.
Is William Saliba Lebanese?
He is French, with a Lebanese father and a Cameroonian mother.
Related Celebrities
- Kylian Mbappé's religion
- Ousmane Dembélé's religion
- Rayan Cherki's religion
- Lamine Yamal's religion
- Kenan Yıldız's religion
Sources
- Tribuna: Which Premier League players will be fasting for Ramadan?
- EssentiallySports: William Saliba's ethnicity, religion and nationality
- Wikipedia: William Saliba
Last updated: September 24, 2026.
