William Saliba achieves unique Arsenal record after winning world-class award

Arsenal are back on the map when it comes to men's awards thanks to none other than William Saliba.

The French defender was honored in The Best fifa Football Awards in Doha, becoming the first male striker to receive a trophy since the awards ceremony was separated from the Ballon d'Or in 2016.

Saliba was selected in the FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11 in a matter between the Premier League and LaLiga.

In defense he was accompanied by Rubén Días (Manchester City), Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger (both from Real Madrid), while Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) was selected in goal.

In the center of the field were Rodri (Man City), Judas Bellingham and Toni Kroos (both from Real Madrid), while the forwards were Erling Haaland (Man City), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) and Vinícius junior (Real Madrid).

Vinicius also took home The Best FIFA Men's Player award ahead of Rodri, who won him the Ballon d'Or in a ceremony that Madrid boycotted in response to the result.

As for Saliba, his honor marks an impressive year for club and country.

In the Emirates he was part of another challenge for the title under Mikel Artetawith Arsenal leading City close for the second year as they conceded the fewest goals in the division thanks to Saliba's leadership at the back.

For his country, the 23-year-old played every minute in Euro 2024and despite being dysfunctional in attack, they conceded only one goal in five games before losing 2-1 in the semi-finals to eventual champions Spain.

The Paris native was signed by Arsenal in 2019 and, following successful loans in France, has since become a superstar in north London.

Their heroics mean the men's team now has the best representation in FIFA, following an impressive run by the women's team.

Sari van Veenendaal, Vivianne Miedema, Lea WilliamsonBeth Mead and Alessia Russo have been honored at the awards, while Olivier Giroud He received the 2017 Puskas Award for his incredible scorpion kick against Crystal Palace.

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The last time an Arsenal player was mentioned in the elite awards was in 2006, when Henry Thierry He finished third in the Ballon d'Or voting, having finished second behind Pavel Nedved of Juventus in 2003.

In the now defunct FIFA World Player of the Year, Henry also finished second in 2004 and 2003, while his former strike partner Dennis Bergkamp crowned the 1997 podium.

Class clearly recognizes class when it comes to Arsenal, and Henry rated Saliba the best defender in the Premier League in December 2023.

“Right now, I think it is, by a mile,” he said. “The way he can defend one-on-one. The way he allows Arsenal to play higher and defend the 45-50 yards behind him is second to none.

“His speed, the way he recovers. Look at it and how it spins. Try to recover the ball when attacking, not kick it into the stands. Try to get it back, which is something important.”