William Saliba achieves unique Arsenal record after scooping top accolade

The France defender was honoured at the The Best FIFA Football Awards in Doha, becoming the first male Gunner to receive a trophy since the prize-giving ceremony split from the Ballon d'Or in 2016.

Saliba was selected in the FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11 in an all Premier League and LaLiga affair.

In defence he was joined by Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger (both Real Madrid) while Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) was selected in goal.

In midfield were Rodri (Man City), Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos (both Real Madrid), while the forwards were Erling Haaland (Man City), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).

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

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

At the Emirates he was part of another title challenge under Mikel Arteta, with Arsenal running 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 at Euro 2024, and despite being dysfunctional up front, they conceded just one goal in five games before a 2-1 semi-final defeat to eventual champions Spain.

The Paris native was signed by Arsenal in 2019 and after successful loans back in France he's since become a superstar in north London.

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His heroics mean the men's team now have Best FIFA representation, following an impressive run from the women's team.

Sari van Veenendaal, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Alessia Russo have all been honoured at the awards, while Olivier Giroud received the 2017 Puskas Award for his incredible scorpion kick against Crystal Palace.

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

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

Class clearly recognises class when it comes to Arsenal, with Henry calling Saliba the best defender in the Premier League in December 2023.

"Right now, I think he is, by a mile," he said. "The way he can defend a one-v-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 him and how he turns. He tries to recover the ball when he tackles, not to kick it in the stands. He tries to get it back, which is something important."