In a heartwarming twist to one of the most lucrative endorsement deals in football history, Arsenal and France star William Saliba has reportedly signed a $285 million global advertising deal with Adidas — and he’s wasting no time using his new fortune for something deeply personal: retiring his parents.
The 24-year-old center-back, known for his composure on the pitch and fierce defensive instinct, revealed in a touching post that he will be paying off his parents’ mortgage, setting up a lifetime trust, and moving them into a custom-designed villa on the southern coast of France — all fully funded from his Adidas contract.
“I did all this for them,” Saliba said, holding back emotion in an exclusive Adidas campaign teaser. “It’s time for them to live in peace. They’ve worked hard enough for me… now it’s my turn to take care of them.”
The Deal That Shook Football’s Commercial Landscape
The Adidas partnership, estimated at $285 million over 10 years, is said to include exclusive apparel campaigns, signature football boot lines, and global marketing rights using Saliba’s name, image, and likeness across digital, TV, and youth-targeted platforms. Insiders say the brand sees Saliba not just as an elite athlete, but as a next-generation icon — a calm leader on the field, and a humble, grounded human off it.
“This isn’t just about boots and jerseys,” said an Adidas executive. “William Saliba represents something rare in modern football: integrity, intelligence, and inspiration. He’s a marketing dream — and a family man at heart.”
A Gesture That’s Bigger Than Football
Saliba’s act of paying his parents’ retirement has struck a chord across the football world. Social media has erupted with support. Fans, fellow players, and even rival club supporters are praising the move as a refreshing show of gratitude in an industry often defined by excess and ego.
“You don’t see that every day. Respect to Saliba,” tweeted Marcus Rashford.
“Taking care of your parents is the real win,” posted Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger.
The villa, currently under construction, will reportedly include a private garden designed by Saliba’s mother, a home cinema for his father, and a permanent guest suite reserved for family gatherings. “This is their dream,” Saliba said. “I just had to make it happen.”
From Bondy to the Big Leagues — Without Forgetting His Roots
Saliba’s journey began in Bondy, the same tough Parisian suburb that gave the world Kylian Mbappé. Raised in a modest household, Saliba often credits his parents for keeping him grounded, focused, and driven.
“I never had the flashiest boots or the newest kits,” he once said in an interview with L’Équipe. “But I had parents who believed in me, even when it wasn’t easy.”
Now, with the football world at his feet and a $285M Adidas deal in hand, Saliba is proving that fame hasn’t made him forget where he came from — it’s only deepened his desire to give back.
What’s Next for Saliba?
Beyond his booming commercial profile, Saliba remains a cornerstone of Arsenal’s Premier League ambitions and a likely starter for France in upcoming international competitions. Adidas is expected to roll out a major campaign later this year featuring Saliba in a global “Respect Roots” initiative, aimed at connecting stars with their origins.
But for now, Saliba says he’s focusing on something much simpler:
“Making sure my parents wake up every day with no worries. That’s the real dream.”