This year’s WNBA rookie class is stacked—but if there’s one team at the heart of that storm, it’s the Golden State Valkyries, with Janelle Salaün leading the charge. She’s been clocking over 29 minutes a night, dropping consistent double-digit performances, and already has two 18-point games under her belt. Talk about making noise early. But this isn’t just beginner’s luck—it’s Olympic-grade poise. Salaün helped France snag a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, holding it down under massive home-crowd pressure. That same cool confidence is showing up in her WNBA debut.

When asked in an interview with Swish Appeal what nickname she’d give herself, Salaün said, “Ultimately, I strive to develop my own unique identity as a player while taking cues from the greats of the game.” 

As a stretch-four, she’s the kind of player coaches love and fantasy GMs chase—she can rebound, score, and guard with equal flair. But beyond the stat lines, there’s something even more intriguing: the story of where she comes from.

What is Janelle Salaün’s Ethnicity and Religion?

Born in Paris, Janelle Salaün is French but proudly carries her Guadeloupean heritage—an island region in the Caribbean known for its rich culture and elite athletes. Basketball runs deep in her family: both parents played, and her younger brother, Tidjane, is now with the Charlotte Hornets.

“As we’ve grown older, our competitive spirits have definitely kicked in. We’re both super competitive now, but it’s not just about winning at all costs. We’ve come to realize that we can learn a lot from each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” she has said in an interview with SwishAppeal, reflecting a mindset shaped by both family ties and legacy.

As for her religion? That remains a private part of Salaün’s life. 

Which college did Janelle Salaün attend?

Unlike many of her WNBA peers, Salaün didn’t take the U.S. college route. She instead trained at Centre Fédéral, France’s premier development hub. At just 17, she was putting up 9.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in Ligue 2.

After signing with Flammes Carolo, she quickly grew frustrated with limited minutes and made a bold move to Villeneuve-d’Ascq, where her career took off. By the 2023–2024 season, she was a EuroLeague finalist, LFB champion, and arguably the best player on her team.

Her 2024–2025 season with Famila Schio in Italy cemented her rising-star status. Salaün led the team to a league title and was named Finals MVP, averaging 13.2 points, 5.4 boards, and 1.2 steals over the five-game series.

Now in 2025, she’s signed with USK Praha in the Czech Republic for the upcoming European season, even as her WNBA career with the Golden State Valkyries continues to blossom stateside.