French forward Janelle Salaün, who stands 1.88 meters tall and is 25 years old, has made history by becoming the first French player to win a major individual trophy in the WNBA. She was elected as the 2026 Kia WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, an honor given to the most impactful bench player in the league. The vote was unanimous, with all 74 voters selecting her name. Salaün, who plays for the Golden State Valkyries, was recognized for her consistent performance and her ability to energize the team when coming off the bench. Salaün joined the Valkyries in 2025 and made a significant impact in her second season. Compared to her rookie season, she scored more points (12.7 points per game, compared to 11.3) while spending less time on the court (22 minutes per game, compared to 27). Her three-point shooting, which saw her attempt six shots per game with a 39% accuracy rate, made her an essential player for the team. The Valkyries finished second in the Western Conference and are currently in the playoffs, having already advanced to the semifinals. During the regular season, Salaün set a new league record by becoming the most productive substitute in a single season, scoring 458 points off the bench. In August, she also set a record for the most successful three-point shots by a bench player in a season (93) and for the most points scored by a substitute in a season (509). Her overall averages were 12.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, with a 39.7% shooting accuracy from three-point range. This award marks a significant milestone for French women's basketball. Salaün, who was selected to the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2025, is helping to establish a strong presence for French players in the United States. No French player had previously won such an individual distinction in the major American women's league. Gabby Williams had come closest, finishing second in the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) trophy. Carla Leite and Dominique Malonga had also been listed as finalists for the Most Improved Player (MIP) trophy. Salaün's success in California opens the door for a new generation of French players on American courts. With 14 French players participating in the WNBA this season, a recent silver medal win against Team USA, and a promising group of young prospects, French women's basketball is experiencing a period of growth and success. The Valkyries, with Salaün's contributions, achieved their first playoff qualification in franchise history. They defeated the Dallas Wings in three matches, with Gabby Williams, the captain of the French national team at the last World Cup, averaging 25 points in the series. The team is now preparing to face the Las Vegas Aces, the team of the world's best player A'ja Wilson.