Nicolas Williams Arthur, better known as Nico Williams, was born on July 12, 2002, in Pamplona, the capital of Navarre. He embodies the new wave of Spanish football. Coming from a Ghanaian family that fled poverty to reach Spain, he grew up in a modest environment. Family solidarity plays an essential role in his development. Iñaki Williams, his older brother, who later became an icon of Athletic Bilbao, watches over him like a second father. Thus, he accompanies him to school, to training, and prepares his meals.
In 2013, Iñaki joined the training center of the Athletic Club, the emblematic team of Bilbao. Nico, then 11 years old, also joined the youth teams. Quickly, his profile caught the attention of the trainers. He is lively, technical, daring. His ability to outflank and destabilize defenses triggers decisive actions. Thus, this earned him a rapid rise through the ranks of the Basque club.
A Rapid Rise Among Professionals
The 2020-2021 season marks a turning point. Nico shines with Bilbao Athletic, the club’s B team. He scores 9 goals and makes 10 assists in just 23 matches. This transformation impresses the technical staff. On April 28, 2021, at the age of 18, he makes his debut in La Liga against Valladolid. It is a historic first: for the first time since 1986, two brothers play together under the Athletic jersey.
However, it is the following season that seals his status. He becomes a regular starter. In the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, he stands out. He scores decisive goals, makes spectacular breakthroughs, and provides numerous assists. In 2024, he wins the Copa del Rey against RCD Mallorca after a suspenseful final. He finishes the season with 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. These statistics make him one of the best wingers in the Spanish championship.
A Technical Profile That Challenges the Norms
Nico Williams is a right winger by training but can play across the entire front line. His speed, explosiveness, and dribbling mastery make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He is often compared to players like Raheem Sterling or Kingsley Coman. However, his game is distinguished by a personal touch: a mix of African fervor and Spanish tactical rigor.
In Spanish football, long dominated by possession and patience, Nico introduces a new verticality. Thus, he provokes, accelerates, and strikes. His impact is immediate. In La Liga, he ranks among the best dribblers in the championship. His sprints at the end of matches exhaust defenders and change the course of games.
A Key Role Within La Roja
Called up to the national team by Luis de la Fuente, Nico Williams has managed to establish himself within a team undergoing transformation. During Euro 2024, he shines. He scores against Georgia in the round of 16 and opens the scoring in the final against England. His understanding with Lamine Yamal, a prodigy from FC Barcelona, is praised by observers. The two young players are seen as the future backbone of La Roja.
Moreover, his tactical discipline and maturity are surprising. At only 22 years old, he plays with the poise of a veteran. He tracks back to defend, presses high, and adapts to different systems. His profile matches the demands of modern football.
A European Market on Alert
Nico’s performances do not go unnoticed. His release clause, estimated at €60 million, whets appetites. FC Barcelona is considering reuniting the Williams – Yamal duo at Camp Nou. Arsenal is increasing its observations. But according to revelations by Florian Plettenberg, it is Bayern Munich that is leading the race.
The German club, in the midst of an offensive rebuild, is looking for a high-level winger. After the failure of the Bradley Barcola pursuit, the Bavarians have intensified discussions. The main obstacle remains the salary: Nico earns nearly €10 million annually at Bilbao. Bayern, traditionally cautious about salaries, hesitates.
However, negotiations are advancing. The player’s profile, both young, already experienced, and tactically mature, fits Bayern’s strategy. A transfer could occur before the end of summer 2025.
A Promising Trajectory
Despite the social difficulties of his childhood, Nico Williams has established himself as a symbol of diversity. Thus, he has also become an example of sporting merit. He has conquered Spain with his legs, Europe with his game intelligence. Already a winner of Euro 2024, he hopes to offer a second star to La Roja and shine in the Champions League.
“We know our potential,” he declares to RTVE. A simple phrase, but full of promise. In a changing football landscape, Nico Williams embodies a more technical, more committed, more cosmopolitan generation. And each match played becomes another page in the story of a talent on the rise to the top.