Nico Williams, the electrifying Spanish winger for Athletic Bilbao and the Spain national team, has captured the attention of football fans worldwide with his blistering pace, skillful dribbling, and standout performances, including his pivotal role in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 victory. While his on-field exploits are well-documented, there are many intriguing aspects of his life and career that remain under the radar.
Here, we dive into eight lesser-known facts about Nico that shed light on his journey, personality, and unique background.
1. His parents’ harrowing journey shaped his roots
Nico was born on July 12, 2002, in Pamplona, Spain, to Ghanaian parents, Felix Williams and Maria Arthuer, who undertook a perilous journey to secure a better future for their family. Before Nico’s birth, his parents fled poverty in Ghana, falling victim to human traffickers who promised passage to Europe. Their migration involved a grueling trek across the Sahara Desert, where they faced starvation, dehydration, and extreme conditions—sometimes resorting to drinking their own urine to survive. After crossing the Mediterranean Sea and attempting to scale Spain’s border fence, they were arrested but saved by a Catholic NGO lawyer.
2. He could have played for Ghana
Despite representing Spain at the senior international level, Nico had the option to play for Ghana, the homeland of his parents. His dual citizenship made him eligible for both nations, and Ghana’s football association reportedly showed interest in recruiting him. However, Nico chose Spain, where he was born and raised, making his senior debut in September 2022 during a UEFA Nations League match against Switzerland. Interestingly, his brother Iñaki opted for Ghana, switching his allegiance in 2022 after initially playing for Spain at the youth level.
3. A childhood nickname that stuck
Nico’s full name is Nicholas Williams Arthuer, but the nickname “Nico” has followed him since childhood and remains his widely recognized moniker. The choice of “Nico” over “Nicholas” reflects a personal touch, possibly influenced by his family’s affectionate shorthand during his early years in Pamplona. On the pitch, he often wears “Williams Jr.” on his jersey to distinguish himself from his brother Iñaki, especially in domestic matches with Athletic Bilbao, where they play together.
4. Fashion is his off-field passion
Beyond football, Nico has a keen interest in fashion, which he frequently showcases on social media. With over 5 million followers on Instagram (@nicolas_williams9), he shares glimpses of his trendy outfits, blending streetwear with high-end styles. This passion for self-expression sets him apart from many peers who focus solely on their athletic image. His distinctive looks have earned him a reputation as a budding fashion icon among fans, hinting at a potential future in the style industry once his playing days conclude.
5. His first senior goals came in a cup double
While Nico’s speed and flair were evident early in his career, his first senior goals for Athletic Bilbao came in dramatic fashion on January 6, 2022. In a Copa del Rey match against Atlético Mancha Real, he scored twice in a 2-0 victory, announcing his arrival as a first-team talent. Just seven days later, on January 13, he netted the decisive goal in a 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid in the Supercopa de España semi-final.
6. He faced social media backlash—and bounced back
Nico’s meteoric rise hasn’t been without challenges. In the 2022-23 Copa del Rey semi-final against Osasuna, Athletic Bilbao was eliminated, and Nico missed two promising scoring opportunities. The aftermath saw him inundated with abusive messages on social media, forcing him to temporarily deactivate his accounts. However, his resilience shone through just four days later when he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 league victory over Espanyol.
7. A family vacation to Ghana reconnected him with his heritage
In June 2022, Nico and Iñaki, along with Iñaki’s girlfriend Patricia Morales, traveled to Ghana to visit their ancestral homeland. The trip allowed Nico to explore the modest neighborhood in Tema, near Accra, where his parents once lived before their migration. This journey wasn’t just a vacation—it was a meaningful reconnection with his Ghanaian roots, offering insight into the struggles that shaped his family’s story.
8. He’s a devout Catholic with a quiet faith
While Nico doesn’t often speak publicly about his beliefs, evidence suggests he was raised in a Catholic household, influenced by his parents’ faith. Before his birth, Felix and Maria were aided by a Catholic priest, Iñaki Mardones, who helped them secure asylum in Spain—a gesture so significant that they named their first son after him. Nico’s full name, Nicholas Williams Arthuer, also aligns with traditional Christian naming conventions.