Born on June 19, 2003, in the town of Quinindé, located in Ecuador’s Esmeraldas Province, Nilson David Angulo Ramírez’s early environment was steeped in a vibrant local culture where football is a central part of community life.
The coastal region, home to a substantial Afro-Ecuadorian population, provided the informal pitches and daily rhythms where Angulo’s initial passion for the game took root.
His talent quickly distinguished him, leading to a pivotal relocation to the capital around 2015 to join the esteemed academy of Independiente del Valle.
Angulo’s formative years were marked by disciplined development. After spells at Independiente and C.S. Norte América, he transferred to the youth academy of Liga Deportiva Universitaria (LDU) Quito in 2020.
Immersing himself in a structured professional environment, he honed his technical skills and tactical awareness across multiple forward positions, ultimately establishing himself as a dynamic left winger known for his dribbling, speed, and a physical frame that grew to 1.84 meters (6 ft 0 in).
This period of rigorous training set the stage for his remarkably swift ascent to the first team.
Meteoric rise at LDU Quito and European ascent
Angulo’s professional debut for LDU Quito arrived in June 2021, with his first senior goal following in April 2022.
In his breakthrough 2022 season, he became a key attacking force, contributing six goals and four assists in just 22 appearances across all competitions, a performance that earned him recognition as one of the Ecuadorian league’s most promising talents.
His standout displays, particularly in the Copa Sudamericana, showcased a player ready for a bigger stage. By July 2022, Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht secured his services, signing the 19-year-old to a five-year contract for a fee of €1.9 million.
The transition to European football presented challenges. Adaptation to a new league’s pace and physicality, coupled with minor injuries and transfer speculation, initially limited his impact.
To aid his development, Angulo split time between the first team and RSCA Futures, Anderlecht’s reserve side. This patient approach paid dividends.
His perseverance was rewarded in February 2024 with his first crucial goal for Anderlecht, a stoppage-time winner in an away victory over Club Brugge. This moment marked a turning point, fueling his confidence and integration.
Breakthrough in Belgium: The making of a complete winger
The 2025-26 season proved to be Angulo’s true arrival as a top-tier prospect. He became a first-team mainstay for Anderlecht, starting 22 league matches and delivering consistently influential performances.
His season statistics were impressive: 6 goals, 5 assists, and an average FotMob performance rating of 7.61.
Advanced metrics painted the picture of a well-rounded and dangerous attacker, ranking him second in the Belgian Pro League for completed dribbles and sixth for chances created.
His playing style is defined by versatility and directness. Although primarily a right-footed left winger, he is comfortable operating on either flank, as a wide midfielder, or even as a wing-back, offering managers valuable tactical flexibility.
His standout traits include an exceptional work rate, with defensive contribution metrics rated in the 96th percentile compared to peers, and a surprising aerial prowess, winning 80% of his aerial duels.
His breakout campaign in Belgium did not go unnoticed, leading to a significant contract extension with Anderlecht in September 2025 and attracting serious interest from prominent clubs across Europe.
The Sunderland move and adapting to England
On February 2, 2026, Sunderland announced the signing of Nilson Angulo on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a reported fee of £15 million, plus potential add-ons.
The transfer represents a major step in the 22-year-old’s career, transitioning from the Belgian Pro League to the intense crucible of the English Premier League.
Angulo’s profile as a hard-working, defensively responsible winger who excels in one-on-one situations appears tailored for the demands of English football.
His reported close friendship with teammate Noah Sadiki is also seen as a factor that could help him settle quickly at his new club.
Angulo has previously demonstrated a mature approach to external noise, a trait that will serve him well under the spotlight in England.
In response to earlier transfer rumors linking him with clubs like Liverpool, he stated: “I have been made aware of articles about Celta Vigo and Liverpool. As long as my agent doesn’t say anything, I know it’s not true. I am 100% focused on Anderlecht.”
This focused mentality will be crucial as he aims to establish himself as a key player for Sunderland and fulfill the promise that prompted their significant investment.
Representing La Tricolor: International career
Angulo’s rapid club progression was mirrored on the international stage. He earned his senior debut for Ecuador in October 2021, coming on as a substitute in a friendly victory over Mexico.
While he was a consistent squad member, his role was initially limited, often appearing as a substitute during World Cup qualifiers. A landmark moment arrived on November 18, 2025, when he scored his first international goal in a 2-0 friendly win against New Zealand.
His experience with Ecuador’s youth teams laid an important foundation. He was a key figure at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, where he scored three goals, including a brace against Fiji, helping Ecuador advance to the knockout stages.
These performances at youth level showcased his capability to influence major tournaments, boding well for his future with the senior national team as they continue their campaign in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Player profile and future prospects
At 22, Angulo arrives in the Premier League as a player with a compelling and mature skillset. His physical attributes, combining height, strength, and pace, make him a formidable presence.
Technically, he is a confident dribbler and an improving finisher, with a 48% shot-on-target rate in his final Belgian season.
Perhaps most impressively, his tactical intelligence and defensive discipline set him apart from many traditional attacking wingers, making him a manager’s asset in both phases of the game.
The challenge ahead at Sunderland is significant, but Angulo’s career trajectory suggests he is prepared. His journey from the pitches of Quinindé, through the academies of Quito, to a starring role in Belgium, demonstrates a remarkable capacity for adaptation and growth.
As he dons the Sunderland shirt, the Ecuadorian winger carries not just the hopes of his new club, but also the burgeoning reputation of a generation of Ecuadorian talent making its mark on Europe’s biggest leagues.
His story is one of steady, determined progression, and the Premier League provides the next grand stage for its next chapter.