Nico Williams: Life, Clubs, Career and Stats

Spanish professional football player Nicholas “Nico” Williams Arthuer was born on July 12, 2002. He plays as a winger for both the Spain national team and La Liga team Athletic Bilbao.

After enrolling in the Athletic Bilbao youth academy in 2013, he advanced to the reserve team in 2020 and the first squad the following year, when he partnered with his older brother Iñaki.

With his rapid rise to prominence due to his speed and dribbling abilities, Williams made his senior team debut for Spain in 2022 and was selected for their 2022 FIFA World Cup roster.

Nico Williams Bio

• Full Name: Nicholas Williams Arthuer
• Date of Birth: 12 July 2002
• Place of Birth: Pamplona, Spain
• Professional Debut: 2019
• Jersey Number: 11
• Position: Winger

Nico Williams: Early Years and Youth Development

Nico Williams was born in Pamplona, Navarre, and his football journey began when he joined the youth academy of Athletic Bilbao in 2013, transitioning from his hometown club CA Osasuna.

He honed his skills in the club’s youth setup before making strides into senior football.

Rise through the Ranks & First Team Breakthrough

In the 2019–20 season, Williams commenced his senior career with Athletic Bilbao’s farm team, Basconia, marking the beginning of his ascent within the club’s ranks. His dedication and talent soon caught the eye of the first-team selectors.

On 11 May 2020, Williams received a promotion to the reserve team competing in Segunda División B. His hard work paid off when he made his long-awaited first-team debut in La Liga on 28 April of the following year.

This debut was not only significant for Williams but also marked a historic moment for Athletic Bilbao, as he and his brother Iñaki took to the pitch together, a rare feat for siblings in the club’s history.

Crucial Contributions

Williams wasted no time in making an impact, scoring his first goals for the Lions in a Copa del Rey fixture against Atlético Mancha Real in January 2022.

He further solidified his presence by netting the winning goal in the semi-final of the 2021–22 Supercopa de España against Atlético Madrid. These performances led to his elevation to a first-team contract in January 2022.

The 2022–23 La Liga campaign saw Williams emerge as a regular starter, showcasing his versatility and attacking prowess. He earned plaudits for his standout performance against Elche CF, where he not only scored his maiden league goal but also contributed significantly to a memorable away victory.

Securing the Future with Athletic Bilbao

As speculation swirled regarding his future, Williams committed his allegiance to La Liga’s Athletic Bilbao by signing a contract extension until 2027, quelling rumours linking him with various European giants. His decision reaffirmed his dedication to the club and its ambitious endeavours.

Emerging on the International Stage

In 2020, Williams made his debut for Spain with the under-18 team, tallying two goals in four matches. In September of the same year, 2021, he made his debut for the under-21 team after being called up to the Spain under-19 team in February.

In September 2022, he was called up for the first time to the senior team, who is led by Luis Enrique, for the UEFA Nations League 2022–23 matches.

He netted his first goal for his country on November 17 in a friendly against Jordan. He was then called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he made four appearances (one start) and watched as Spain lost to Morocco in the Round of 16 on penalties.

Nico Williams Career and Stats

International:

Personal life

Nico Williams was born in Pamplona to Ghanaian parents who embarked on a challenging journey across the Sahara Desert to find refuge in Melilla, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. His family’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity shaped his perspective and instilled in him a strong sense of identity.

Sharing a passion for football runs in the family, as Nico’s elder brother, Iñaki Williams, also pursued a career in the sport. Like Nico, Iñaki found his footballing home at Athletic Bilbao, further strengthening their familial connection to the club.

Nico Williams often dons “Williams Jr” on the back of his shirt, a homage to his familial ties and distinction from his brother Iñaki. This gesture symbolizes his pride in his heritage and his determination to forge his own legacy in the world of football.

During his formative years, Nico found inspiration in the achievements of Asamoah Gyan, a Ghanaian football icon known for his prowess on the field. Gyan’s success served as a source of motivation for Nico as he pursued his own dreams of footballing greatness.

While Nico Williams’ professional life is widely documented, he maintains a level of privacy regarding his personal relationships. As of now, he is single and not romantically involved. Similarly, he has not entered the realm of marriage. His focus remains on his career and aspirations within the footballing world.

Nico Williams’s Net Worth

Nico Williams boasts a commendable net worth of $2 million, primarily fueled by his lucrative football contract and endorsements. As a key player for Athletic Bilbao, he commands an impressive annual salary of €2.35 million, translating to a weekly income of €45,192.

In addition to his football earnings, Williams enjoys the endorsement of global sportswear giant Nike. He is a Nike-endorsed player, showcasing the brand’s prestigious Zoom Mercurial Vapor 15 soccer cleats during the 2022-23 season.

FAQ’s

Q- Are Inaki and Nico Williams brothers?

Yes, Sharing a passion for football runs in the family, as Nico’s elder brother, Iñaki Williams, also pursued a career in Football.

Q- Why does Nico Williams play for Spain?

Nico Williams was born in Spain to Ghanaian parents. He had the choice to play for Ghana but he chose to play for Spain.

Q- Will Nico Williams play for Ghana?

No, as Nico Williams has already made his debut for Spain. Meanwhile, his brother Inaki plays for Ghana.

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