UEFA Europa League Rise Up series: The rise of Athletic Club's Nico Williams
Thursday, March 6, 2025
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"It would be a home game for us and we want to play that final," says Nico Williams. "To win the Europa League, a European title, with Athletic Club would be incredible."
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After his parents' journey from Ghana to Spain, the Williams family welcomed a little brother to Iñaki in 2002. In the fifth installment of the UEFA Europa League's Rise Up series, we spotlight Nico Williams – the Pamplona-born European champion.
In his youth, he and his brother spent every moment of the day playing football. "I remember the first time I kicked a ball very well," he says. "I always had a ball at my feet, even when I went to school. Football made me super happy. I remember playing with my brother in the neighbourhood, with his older friends."
Soon after his brother Iñaki joined Athletic Club, Nico knew he wanted to follow the same path. "I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my brother, and as I grew older, Athletic Club came for me. As Iñaki's brother, I had to make it to the first team, to follow his legacy. It was up to us to prove that the Williams brothers were capable of playing together in the first division."
Nico Williams discusses the bond he shares with his brother, from their childhood to the present, and how their connection benefits both of them as strikers on the pitch.
"For me, he is more than a brother; he is a father. In fact, he is everything. In the end, we understand each other perfectly. We understand every look, every gesture. I know his next move on the pitch, and it's an honour to play with him."
After watching footage of his first minutes with Athletic Club's first team, the Spanish winger was overcome with joy as he was transported back in time. "My debut in the San Mamés is an unforgettable memory," he says. "I remember I was super nervous. My brother was still warming up. I asked if they really called me, because I couldn't believe it. It was a moment I had always dreamed of. Especially getting home and seeing everyone crying with joy. It was unforgettable."
After an impressive performance in last year's European Championship with Spain, Williams is now dedicating himself to the Basque club in European club football. In this year's European campaign, he is playing a key role that both he and his brother will always cherish.
"Playing in a European competition is always special," he says. "I had not experienced it until very recently. A packed stadium and hearing the Europa League anthem is incredible, just like the atmosphere at San Mamés."
With the Europa League final set to take place at Bilbao's San Mamés, Nico Williams believes the city and the club are fuelled by an extra sense of motivation that could help guide them to the decisive match on 21 May.
"We know how important the final is this year," he says. "As a team, we have tremendous enthusiasm, just like the fans do. The truth is, playing the final on home soil would be incredibly special to me. Winning the final would be a moment I would never forget."
The Ghanaian-Spanish forward remains humble in life and is focused on the next steps in his career, constantly pushing his boundaries and setting higher standards. "My goal is to be remembered not only for my actions in football, but also for who I am," he explains. "Being known for the values I hold and the lessons I've learned at home. In the coming period, I hope to continue scoring goals, as that's why I'm a forward. I must demand that of myself, and little by little, I will try to be better."
Keep an eye out for more in the Rise Up series.