Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nico Williams

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 13, 2026

Discover the career path of Nico Williams, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Nico Williams is a dynamic professional football player who serves as a winger for Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team. Known for his exceptional speed, dribbling ability, and tactical awareness, he has established himself as one of Europe's most exciting young talents. Born in Pamplona, Spain, to Ghanaian parents, he plays alongside his brother, Iñaki Williams. His breakout performance in the 2024 UEFA European Championship, where he played a pivotal role in Spain's tournament victory, significantly elevated his global profile. Williams is recognized for his direct playing style, often cutting inside from the flank to create goal-scoring opportunities or provide clinical assists. His versatility, combined with his work rate and technical proficiency, has made him a highly coveted asset in the transfer market, cementing his reputation as a key figure in modern elite football.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

13 January 2022: Supercopa de España semi-final winning goal

On 13 January 2022, Williams scored the decisive winning goal in a 2–1 victory against Atlético Madrid, securing a spot in the semi-final of the 2022 Supercopa de España.

20 January 2022: Promotion to first team contract

On 20 January 2022, after successfully meeting several contractual clauses, Nico Williams was officially awarded a first team contract.

2013: Joined Athletic Bilbao Youth Academy

In 2013, Nico Williams took a significant step in his football journey by joining the youth academy of Athletic Bilbao, marking the beginning of his development with the club.

2019: Beginning Senior Career with Basconia

During the 2019–20 season, Nico Williams officially commenced his senior football career by playing for Basconia, the farm team of Athletic Bilbao.

May 2020: Promotion to Reserve Team

In May 2020, Nico Williams achieved a significant career milestone when he was promoted to the Athletic Bilbao reserve team competing in the Segunda División B.

2020: First Representation for Spain U-18

In 2020, Nico Williams made his debut for the Spain under-18 squad, successfully scoring two goals across four appearances during the year.

2020: Promotion to Reserve Team

Nico Williams reached a new stage in his professional career in 2020 when he was officially promoted to the Athletic Bilbao reserve team.

February 2021: Spain Under-19 Call-up

During February 2021, Nico Williams earned his first call-up to represent the Spain under-19 national football team.

September 2022: Breakthrough performances in La Liga

During September 2022, Nico Williams achieved significant career milestones. On September 11, 2022, he was named player of the match against Elche CF after forcing an own goal, winning a penalty, and scoring his first league goal. Later in September 2022, he also netted a decisive goal at San Mamés in a 3–2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

September 2022: Senior National Team Debut

In September 2022, Nico Williams received his inaugural call-up to the senior Spain national squad under coach Luis Enrique and made his first appearance in a match against Switzerland.

2022: International Debut and World Cup Participation

In 2022, Nico Williams made his debut for the senior Spain national football team and was selected as a member of their squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

December 2023: Contract Renewal with Athletic Club

On 1 December 2023, following months of negotiations and speculation regarding his future with various clubs, Nico Williams signed a new contract with Athletic Club that extends his tenure through 2027.

2023: Copa del Rey Triumph

During the 2023–24 season, which included events in 2023, Nico Williams celebrated a major achievement by winning the Copa del Rey alongside his brother, Iñaki Williams, while playing for the first team.

April 2024: Copa del Rey Triumph

On 6 April 2024, Nico Williams played a pivotal role in the Copa del Rey final against Mallorca, providing the assist for Oihan Sancet's goal and earning Man of the Match honors as Athletic Club won their first major trophy in 40 years via a penalty shootout.

May 2024: Selection for UEFA Euro 2024 squad

In May 2024, Nico Williams was officially named as part of the 26-man squad representing Spain for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.

2024: UEFA Euro 2024 Victory

During the 2024 UEFA Euro tournament, Nico Williams scored a goal and received the man of the match award in the final, helping Spain secure the championship title.

2024: 2024–25 Season Performance and European Debut

During the 2024 period of the 2024–25 season, Nico Williams navigated a campaign periodically hindered by injuries and assessed as lacking standout individual form. Despite this, he made his debut in continental competition, scoring five goals in the UEFA Europa League—including key strikes against Roma and Rangers—to help Athletic reach the semi-finals. While the team qualified for the UEFA Champions League via La Liga, they faced early exits from the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey.

June 2025: Transfer Speculation and Contract Negotiations

In June 2025, intense media speculation surrounded a potential transfer of Nico Williams to Barcelona. While contractual terms were reportedly agreed upon, the move was complicated by Barcelona's financial constraints regarding the payment of the release clause fee, leading to a tense standoff with Athletic Bilbao.

November 2025: Goal of the Month for solo effort against Real Oviedo

In November 2025, Nico Williams scored a notable solo goal during a match against Real Oviedo, which was subsequently recognized by voters as the Goal of the Month.

2026: 2026 World Cup Squad Selection

Nico Williams was named as a member of the Spain national team squad for the 2026 World Cup competition.

2027: Contract Expiration Date

As of the agreement reached in December 2023, the current contract for Nico Williams at Athletic Club is scheduled to run until the year 2027.

2035: Contract Renewal and Long-Term Commitment

On 4 July 2025, Nico Williams officially renewed his contract with Athletic Bilbao in a 10-year deal extending his tenure until 2035. The agreement featured a release clause of approximately €90 million and was highlighted by an announcement video where the player himself revealed the 'WIN 2035' slogan.