Black Stars striker Inaki Williams has paid an emotional tribute to his younger brother Nico, describing Spain’s World Cup‐winning winger as an inspiration to “millions of immigrants” around the globe.
The Athletic Bilbao forward said Nico’s role in Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final – in which he set up Ferran Torres’ winning goal – had given fresh hope to families with stories like their own.
The Williams brothers were born in Spain to Ghanaian parents who undertook a perilous journey across the Sahara Desert before settling in the Basque Country. Both now play for Athletic Bilbao, but represented different nations at the 2026 tournament: Nico for eventual champions Spain, and Inaki for Ghana, who exited at the round of 32.
“Brother, You’ve won the World Cup. You’ve made history,” Inaki wrote, in a message posted on social media after Spain lifted the trophy.
‘You’ve made millions of immigrants feel proud’
In his tribute, Inaki Williams went beyond the achievement on the pitch to highlight what Nico’s success means for immigrant communities in Spain and beyond.
“Beyond the trophy, thank you for this: you’ve made millions of immigrants like our parents feel proud that their future children might one day live what you’ve lived, and that millions of Spaniards empathize with our story.”
He added: “Today the world has come to know you even more, if that’s possible, and you’ve put our last name in the stars, forever and ever. I admire you. I love you. World Champion.”
Inaki shared the message in both English and Spanish, underscoring the family’s dual identity and the wider resonance of Nico’s journey from the children of undocumented migrants to the summit of world football.
The post, published from his verified account @Williaaams45 on 20 July 2026, quickly gained traction online, with fans highlighting the brothers’ contrasting but intertwined paths at international level.
Brothers divided by national teams, united by heritage
Nico Williams, who grew up in Spain and came through Athletic Bilbao’s academy, starred for La Roja throughout the 2026 World Cup and capped his tournament by assisting Ferran Torres’ decisive goal in the final against Argentina.
Inaki, born in Bilbao but closely connected to his Ghanaian roots, chose to represent Ghana at senior level after previously appearing for Spain in friendlies. He featured for the Black Stars at the same tournament, where Ghana’s campaign ended in the first knockout round.
Despite lining up for different national teams, the brothers have remained emblematic of Spain’s changing social landscape and of the Ghanaian diaspora in Europe. Their story – from parents crossing the Sahara to two sons on football’s biggest stage – has often been cited as a symbol of perseverance and integration.
Symbol of a new generation in Spain
The Williams family’s journey has long been part of the public narrative around both players, but Nico’s role in delivering a World Cup for Spain has elevated that story to a new level.
By singling out the pride of immigrants and the empathy of “millions of Spaniards”, Inaki framed his brother’s achievement as something larger than sport – a moment in which the son of African migrants became a central figure in Spain’s national triumph.
For many supporters responding online, the message captured a broader sentiment: that Nico Williams’ success offers a powerful example for children of immigrant families in Spain and across Europe, who see in him proof that their backgrounds need not limit their dreams.
As Spain celebrate a new world title and Ghana reflect on their own campaign, the Williams brothers’ paths appear set to remain closely watched – not only for what they do on the pitch, but for what they have come to represent off it.
