Nico Williams dedicates Euro 2024 medal to mother’s extraordinary journey

By Sanjay Menon — 20 July 2026 — 3 min read

Nico Williams, the Spanish footballer, dedicated his Euro 2024 winner’s medal to his mother, María Arthuer, highlighting her arduous journey from Ghana to Spain. Williams, known for his speed on the pitch, stated that he cannot run as fast as his mother, who once escaped death and crossed the Sahara Desert to reach Spain. This emotional tribute came after Spain’s victory over England in July 2024, a tournament where he scored the opening goal of the final and was recognised as a standout performer.

Williams’ gesture underscored the sacrifices his parents, Félix and María, made decades earlier. Their migration story, which involved crossing the Sahara and eventually settling in Spain, is seen as foundational to the careers of both Nico and his older brother, Iñaki Williams. Iñaki plays international football for Ghana, while Nico represents Spain.

A journey of survival and determination

The family’s journey began over 32 years ago when María, pregnant with Iñaki, and Félix left Ghana for Spain. Their path included traversing the Sahara Desert on foot and without water, before attempting to cross into Melilla, Spain’s North African enclave. Upon being detained by the civil guard, they were advised by a lawyer from Caritas to claim they were from a country at war, leading them to tear up their Ghanaian papers and state they were from Liberia to apply for political asylum. This allowed them to eventually reach Bilbao.

The story of the Williams family is one of survival, grit, and determination, with football later providing a path forward. Both Nico and Iñaki have also recently faced racist abuse in La Liga. Nico has spoken about the fight against racism being a significant task for him and his brother as public figures.

Impact on the pitch and beyond

At the 2024 Euros, Nico Williams was a key player for Spain, contributing to their expansive style of play with his pace and direct dribbling threat on the left wing. His capabilities, combined with Lamine Yamal’s threat on the right, added pace and verticality to Spain’s possession-based game. Williams’ contribution continued into the World Cup, where he played a crucial role despite a cautious approach from coach Luis de la Fuente due to an earlier injury.

During a significant moment in the World Cup, Williams, coming on as a substitute, stretched to keep a deep cross in play, beat his marker, and set up Ferran Torres for the winning goal in the 106th minute. This assist contributed to Spain securing a second star. Williams’ quote resonates beyond football, giving a public voice to the quiet inheritance of family histories shaped by migration and hardship, treating his visible success as built upon a less visible journey that preceded it.

Iñaki Williams, Nico’s older brother, has been a significant role model, helping to raise Nico while their parents worked long hours. Iñaki expressed pride in Nico’s growth as a footballer, stating that he has no ceiling and that he is there to help and teach him. The brothers are prominent figures at Athletic Club, though they represent different national teams, with Iñaki having switched to play for Ghana in 2022 after previously representing Spain once.

Their parents’ sacrifices have always been remembered by the brothers, with Iñaki noting that everything they do is for their parents, who now get to see their sons prosper. Former Athletic Club manager Gaizka Garitano credited their mother for their improvement, not only in football but also in their character and respect for others. Nico Williams was born in Pamplona, Spain, to Ghanaian parents.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com