- Inaki Williams always knew his younger brother Nico had talent, but Nico used to get so nervous during youth games
- Inaki is a trailblazer
- This journey began far from Bilbao
Inaki Williams always knew his younger brother Nico had talent, but Nico used to get so nervous during youth games that he’d ask Inaki, already a star at Athletic Bilbao, not to watch!
Inaki is a trailblazer. He not only helped raise Nico while their parents worked hard to make ends meet, but he also paved the way for other immigrant children to play for Athletic Bilbao. The club’s policy of only fielding players with Basque roots historically resulted in a team reflecting the region’s predominantly white demographics.
While Inaki wasn’t the first player of African descent at the club (Jonas Ramalho in 2011), he is the first Black player to become a mainstay at San Mames. He’s racked up over 300 La Liga appearances, including a record-breaking 251 consecutive games.
Now, Nico, eight years younger, is also “making waves in football” according to Inaki. Any nerves Nico might have now are focused on achieving their childhood dream: playing together on the biggest stage.
“As an older brother, I’m incredibly proud of his growth and development as a player,” Inaki tells BBC Sport. “His potential is limitless. I’m here to support him, teach him, and give him everything he needs.”
This journey began far from Bilbao. Their mother, Maria, was pregnant with Inaki when she left Ghana with her husband Felix, seeking a better life.
The couple’s sacrifice was immense. They crossed part of the Sahara barefoot, a detail Inaki only learned in his 20s. He knew his father had foot problems, but not the scorching sand as the cause.
Felix and Maria reached the Spanish territory of Melilla, but were detained after jumping a border fence. With a lawyer’s help, they claimed to be refugees fleeing war in Liberia.
The lawyer connected them with a priest, Inaki Mardones, in Bilbao. Father Mardones met them at the train station, found them housing, and ensured Maria received proper prenatal care. He even baptized Inaki, gave him his first football shirt, and became his godfather.
This is the story behind the Williams brothers’ names: a family’s resilience, a community’s support, and a shared passion for the beautiful game.
