Nico Williams dedicates Euro 2024 medal to mother’s journey from Ghana to Spain

By Rohit Verma — 20 July 2026 — 3 min read

A Mother’s Sacrifice Honoured

Nico Williams, the Spain footballer, dedicated his Euro 2024 winner’s medal to his mother, acknowledging her journey from Ghana to Spain. Following Spain’s Euro 2024 victory over England in July 2024, Williams stated that his mother’s courage and endurance in crossing the Sahara Desert outweighed his own athletic achievements. He scored the opening goal in the final and was recognised as a standout performer in the tournament.

Williams was born in Pamplona, Spain, to Ghanaian parents. His older brother, Iñaki Williams, represents Ghana in international football. The family’s migration story, which involved crossing the Sahara before settling in Spain, is seen as a foundational element behind both brothers’ careers.

The footballer is known for his speed on the pitch. He explained that his comparison between his speed and his mother’s journey was not literal, but rather an acknowledgment that her struggle to survive the crossing was a greater feat than anything he has accomplished in football.

The Journey to Success

Over 32 years ago, Maria Arthuer, Nico’s mother, along with Felix, her husband, left Ghana for Spain while she was pregnant with Iñaki. Their journey involved crossing the Sahara Desert. Iñaki previously shared details of their parents’ barefoot journey without water, which included climbing a fence into Melilla, Spain’s North African enclave.

Upon reaching Melilla, they were detained by the civil guard. Lacking documentation, they were at risk of being sent back. A lawyer from Caritas, a Catholic aid organisation, advised them to claim they were from a country at war. They reportedly destroyed their Ghanaian papers and stated they were from Liberia to apply for political asylum, which ultimately allowed them to reach Bilbao.

The family’s story is characterised by survival, determination, and grit. Football later provided a path for the family. In recent times, both Nico and Iñaki Williams have faced racist abuse in La Liga. Nico Williams has stated that fighting racism is a significant task for him, describing it as his number one goal as a public figure.

Family Values and Impact

Nico Williams’ parents made significant sacrifices to provide better opportunities for their family. Félix and María Williams worked various jobs in Spain to support their growing family, and their sacrifices have remained a central theme in their sons’ lives.

Iñaki Williams has spoken about the hardships their parents endured, noting that their current good life is a result of those struggles. He stated that everything he and Nico do is for their parents, who now see their sons prospering.

The brothers have a unique story in international football. Both are prominent players for Athletic Club, but they represent different national teams. Iñaki initially represented Spain before switching to play for Ghana in 2022. Nico, on the other hand, made his senior debut for Spain at 18 years old and has become a notable talent for the national side. Their differing international allegiances have made them one of the most discussed sibling duos in world football.

Coaches who worked with Nico from a young age noted his talent and character. Former Athletic Club manager Gaizka Garitano credited the Williams family for instilling strong values in both brothers, highlighting their mother’s role in their development, not only in football but also in their respectful demeanor.

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Nico Williams had an opportunity to make history as his team faced Argentina. During the World Cup, he played a more limited role due to an injury sustained while playing for Athletic. However, he made a crucial impact as a substitute in a match, providing an assist for Ferran Torres, who scored what proved to be the winning goal in the 106th minute.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com