Spanish-Ghanaian forward Nico Williams has playfully claimed he stands above Lamine Yamal in footballing ability, stressing the strong bond he shares with the Barcelona prodigy.
The Athletic Bilbao attacker made the remark during an interview with GQ, where he reflected on their friendship and their performances for Spain.
The pair have become central figures in Spanish football, with Yamal’s Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean roots and Williams’s Ghanaian background shaping two of the most compelling stories in the national team.
Their connection off the pitch has translated into decisive contributions on it, including their influence during Spain’s European Championship triumph last year.
Nico said his relationship with Yamal has grown through shared ambition and mutual respect.
“Lamine Yamal has incredible talent and he proves it every day”¦ but he knows I’m his daddy,” he laughed. He added that their competitive edge keeps both players driven while maintaining a deep sense of camaraderie.
He also addressed the public scrutiny surrounding Yamal in recent months, offering a calm defence of his younger teammate.
“Everyone lives their life as they want, but I think the important thing is to be professional and always give your best when it matters,” he said. Nico stressed that elite footballers must find balance in their personal lives.
“Off the field, we also need to disconnect and enjoy ourselves, like everyone else. As long as there is respect and commitment, I don’t see a problem with that.”
The Athletic winger recently signed a new contract with the Basque club, reinforcing his long-term commitment to the team that developed him. He noted the emotional weight of representing a side so tied to community identity.
“Athletic and Bilbao mean everything to me”¦ I’ve grown here as a person and as a player,” he said. “Representing this club and this city has made me understand the value of hard work, humility, and family. We all know that Athletic is unique in the world, as the motto says.”
