Nico Williams - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

2026 World Cup: Are Nico Williams and Inaki Williams brothers? While Nico and Inaki Williams are suiting up for different national teams at the 2026 World Cup, they shared the pitch as longtime club team...

2 DAYS AGO • BOLAVIP.COM

Records four minutes of play Williams entered the field for three minutes in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

Impact Williams was held out much of Spain's opener, not featuring until the 87th minute as a substitute. The minimal time would lead him to minimal stats, not recording a single significant stat in his short time on the field. A starting role is something he will eye in their next contest, likely to replace Gavi on the flank.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Available off the bench Williams (hamstring) is on the bench for Monday's World Cup opener against Cape Verde.

Impact Williams has been included in the squad after completing Saturday's training session with Spain, with the coaching staff opting to ease him back via the bench rather than hand him an immediate starting role despite the encouraging progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Gavi starts on the left flank in his place, though Williams' presence among the substitutes gives Spain a dynamic option to unleash during the match, with his pace, dribbling ability and creativity capable of causing problems for any defense once introduced. Before missing Athletic Club's final three La Liga fixtures, he had recorded two goals and one assist across five starts between April and May, and his gradual reintegration through game action should help him return to that level of influence as Spain look to navigate what is expected to be a favorable group-stage campaign.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Involved in full training Williams (hamstring) has continued to make progress in his recovery, completing Saturday's practice with the Spanish national team, Alfredo Martinez of Onda Cero reports.

Impact Williams' return to full training represents a boost to his chances of appearing in the World Cup opener against Cape Verde, although he's not yet expected to start. Instead, he'll offer a quality backup option behind Alex Baena or Dani Olmo on the left flank. Before missing the final three games of the La Liga season, Williams posted two goals and an assist over a string of five starts for Athletic Bilbao between April and May. As soon as he's back on the field, he'll serve as an offensive threat with high dribbling and playmaking upside, playing for a national team that is expected to dominate in all of its group phase matches.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Lamine Yamal Returns To Training With Spain Ahead Of World Cup Opener vs. Cabo Verde

Spain have received a significant fitness boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returning to full training.

JUNE 12 • FOX SPORTS

Lamine Yamal Returns To Training With Spain Ahead Of World Cup Opener vs. Cabo Verde

Could feature in opener Williams (hamstring) is expected to be available for some minutes in Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday, with his recovery from his injury progressing within the...

Impact Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage, and the positive update suggests he will be ready to contribute when Spain's tournament begins in Atlanta. Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to manage his minutes carefully in the opener to avoid any risk of a setback, with the Athletic Club winger's explosive direct threat on the left flank a weapon Spain will be eager to deploy as the competition progresses.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Rested in last friendly Williams (hamstring) is on track to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 but will not travel to Puebla for the final pre-tournament friendly agai...

Impact Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage following the hamstring injury he sustained against Valencia, and his progression within the expected timeline is a significant relief for Spain. The Athletic Club winger brings an explosive direct threat on Spain's left flank that is difficult to replicate with any other player in the squad, and manager De la Fuente will take no risks with his fitness ahead of the competition.

JUNE 8 • ROTOWIRE

Expected back for World Cup opener Williams (hamstring) was cleared of any serious damage following Monday's medical examinations, with an MRI ruling out a tendon lesion and confirming an absence of two to three wee...

Impact Williams had come off in the 35th minute of Sunday's clash against Valencia amid fears of a significant hamstring injury, but the results of further testing have provided a considerably more optimistic picture than initially feared. The winger will follow a progressive and rigorous rehabilitation program over the coming weeks, with the timeline suggesting he could be ready for Spain's first group stage match, though the coaching staff will not take any unnecessary risks with his fitness. Coach Luis De la Fuente had been prepared to wait until the second or third group stage fixture if needed, but the medical update opens the door for an earlier return. The ruling out of any tendon damage was the key concern for both Athletic Club and the Spanish national team following Sunday's exit, and the positive diagnosis is a major relief heading into the summer tournament.

MAY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Taken off in first half Williams was forced off the field in the 36th minute of Sunday's match against Valencia due to an apparent injury.

Impact Williams is worrying numerous fans around the Spanish National Team after his exit Sunday, coming off ahead of halftime due to an injury. With the World Cup just a few weeks away, this is a major storyline to watch for the player, as he broke at the last World Cup and might not be involved now if the injury is deemed serious. However, there is still some time to recover, and he has yet to be tested for further injury, so nothing is confirmed yet.

MAY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Involved in three goals in win Williams scored two goals and assisted once from four shots and one chance created in Saturday's 4-2 victory against Deportivo Alaves. In addition, he was given a yellow card in th...

Impact Williams was credited with the assist in Robert Navarro's goal early in the second half, but he'd later find the back of the net twice -- right when the team needed him the most. Williams gave Athletic a 3-2 lead with a clever finish after a one-two with Gorka Guruzeta in the 83rd minute, and he'd later close things out with a chipped finish four minutes later. This was Williams' first two-goal performance of the season, and he has nine goal contributions (G6, A3) in the 2025/26 Liga campaign.

MAY 5 • ROTOWIRE

DEPORTIVO ALAVÉS 2 - 4 ATHLETIC CLUB | RESUMEN LALIGA EA SPORTS

MAY 2 • YOUTUBE

DEPORTIVO ALAVÉS 2 - 4 ATHLETIC CLUB | RESUMEN LALIGA EA SPORTS

MAY 2 • YOUTUBE

Active in final third in win Williams recorded one shot (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 1-0 win versus Osasuna.

Impact Williams wasn't credited with the assist on Gorka Guruzeta's goal, but there's no question that he was the architect of that sequence with one of his trademark runs on the left wing. Williams has a solid floor on offense due to his creativity-based numbers, but he would have far more fantasy upside if he were able to score or assist regularly. He hasn't scored a goal in league play since January, and he hasn't delivered an assist since December. Furthermore, he hasn't recorded a goal contribution since returning to the squad three games following his latest injury setback -- a groin injury that sidelined him for six matches between Feb. 15 and April 5.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

Makes return Sunday Williams had five crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Getafe.

Impact Williams made his return to the pitch Sunday after missing nearly two months with a groin injury. He subbed onto the field at halftime and instantly made an impact, recording five crosses and creating two chances over the second half of the contest. Now that he's back healthy, he has a good chance to return to the starting XI Sunday versus Villarreal.

APRIL 7 • ROTOWIRE

Option moving forward Williams (pubalgia) has been included in the matchday squad for Sunday's clash against Getafe, the club posted.

Impact Williams has been sidelined since early February due to his recurrent groin issues, making Sunday's return a welcome boost for Athletic Club. The left winger has been one of their most productive attackers this season with four goals and two assists in 19 league appearances, and getting him back in the starting lineup gives the Basques a serious attacking weapon heading into the final stretch of the campaign.

APRIL 4 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to full training Williams (groin) returned to full training Friday and is on track to be available against Getafe on Sunday, April 5, after the international break.

Impact Williams has been sidelined since Feb. 8, when he played 76 minutes in the 4-2 win over Levante, but he seems set to return after the break following a six-game absence. Williams has four goals and two assists in 19 league appearances (15 starts) this season, and if he trains well throughout next week, he should be a lock to return to the starting lineup once the league resumes.

MARCH 27 • ROTOWIRE

Aims return against Getafe Williams (sports hernia) is aiming a return against Getafe after the international break, according to Marca.

Impact Williams is still working his way back from recurring groin issues and remains a few weeks out from returning to the matchday squad. The medical staff is targeting a comeback for him in early April against Getafe right after the March international break, giving the winger a clear timeline to ramp back up. He will aim to regain full sharpness without setbacks as the Basques push through a tough campaign, while Alex Berenguer and Robert Navarro are in line for increased minutes up front in his absence.

MARCH 17 • ROTOWIRE

Spain Star Nico Williams Sidelined Indefinitely With Pubalgia Issue

Athletic Club suffered a major blow as star winger Nico Williams was sidelined indefinitely with a pubalgia issue.

FEBRUARY 17 • FOX SPORTS

Spain Star Nico Williams Sidelined Indefinitely With Pubalgia Issue

Picks up sports hernia Williams is out for the time being due to a sports hernia, according to his club.

Impact Williams has hit the sidelines for the next few weeks, as the attacker has entered a program and is seeing a specialist due to a hernia. This will likely take him out of play for a few weeks, likely to remain out until March. That said, they will hope for the return of Alex Berenguer (undisclosed), otherwise Inaki Williams, Gorka Guruzeta and Nico Serrano will likely lead the attack.

FEBRUARY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Sunday Williams is not in the squad to face Oviedo on Sunday, the club announced.

Impact Williams is not in the squad for Sunday's match against Oviedo for undisclosed reasons. The winger, who has been managing a lingering groin issue, had featured in the last two matches but is absent again. Robert Navarro is likely to start in his place, especially with Alex Berenguer also unavailable.

FEBRUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad both score late to make it to Copa del Rey semifinals

Iñaki Williams has scored six minutes into stoppage time as Athletic Bilbao won 2-1 at Valencia to reach the semifinals of the Copa del Rey

FEBRUARY 4 • Associated Press

Won't undergo surgery Williams (groin) is treating his pubalgia issue without surgery, a fact clarified by Athletic's sporting director Mikel Gonzalez, who stated that "The player is competing at less t...

Impact Williams was originally expected to miss at least six weeks of action, but now it appears he'll take the risk of an often complicated injury, with the forward surprisingly playing and providing an assist in Wednesday's Copa del Rey quarter-finals match against Valencia. It's possible he'll be able to help the team in limited minutes per game over the next few weeks, but it's unclear if he'll reach his top level, having produced four goals and two assists over 21 league or UCL appearances this season. Both Robert Navarro and Alex Berenguer will likely split playing time with Williams or fill in for him if he's rested in some games.

FEBRUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Out six to eight weeks Williams is set to miss six to eight weeks of action with a pubalgia, according to El Chiringuito TV.

Impact Williams is set for another treatment process and is heading to the sidelines, with six to eight weeks out expected. This is likely something to try to put his injury issues from this season behind him ahead of the World Cup, now set to miss out until the end of March. Unfortunately, this will force a change for time being, with Robert Navarro and Alex Berenguer likely to see more time on the left while Inaki Williams works back into the starting XI. This is a major loss for the club, needing to replace a top playmaker who holds six goal contributions this season.

FEBRUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Starts against Sociedad Williams (groin) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Athletic.

Impact Williams is fit after passing his testing, with the attacker an option for the starting XI immediately. He remains one of their top players, with four goals and two assists in 21 appearances (16 starts) this season.

FEBRUARY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Late call against Real Sociedad Williams (groin) is a late call for Sunday's derby against Real Sociedad, coach Ernesto Valverde said in the press conference, according to Radio Nervion. "Nico... We'll see how th...

Impact Williams is questionable for Sunday's match against Real Sociedad pending the final training session. The Spaniard is an undisputed starter when fit, but his place in the starting lineup could be taken by either Alex Berenguer or Nico Serrano if he is unavailable. Once fully recovered, Williams is expected to push back into a prominent role after recording four goals and two assists across 20 appearances this season.

JANUARY 31 • ROTOWIRE

NICO WILLIAMS NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG

Lamine Yamal Returns To Training With Spain Ahead Of World Cup Opener vs. Cabo Verde

Spain Star Nico Williams Sidelined Indefinitely With Pubalgia Issue

Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad both score late to make it to Copa del Rey semifinals