Nico Williams says he will continue to play for Athletic Club
Athletic Club’s star winger Nico Williams has reaffirmed his loyalty to his boyhood club, signing a landmark contract extension that will keep him at San Mamés until June 30, 2035.
The 22-year-old Spain international, who had been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, announced his decision on July 15, 2025, during a celebratory signing ceremony attended by the club president Jon Uriarte, director of football Mikel González, his brother and team captain Iñaki Williams, and their mother, María Arthur, an ambassador for Athletic’s 125th anniversary.
“When it comes to making decisions, what weighs most is the heart. I’m where I want to be, with my people—this is my home. Aupa Athletic!” Williams declared in a video released by the club.
He expressed his ambition to continue making history with the club of his life, eyeing major titles like the UEFA Champions League, where Athletic will compete for the first time in 11 years.
“We have very ambitious trophies at stake, and what better place to do that than at San Mamés, with the fans and my family,” he added, pledging to repay the supporters’ unwavering support.
The new deal, which extends his previous contract by eight years, includes a release clause increased by over 50% from the prior €58 million, now estimated at around €90 million, and a significant salary boost, making Williams the highest-paid player in Athletic’s history at approximately €10 million per year after tax.
The agreement underscores the club’s unique philosophy of prioritising homegrown talent, a point of pride for the Athleticzale family.
Williams, who joined the club’s youth academy in 2013, has played 167 matches, scored 31 goals, and helped secure a Copa del Rey title while qualifying for the Europa League and Champions League.
As Athletic Club prepares for a historic Champions League campaign, Williams’ commitment signals a bright future, with the winger poised to continue his rise as a global ambassador for the club, fresh off being named MVP of the Euro 2024 final and earning a Ballon d’Or nomination.
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