Inaki, you’re not alone! Nico Williams has arrived!

The story of Inaki Williams and his footballing career at Athletic Club is an extraordinary one. An African boy, whose father walked across the desert to somehow reach Spain and provide a better future for his family, became a player at the club that’s well-known for its policy of only fielding players of Basque ethnicity.

Inaki was born in Basque County and thus earned the right to be considered a local boy. He was the first black man to play for the club. But he is no longer the only one. Inaki’s brother Nico doubled the joy for the Williams family as he’s also made his debut for the Bilbao team in Wednesday’s 2-2 home draw with Real Valladolid.

We’ve got two Williams brothers at Athletic Club!

Just like his elder brother six years earlier, Nico stepped onto the pitch in a number 30 shirt to make his first official Bilbao appearance. Inaki applauded his little brother from the stands before making a substitute appearance himself later on. What a day for the club and what a day for the family.

Ghanaian father Felix and Liberian mother Maria have got two sons playing for a special club. It’s a story that almost defies reality. It was highly improbable to say the least, but Bilbao fans will now have two players of African descent donning the famous red and white stripes.

The unbreakable bond between Inaki and Bilbao

Nico looks like he could have a great future in the game. At 19, he was picking up experience playing in lower divisions for the Athletic reserve side and has earned the opportunity to make a step up to the first team and appear in La Liga. Predominantly a right winger, we might be seeing goals scored and assisted by a Williams. It’s only a matter of time before Inaki scores a goal from a Nico cross. It’s the stuff of dreams for Bilbao’s loyal supporters.

Welcome to the big time, Nico!