Nico Williams: Fighting Racism is My Life’s Mission

Spain forward Nico Williams has made it clear that fighting racism is not just a challenge for the world of soccer but a deeply personal mission. The Athletic Bilbao star, along with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., has been at the center of multiple incidents of racial abuse in Spanish soccer, sparking renewed calls for action.

Williams, who experienced racial abuse firsthand during a match against Atletico Madrid last season, saw the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) respond by partially closing Atletico’s south stand for two matches. But for Williams, this is just the beginning of a much larger battle.

«My brother Inaki and I, as Black men, have a critical responsibility in this life: to fight against racism,» Williams told Spanish newspaper El Mundo. «This is my number one goal. As a public figure, I have a duty to contribute to that fight, and I must stay grounded and focused to do so.»

The issue of racism in Spanish soccer has drawn widespread attention, with Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. calling for Spain to lose its right to host the 2030 World Cup unless significant strides are made in tackling racism. These incidents have spurred the RFEF and LaLiga to launch multiple anti-racism initiatives.

Progress has been made in the legal arena as well. In June, the Magistrate’s Court of Valencia delivered the first-ever conviction for racist insults in a soccer stadium in Spain. More recently, a Mallorca fan received a 12-month suspended prison sentence for racially abusing Vinicius and Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze. In a separate case, a minor who racially insulted Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni was banned from stadiums for a year and fined.

The fight against racism in Spanish soccer has also led to significant public reactions. In April, TV analyst German Burgos was fired from Movistar Plus+ after comments about Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal were deemed racist.

Nico Williams becomes second player of Ghanaian descent to win the Euros. Photo ghanasoccernet.com.

Despite the challenges, Williams remains optimistic. «Spain is making progress, and we must keep moving forward. It’s encouraging to see the strides being made,» the 22-year-old said. «There will always be those who push a negative image of immigrants, but they are a minority.»

Williams, who played a key role in Spain’s triumph at this year’s European Championship, represents a multicultural Spain. Born to Ghanaian parents, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of immigrants and their families.

«Many people come to Spain to build a future they couldn’t have in their home countries, to provide a better life for their children,» Williams explained. «My family made that journey, and I will do everything in my power to make sure others can have a better life too.»