Why do brothers Inaki and Nico Williams play for different countries? Only one of Athletic Bilbao stars at Euro 2024 with Spain
07/05/2024 11:17 AM
Spain’s Nico Williams has been earning rave reviews for his performances at Euro 2024 – but none more so than from his brother Inaki.
The Athletic Bilbao duo enjoyed a historic season at club level, but only one of the siblings was eligible to play in Germany this summer.
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The siblings helped end their club’s 40-year wait for a trophy to win the Copa del Rey in April before Nico linked up with Spain’s squad.
The 21-year-old has already earned plenty of new fans for his showings at the tournament – but his biggest supporter remains his Ghanian international older brother Inaki.
Why do Inaki and Nico Williams play for different countries?
The Williams brothers were born in Spain to Ghanaian parents who made a treacherous journey to Europe in search of a better life.
They settled in the Basque Country region and Inaki was born soon after they arrived in 1994 with Nico arriving eight years later in 2002.
Both players would end up joining the Athletic Bilbao academy and they have been teammates since Nico rose to the first team in 2021.
However, on the international stage, the pair play for different countries, with both included in their respective nations squads for the 2022 World Cup.
Inaki played for Spain at youth level before struggling to gain a senior call-up despite his form in La Liga and ahead of the Qatar tournament he decided to switch his allegiance.
The striker accepted an offer to switch nationalities to represent the birthplace of his parents, Ghana.
Speaking to the BBC, the 30-year-old said: “It wasn’t an easy decision to make.
"I had to consult with my family and loved ones, because the decision would impact me during the next years of my career – not only in sporting terms but also on a personal level.
“I told my grandfather, who told me it would be a dream for him to see me in the national team jersey. He is 90. He said he doesn’t have long to live, but that he would like to see me play in a World Cup with the national team.
“When he told me those words, I didn’t have to think anymore."
Unlike Inaki, Nico received his first senior call-up in September 2022 after playing for Spain at youth level.
The youngster has since established himself as a regular in La Roja’s starting XI, winning Player of the Match in the 1-0 win over Italy.
Inaki led the praise following the game, writing on social media: “Pure cinema Junior. Starboy.”
Nico later revealed his brother had also sent him a private message ‘as soon as [he] entered the dressing room.’
He explained to Cadena SER: “First my teammates applauded me, the truth is that I am very happy.
“And as soon as I picked up my phone from a message from him, he sent me a voice message and the truth is that he told me that I have taken the Williams surname around the world of football."
