Nico Williams and Athletic Club, a Relationship in Crisis

Apuesta a este partido aquí

La Liga

1 X 2

Malaga Espanyol

09/10/26 21:00:00

2.55 3.10 2.75

 PUBLICIDAD

Cuotas validas al publicarse, sujetas a cambios. Regístrese en bet365, ingrese 5€ o más en su cuenta y conseguirá un 100% de su ingreso válido en créditos de apuesta (hasta 100€). Solo para clientes nuevos. Se aplican las condiciones. Las ganancias no incluyen el importe de los créditos de apuesta. Se aplican premios máximos, restricciones de juego, límites de tiempo y condiciones. Es necesario registrarse.

Nico Williams, a 24-year-old winger for Athletic Club, has been left out of the Spain squad due to a muscular injury. Hours later, he sparked a social media incident by sharing a critical message towards some of the club's fans. The post was later deleted, with his circle explaining it was a mistake. The Athletic Club transfer market extended his contract last summer until 2035.

Nico Williams once again at the center of controversy

The situation arose after the match between Spain and Croatia on September 29, where Nico Williams scored the 4-1 before leaving the squad due to discomfort in his left thigh. Tests confirmed a moderate muscular injury in the left rectus femoris.

Athletic Club announced on October 1 that the player's progress is being monitored, and he will continue his recovery under the club's medical supervision. At present, no official timeline has been set for his absence, though his presence in the return match against Rayo Vallecano is in doubt.

The next day, the social media incident occurred. Nico shared a message from a fan defending his career and questioning the criticism received from some Athletic Club supporters following his latest injury on Spain duty. The post was visible briefly before being removed.

It is crucial to note that the message was not written by Nico Williams. As explained by his circle to Radio Bilbao, the dissemination was an error, and the footballer did not intend to publicly take a stance on the content. Therefore, there is no direct statement by Nico against Athletic fans.

‼️‼️ This issue with Nico Williams will stir up lots of discussions.

📲 Pay attention to the retweet he gave to a social media message 'attacking' some fans...

...who criticize him after his injury 📲 pic.twitter.com/s8jNKPX09J

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) October 2, 2026

Athletic Club and Nico Williams, bound by contract until 2035

This incident follows a season marked by physical issues. Nico suffered from pubalgia last season and subsequently had a muscular injury, while the coaching staff has managed his playing time during the current campaign's outset.

In sporting terms, current LaLiga 2026/27 statistics show 6 matches, 1 goal, and 0 assists for Nico Williams, according to LaLiga data. His most recent goal came with Spain against Croatia before the injury.

Nico's contractual relationship with Athletic Club does not require renewal. He extended his contract on July 4, 2025, until June 30, 2035, after Barcelona emerged as one of the main options for his departure. The new release clause increased by over 50% compared to the previous one, reaching around 90 million euros, as reported by RTVE.

This decision put an end to Barcelona's attempt to sign Nico Williams and tied the player to Athletic for a decade. Over a year later, the scenario is once again influenced by injuries and relations with some fans, but the contract keeps the winger connected to the club until 2035.

The next step will be medical: Nico Williams will stay in Bilbao for recovery, and Athletic Club will assess his progress before the match on October 10 against Rayo Vallecano. Simultaneously, clarification of the fan issue awaits a public statement from the player himself, with his circle already attributing the post to an error.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Nico Williams y el Athletic, una relación en crisis