OFFICIAL: Nico Williams extends contract with Athletic Club until 2035

On July 4, Athletic Club officially announced that the club has extended Nico Williams’ contract until 2035. His release clause has increased by more than 50% compared to the previous deal.

Athletic Club Official Statement:

The rojiblanco winger has committed his future to the club of his heart for the next ten seasons, with his release clause increasing by more than 50% compared to the previous deal.

Athletic Club and Nico Williams have reached an agreement to extend his contract, which was set to expire in 2027, by eight more seasons until June 30, 2035. His release clause has been raised by over 50% from the prior agreement.

“When it comes to making decisions, for me, what weighs most is the heart. I’m where I want to be, with my people—this is my home. Aupa Athletic!” declared Nico Williams in the video released by the club announcing his renewal.

This new show of loyalty marks a milestone in the history of the rojiblancos and reinforces a path of trust in the sporting project already embraced by other teammates such as Unai Simón, Oihan Sancet, Dani Vivian, Mikel Jauregizar, Beñat Prados, and head coach Ernesto Valverde—not to mention his brother Iñaki Williams, the captain of this historic, generational team. Nico will continue wearing the No. 10 shirt inherited from Iker Muniain, with the Champions League now as his next stage. His decision to reject eye-watering offers from elsewhere is being hailed as a resounding success for Athletic Club—an “Athletic WIN” (Williams, Iñaki and Nico) in every sense.

Ambitious lions who not only want to win, but want to do it with Athletic, with the team of their hearts, fully aware that in sport, the greater the challenge, the greater the merit of victory. #UniqueInTheWorld.

Born in Pamplona in 2002, Nico Williams joined Athletic Club’s youth academy as an under-12 in the 2013/14 season, a year after his brother Iñaki arrived at Lezama. Since then, he has progressed through every level of the academy, making his first-team debut on April 28, 2021, at just 18 years old. Over five seasons with the senior side, he has played 167 official matches, won a Copa del Rey title, and helped the team qualify for the Europa League (reaching the semifinals) and, most recently, the Champions League.

Nico’s contribution to Athletic in recent seasons has been decisive, standing out offensively with his dribbling and speed, scoring 31 goals, creating countless chances, and proving to be a constant nightmare for opposing defenses.

Beyond his impressive performances on the pitch, Nico Williams’s international profile has skyrocketed, making him a valuable ambassador for the Athletic brand worldwide. This includes being named MVP of the Euro 2024 final—where he won the tournament with Spain—and earning a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, finishing 15th.

Athletic Club’s freely chosen sporting philosophy is a singularity that fills the club, its membership (as owners of the institution), and its fans with pride. Nico Williams’s decision to renew is a source of immense pride for the entire Athleticzale family and outlines a future as ambitious as it is exciting.

This is the famous Athletic, the famous Athletic Club.