A quote that broke the internet

Nico Williams didn’t need a goal or an assist to become the talk of the country this week. Instead, the Athletic Club winger went viral thanks to a playful — and already iconic — line he shared during his interview with GQ Hype.

Speaking about his close friend Lamine Yamal, Nico dropped the quote that lit up social media: “He’s got incredible talent and shows it every day, but he knows I’m his father.”

A private joke between the two, delivered with a smile, and now immortalized across the football world.

Bilbao above everything

In the same interview, Nico made it crystal clear that his heart remains in Bilbao. “Athletic and the city mean everything to me,” he said. “This is where I grew up as a person and as a player.”

He addressed the recurring rumors linking him to FC Barcelona, noting that his decisions are guided by family, values and the unique identity of the Athletic Club. “I make every decision with my people. Here in Bilbao I have my family, and that’s who I listen to,” he explained.

Spain’s World Cup ambitions

Nico also touched on the upcoming 2026 World Cup, expressing belief in Spain’s project while keeping expectations grounded. “We all buy into what the coach asks of us,” he said, “but we don’t like comparing ourselves. Polls don’t win World Cups — you win them on the pitch.”

His confidence in the group and the work behind the scenes reflects a squad determined to fight for something big next summer.

A rising superstar with a normal life

Despite his growing profile, Nico insisted he still lives like any other young man: gaming with friends, going for walks, and grabbing dinner with his girlfriend whenever the schedule allows.

But what fans will remember most from this interview is his chemistry with Lamine Yamal. The now-famous phrase — “I’m his father” — has turned into a meme, a punchline, and a symbol of the bond between two generational talents who are shaping the present and future of Spanish football.