Racism, Biggest Challenge In Spanish League, Says Nico Williams

Spanish forward Nico Williams says fighting racism is his number one goal following multiple incidents of abuse against black players in the country.

The Atletic Bilbao star, who was in born in Spain to Ghanaian parents, is one of several players to have suffered racist abuse in LaLiga, a recurring problem with Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior in particular repeatedly harassed by opposing fans since arriving in the country in 2018.

Clubs and players alike have been outspoken about the issue with Vinicius Jr saying last month that Spain should be stripped of its 2030 World Cup hosting duties unless significant progress is made in addressing racism.

Williams, who played a starring role when Spain won Euro 2024, told El Mundo: “My brother (fellow player Inaki Williams) and I, as black people, have an important task in this life, which is the fight against racism. It’s my number one goal.

“As a public figure, in order to contribute to that fight, I cannot be sidetracked or become a freak and not have my feet on the ground.”

” You have to support your team without needing to insult anyone. I don’t understand that behaviour and they make football worse.

Last month a Mallorca fan was handed a 12-month suspended sentence by a Spanish court for racially insulting Vinícius and Villareal’s Samuel Chukwuese.

“I think that Spain is moving forward on the right path and we must continue like this,” Williams said. “There are always people who try to sell another image of immigrants, but they are a minority. I am very happy to see that progress is being made in this battle against racism. I am going to try to do everything in my power so that these people [immigrants] can have a better life.”