Nico Williams dedicates Spain’s World Cup triumph to ‘idol’ Neymar after heroic final display

Spain winger Nico Williams paid an emotional tribute to Neymar after helping La Roja secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup title with a dramatic extra-time victory over Argentina.

The Athletic Club star played a decisive role in the final, setting up Ferran Torres’ winning goal before revealing that the historic triumph was dedicated to the Brazilian icon he has admired throughout his career.

Spain crowned world champions

Spain captured their second World Cup title after defeating Argentina in a tense final that was eventually settled in extra time.

Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the match for long spells, dominating possession and creating far more opportunities than the defending champions. Spain finished with 20 shots compared to Argentina’s three, underlining their superiority throughout the contest.

The turning point arrived late in normal time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off, leaving the reigning champions to battle through extra time with 10 men.

Williams makes decisive impact

Introduced from the bench during the second half, Williams immediately added pace and creativity to Spain’s attack.

The 24-year-old consistently stretched Argentina’s defence and eventually produced the defining moment of the final.

Early in the second period of extra time, Williams burst down the left flank before cushioning a superb header into the path of Ferran Torres, who calmly finished to score the goal that secured Spain’s place in football history.

Williams had earlier believed he had opened the scoring himself, only for the effort to be ruled out after Mikel Merino was adjudged to have fouled Nicolas Otamendi during the build-up.

Emotional tribute to Neymar

Following the final whistle, Williams revealed that lifting the World Cup carried special meaning because of the player who inspired him growing up.

Speaking to Caze TV, the Spain international dedicated the victory to Brazil superstar Neymar.

“Very happy, for me it’s the most beautiful thing.”

He added:

“I idolise Neymar. I hope he’s watching us, this is also for him.”

The heartfelt tribute came despite Neymar’s own World Cup journey ending in disappointment after Brazil were eliminated in the Round of 16.

Torres delivers the winning moment

While Williams provided the assist, Ferran Torres wrote his name into Spanish football history by scoring the decisive goal.

The former Manchester City forward kept his composure inside the penalty area to finish clinically after Williams’ intelligent delivery, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.

The victory secured Spain’s second World Cup crown, drawing them level with France and Uruguay on the all-time list of tournament winners.

Final verdict

Nico Williams once again demonstrated why he has become one of Spain’s most influential attacking players, producing the decisive assist on the biggest stage of all.

His emotional tribute to Neymar added a personal touch to an unforgettable evening, while his performance helped deliver one of the greatest moments in Spanish football history as La Roja reclaimed their place at the summit of world football.