Félix and María Williams crossed the Sahara Desert on foot from Ghana in 1994, pregnant with their first son. Thirty-two years later, their youngest son will play in the World Cup Final for Spain. Football has given this family everything — and on Sunday, Africa will be hoping to watch one of its sons lift the trophy.
The Crossing — A Family Story That Starts Before Football
Felix Williams considered the crossing of the Sahara Desert as one of ‘the most terrifying experiences’ of his life. However, little did they know that their 1994 crossing would later aid the chances of a European nation of winning world football’s most famous prize.
The couple from Ghana eventually settled in the Basque Country of Spain. Their firstborn, Iñaki, would be born shortly after they settled in the local region, before Nico was born in Pamplona eight years later.
Athletic Bilbao remains the major team in the region, priding itself on developing players from the local area to play for the first team. The Basque-only policy accepted the brothers because of their upbringing and community ties, making them a rare case in the club's history.
The story of the Williams family isn’t one that is purely based on talent, but also one that shows the story of survival and sacrifice.
One Family, Two Flags — The Williams Brothers at WC 2026
Brothers opting to play for different nationalities is a rarity in football history, but it only adds to the heritage of the Williams family. Because of his grandfather’s wish, Iñaki opted to play for his African nation, stating ‘I didn’t forget Ghana’.
However, Nico wasn’t bound by the same pressure, so he made his choice and opted for Spain. His decision was based on the coaches in the nation, making his decision to repay their loyalty. The decision would be vindicated, as Nico would become one of the world's best players.
In 2026, the brothers became one of the rare occasions where siblings played for different nations at the FIFA World Cup. Iñaki’s journey would end in the round of 16 after Ghana were beaten by Colombia. However, Nico’s Spain have reached the final.
One of the most powerful images of the World Cup featured Maria, the mother of both brothers, showing her support for both siblings by sporting the shirts of their respective nations at their matches.
On Sunday, there could be celebrations in the Williams household, as Nico bids to win the World Cup with Spain, marking a potential second major honour with the national team.
Siblings on opposing teams are a rarity in history, but it echoes signs from the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, as Jerome Boateng played for Germany and Kevin-Prince Boateng represented Ghana. In fact, history was made in 2010 when they became the first brothers to play against each other in the World Cup.
Nico Williams: The Player Who Made It to the Final
Nico already has a proven record at major tournaments with Spain, having played a key role in the team’s EURO 2024 title run. The striker scored in the final against England, and was given the honour of being named Player of the Match. His impression on the team that summer was apparent, providing three goal involvements in six appearances.
It is only made more impressive that he achieved that feat at the tender age of 21, showing his potential, and he was ready to make his mark on the global game this summer.
However, injury setbacks throughout this year’s World Cup have impacted his availability. Nico missed out against Uruguay due to a hamstring problem, but he made his return from the bench in the quarterfinal showdown against Belgium.
Nico continued his comeback in the semi-final against France, playing the final ten minutes. He will be in contention to start the final against Argentina, as his explosive, direct play would cause major issues for the South Americans.
His natural ability complements Yamine Yamal on the other wing, and it is a sign of their bright future that both players remain under 22. If Nico lifts the trophy on Sunday, his parents' crossing of the Sahara will have led to this moment
Africa's Son in the Final: Back Spain on 22Bet
Nico will have the full support of Africa behind him on Sunday, due to the fact that he carries Ghanaian blood, and that will only add future motivation, as he bids to guide Spain to a second World Cup honour. For African fans, Spain are not just Spain on Sunday: they are also the Williams family's story.
Back the team with Africa's son in their squad on 22Bet
- Spain to win World Cup 2026: 1.70 (22Bet)