Athletic Club Fans Turn on Star Winger as Camp Nou Move Looms
Rising Spanish international Nico Williams has become the victim of escalating fan backlash in his hometown, with vandals smashing the windows of his car over the weekend – the latest in a series of aggressive acts aimed at the Barcelona-linked winger.
The 22-year-old’s mural in the Basque Country has now been defaced three times, with the most recent incident featuring the blunt message: “Leave Now.” The attacks come as Williams pushes for a move to Catalonia, sparking fury among Athletic Club’s fiercely loyal fanbase.
From Local Hero to Public Enemy
Just months after helping Athletic Club to their first Copa del Rey triumph in 40 years, Williams finds himself at the center of a bitter breakup with the club where he’s spent his entire career. The situation turned ugly when:
- His personalized mural was repeatedly vandalized
- Social media accounts flooded with abusive messages
- Saturday’s car attack crossed a dangerous line
“This isn’t how we treat our own,” lamented local journalist Mikel Oiarzabal. “Nico gave us magical moments, but football tribalism sometimes brings out the worst in people.”
Barcelona’s Pursuit Complicates Matters
With Hansi Flick’s Barça prepared to trigger Williams’ €58 million release clause, the winger faces an impossible choice:
✅ Join childhood dream club Barcelona
❌ Burn bridges with boyhood team Athletic
Family sources reveal Williams is “heartbroken” by the backlash but understands fans’ passion. His brother Iñaki Williams, also an Athletic legend, has reportedly been acting as mediator.
A Test of Basque Football Values
Athletic Club’s unique policy of only fielding Basque players makes departures particularly emotional. Club captain Iker Muniain has called for calm:
“Nico deserves respect regardless of his decision. We’re talking about a kid who’s given everything for this badge.”
As repair crews work on Williams’ vandalized mural for the third time, the broader question remains: at what point does passionate support become harmful obsession? One of Spanish football’s brightest young talents now plays under the weight of that dilemma.
What’s Next?
- Barcelona expected to formalize bid this week
- Williams likely to address situation before preseason
- Athletic considering increased security for players
The coming days could determine not just Williams’ future, but test the soul of one of football’s most unique clubs.
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