Nico Williams describes fatherly bond with Lamine Yamal

Nico Williams has opened up about the special relationship he shares with Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, describing their dynamic in the Spanish national team as a mix of big brother and father figure.

In an interview with GQ Hype, the 22-year-old Athletic Bilbao winger praised Yamal’s extraordinary talent and said the teenager knows he can always lean on him for guidance.

Williams and Yamal have built a close bond in the Roja camp, where they spend a lot of time together on and off the pitch. Their joking “father–son” routine has become a running gag within the squad, reflecting the relaxed, family-like atmosphere in Luis de la Fuente’s young group as it gears up for the 2026 World Cup.

With Yamal already a regular starter for both Barcelona and Spain at just 18, the pressure and spotlight around him are immense.

Williams’ steady presence as an older teammate has quietly become one of the emotional anchors helping the youngster stay grounded and handle expectations, reinforcing the sense of unity and support in the national team dressing room.