Nico Williams: Second player of Ghanaian descent to win the European Cup

Nico Williams made history by becoming the second player of Ghanaian heritage to secure a Euro Championship victory, scoring a crucial goal in Spain’s thrilling 2-1 triumph over England on Sunday.

Following in the footsteps of his elder brother Inaki, a Ghanaian international, Williams now joins Marcel Desailly in the exclusive club of players of Ghanaian descent who have claimed the Euro title. Previously, Desailly stood alone as the sole footballer of Ghanaian heritage to lift the European Championship trophy.

Williams, who displayed exceptional talent throughout Euro 2024, played a pivotal role in Spain’s journey to their record fourth title. His standout moment came early in the second half of the final, when he capitalised on Lamine Yamal’s precise pass to score a powerful low shot past England’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford.

Despite a composed equaliser from Chelsea’s Cole Palmer in the 73rd minute, Spain clinched the victory with Oyarzabal’s decisive goal four minutes from time, sealing England’s fate and denying them another shot at the title.

Had England emerged victorious, Kobbie Mainoo, also of Ghanaian descent, would have joined the ranks of Desailly as a Euro champion.