Nico Williams regains his place on the mural
Nico Williams regains his place on the mural
Athletic Club collaborates with the artist Carlos López in the restoration of the painting that pays tribute to the team that won the 25th Copa title
The artist Carlos López began restoration work this morning in Lutxana-Barakaldo on the mural painting that pays tribute to the Lions who won the 25th Copa title in Seville. Among them, Nico Williams, named MVP of that memorable final and whose face was erased in an act of vandalism on 21 June.
In a statement entitled ‘Supporting Athletic means acting with respect’, the Club publicly condemned the sabotage and pledged to collaborate with the local artist in the restoration of the mural, paying for the material and the corresponding labour.
📽️ @willliamsssnico recupera su lugar junto a @Williaaams45, @IkerMuniain10 y De Marcos en el mural de los campeones del artista callejero Carlos López. #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/0w8YllZk8d
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) June 27, 2025
The painting is part of what is known as street art, which is characterised by its location in public spaces, in such a way that artistic expression is accessible to everyone. In this case, Carlos López had the owner's permission and chose the exterior wall of a plot of land to pay tribute to the Copa winning team.
In addition to captains Iker Muniain and Óscar de Marcos, the artist gave a leading role in the composition to the Williams brothers, not only because of their sporting importance, but also because of their social significance. In this sense, Iñaki and Nico Williams are generational footballers, with an enormous and decisive positive impact on the recent history of the Club, which is why their mother, María Arthuer, was named Athletic ambassador for the 125th anniversary.
President Jon Uriarte, accompanied by Jose Angel Iribar, were in charge of presenting María Arthuer with the corresponding insignia of the appointment in a conference entitled ‘The social value of migration’, organised by the Athletic Club Foundation as part of its cultural festival ‘Letters and Football’ and in which Iñaki Williams himself took part as a speaker.