The Williams: Migrant family welcomed by the Church and whose children became soccer stars

Iñaki Mardones, a former Cáritas volunteer in Bilbao (Spain), recounted his experience of the Church’s help to a Ghanaian migrant family to settle in Spain. This couple had two sons, Iñaki and Nico Williams, who today have become world soccer stars.

The journey of Felix Williams and María Arthuer towards a new life in Spain began in 1994 when they crossed the Sahara Desert without food or water and, upon arriving in Morocco, crossed the border fence towards Melilla, one of the two Spanish cities in the north of Africa. According to The Guardian reported, following the advice of a lawyer, declared themselves to be from Liberia to request political asylum. Finally, they settled in Bilbao, Spain.

“I have been in a Cáritas de Bilbao group that helped people who came from other countries to Spain. The parents of the two Williams, Iñaki and Nico, came to Melilla and the Spanish government sent them to Bilbao with the help of Cáritas,” Mardones, who at the time was a serving Catholic priest, told EWTN News.

Thanks to his knowledge of English, Mardones was able to provide them with crucial support from the first moment. “I was with them from the beginning, helping them in their first steps in Bilbao,” he assured.

The helping hand of Iñaki Mardones and Cáritas

The bond between Mardones and the Williams family was consolidated when the couple asked if they could name their first child after him, Iñaki. Maria was 7 months pregnant at the time.

“The parents asked me if I had a problem with them naming the baby after me. I told them he was very proud,” she commented. This gesture symbolized the family’s deep gratitude to those who welcomed them.

Iñaki Williams, born on June 15, 1994, was baptized by Mardones and he gave him his first soccer uniform. The star currently plays as a striker for Athletic Bilbao in the First Division. He represents the Ghana national team, although he previously defended the colors of Spain.

Caritas’ help was not limited to initial assistance. Over the years, Mardones and his family have maintained contact, moving between Bilbao, Sesma and Pamplona. “Nico (Iñaki’s younger brother) was born in Pamplona and, well, we still keep in touch a little. There was a time when we were not very close, but today we maintain contact,” Mardones said.

Nico, the Williams’ second son, also plays as a forward for Athletic Bilbao and wears the colors of the Spanish team, unlike his brother.

The faith of the Williams

For the Williams family, faith has been a central element in their lives, according to Mardones. “I believe that they have lived their faith very intensely. First, parents have trusted, lived, and given the gift of Baptism and Communion to their children. They have lived it like this. Furthermore, they are very aware of their faith and it accompanies them in their lives,” he assured.

The incredible transformation of the Williams brothers, from children of migrants to soccer stars, was a surprise even for Mardones. “It was an incredible surprise in my life. It’s wonderful because it’s very difficult for one to become a famous player, but for two brothers to achieve it is incredible. When you know the history of the family, it is even more surprising,” he reflected.

Cáritas Spain, which allocated a record 486.5 million euros to humanitarian aid in 2023, played a crucial role in providing the stability and support necessary for this Ghanaian family to prosper.

“I notice that the family has had a very difficult path to a better life. They have to move forward and they know where they are coming from. It is very important for them that their story continues,” Mardones concluded.