Substitute Nico Williams played a decisive role in his country Spain's coronation as 2026 World Cup champions, after providing the assist for the winning goal against Argentina, which was scored by Ferran Torres.

Williams arrived at the World Cup still suffering the consequences of a very complicated season; injuries plagued him throughout the season, but he was not willing to miss out on participating in the World Cup.

He lost his place in the starting lineup during the tournament, but he returned to feature in the final match as he did in Euro 2024, helping to lead Spain to their second world title.

Nico Williams said in comments published by Sport newspaper: "This is incredible. I went through tough times and tasted bitterness, and now I'm living a moment of glory and the peak."

He continued: "What can I say? It's the happiest day of my life after everything I went through this year. I hope there are as many people celebrating this achievement as I am. This is for them, and for my friends and family."

Happiness was evident on the faces of all the Spanish national team players, especially Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. The duo that led Spain to win the European Championship lived very special moments while celebrating the World Cup title on the pitch.

Nico added jokingly: "After a year full of suffering, becoming a world champion now is crazy. For me, I can retire internationally from now on."

Then he quickly added, laughing: "I'm joking, I'm joking."

Despite the festive atmosphere, Lamine Yamal jokingly reproached his teammate for one of the attacks with which they could have decided the match, but Nico explained what happened on that counterattack.

The Athletic Bilbao star said: "I was too impulsive. After I got past the defender with the ball, I felt like I lost consciousness from exhaustion. I was exhausted, Lamine told me he was alone, but I didn't see him."