Biography & Career Of Nico González

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Biography & Career Of Nico González

Nico González, born Nicolás González Iglesias on January 3, 2002, in A Coruña, Spain, is a professional footballer known for his versatility as a central and defensive midfielder.

A product of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, he gained recognition for his physical presence, ball control, and exceptional passing ability.

González made his senior debut with Barcelona’s reserve team in 2019 before earning a spot in the first team during the 2021–22 La Liga season. After a loan spell at Valencia, he moved to FC Porto in 2023, where he established himself as a key player. In February 2025, he secured a high-profile transfer to Manchester City for a reported £50 million.

The son of former Spanish footballer Fran González, Nico has represented Spain at various youth international levels and is regarded as one of the country’s promising midfield talents.

Early Life & Education

Nico González was born on January 3, 2002, in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. He comes from a football-loving family with deep roots in the region. His father, Fran González, is a former professional footballer and a legendary midfielder for Deportivo La Coruña, as well as a Spanish international.

His mother, Mrs. González, has maintained a low public profile, and details about her are scarce. Nico has a younger brother, Iago González, who is also pursuing a football career.

Growing up in A Coruña, Nico was surrounded by the sport from an early age, often attending matches and training sessions with his father. His passion and talent for football led him to join local youth teams before being scouted by Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy. Moving to Barcelona as a young boy, he adapted quickly to the competitive environment and became a promising midfielder.

Although specific details about his formal education remain private, Nico balanced his studies with intensive football training while at La Masia. Like many elite academy players, he likely followed an academic program to support aspiring athletes while focusing on his football development.

Career

Nico González began his football journey in his hometown of A Coruña, Spain, joining local club Montañeros at age seven. His talent soon caught the attention of FC Barcelona, and in December 2012, he agreed to join their prestigious La Masia academy, officially making the move in July 2013.

At La Masia, he developed into a versatile midfielder known for his physical presence, technical ability, and passing range. He progressed steadily through the youth ranks and made his senior debut for Barcelona B on May 19, 2019, at just 17, coming on as a late substitute in a 2–1 loss to Castellón in Segunda División B. By the 2020–21 season, he was a regular in the B-team, solidifying his reputation as a promising midfielder.

Nico’s breakthrough with Barcelona’s first team came during the 2021–22 season. After impressing in pre-season, he made his La Liga debut on August 15, 2021, replacing Sergio Busquets in a 4–2 win over Real Sociedad. That season, he featured in 37 matches across all competitions, establishing himself as a rising star.

In May 2021, he signed a contract extension with Barcelona until 2024, with a €500 million buyout clause. However, in search of more regular playing time, he joined Valencia on loan for the 2022–23 season. He made 26 La Liga appearances and gained valuable experience in a competitive midfield role despite some injury setbacks.

In July 2023, Nico permanently moved to FC Porto for €8.5 million. He quickly became an integral part of the team, debuting on August 14, 2023, in a 2–1 win over Moreirense. Over two seasons with Porto, he played 68 matches, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists. His impressive performances in the 2024–25 season, where he recorded seven goals and five assists, attracted interest from top European clubs.

On February 3, 2025, in the final hours of the winter transfer window, Manchester City secured his signing on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a reported £50 million. His move to the Premier League marked a major step in his career, joining Pep Guardiola’s squad, known for its possession-based and attacking style of play.

On the international stage, Nico has represented Spain at various youth levels, further solidifying his reputation as a future star in European football.

Personal Life

Nico González was born on January 3, 2002, making him 23 years old today. He is currently not married and has never been married. No public information suggests that he is engaged or in a serious relationship. Additionally, there are no known records of him having children.

Standing at 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches), Nico’s height gives him a strong physical presence in midfield, contributing to his dominance in aerial duels and overall gameplay. He has maintained a private personal life, with no confirmed reports about his dating history.

While occasional rumors about his relationships exist, Nico has not publicly addressed or confirmed any romantic involvement.

Net Worth

Nico González‘s net worth is estimated to be around £4 million, which approximates $5.1 million (USD) (based on an exchange rate of approximately 1 GBP = 1.27 USD today). This wealth largely stems from his professional football contracts, performance bonuses, and endorsement deals, including a boot sponsorship with Nike.

During his time at FC Porto, he reportedly earned a base salary of approximately €1,150,000 per year, which is about $1.24 million (USD) annually (based on an exchange rate of approximately 1 EUR = 1.08 USD as of today), or €22,115 gross per week, excluding bonuses, which equates to roughly $23,884 (USD) gross per week.

Following his high-profile transfer to Manchester City in February 2025, his earnings are expected to rise significantly, though the exact details of his new contract have not been publicly disclosed.

Stats

Career Statistics (Club)

Barcelona (2019–2023)

Appearances: 37 (across all competitions)

Goals: 2

Assists: 2

Primarily played for Barcelona B before breaking into the first team in the 2021–22 season.

Valencia (2022–2023, Loan)

Appearances: 26 (La Liga)

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

Gained valuable first-team experience in La Liga.

FC Porto (2023–2025)

Appearances: 68 (across all competitions)

Goals: 9

Assists: 8

Played a key role in midfield, contributing to both defensive and attacking phases.

Manchester City (2025–Present)

Transferred in February 2025; stats are yet to be accumulated as he has just joined the club.

International Statistics (Spain Youth Teams)

Represented Spain at various youth levels (U16, U17, U19, U21).

Specific stats for youth international appearances are not widely detailed in public records, but he has been a regular feature in Spain’s youth setups.

Achievements

Club Achievements

With FC Porto:

Taça de Portugal (Portuguese Cup): 2023–24

Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (Portuguese Super Cup): 2023

With Barcelona:

No major first-team trophies, but he was part of the squad during a transitional period for the club.

Individual Achievements

Named MVP of Liga Portugal on multiple occasions during the 2024–25 season with FC Porto, reflecting his standout performances in the Portuguese league.

Recognized for his versatility, work rate, and potential as a future star in European football.