Nicolás González Iglesias

Nicolás González Iglesias (born 3 January 2002), sometimes known mononymously as Nico, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for club Newcastle United.

Club career Barcelona González was born in A Coruña, Galicia, and started his career with local side Montañeros at the age of seven. In December 2012, he agreed to a move to Barcelona, effective as of the following July.

On 19 May 2019, aged just 17, González made his senior debut for the reserves, coming on as a late substitute for Kike Saverio in a 2–1 Segunda División B away loss against Castellón. In the 2020–21 season, he was initially a member of the Juvenil A before starting to feature regularly for the reserve team from November 2020 onwards.

On 12 May 2021, González renewed his contract until 2024, with a €500 million buyout clause. After featuring in the main squad during the pre-season, he made his first team – and La Liga – debut on 15 August, replacing Sergio Busquets in the opening game of the 2021–22 La Liga season, a 4–2 victory against Real Sociedad.

González scored his first professional goal on 12 December 2021, netting the opener in a 2–2 away draw against Osasuna.

Loan to Valencia On 13 August 2022, González renewed his contract until 2026 and signed with Valencia on a season-long loan.

Porto On 29 July 2023, González signed a five-year contract with Primeira Liga club Porto, for a reported fee of €8.5 million, with Barcelona having a buy-back clause.

González made his debut for the Portuguese side on 14 August, coming off the bench to replace Romário Baró in the 70th minute of a 2–1 win away at Moreirense in the Primeira Liga. One week later, he made his first start for Porto in a 2–1 home victory against Farense.

Manchester City On 3 February 2025, in the final hour of the winter transfer window, Premier League club Manchester City announced the signing of Nico on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a reported fee of £50 million.

On 8 February 2025, González debuted a 2–1 away victory against League One club Leyton Orient in the fourth round of the FA Cup, before coming off as a substitute with an injury 22 minutes into the first half. On 19 February, he scored his first goal for the club and in the UEFA Champions League, getting on the scoresheet in a 3–1 loss against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, as City got knocked out of the tournament. Three months later, on 20 May, González scored his first Premier League goal in a 3–1 victory against Bournemouth.

On 9 November 2025, Nico scored his first goal of the 2025–26 season, which was the second goal against Liverpool, his second ever Premier League goal and third in total of his Manchester City career during their 3–0 win at home. On 25 April 2026, he scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Southampton, securing his club's place in their fourth consecutive FA Cup final.

Newcastle United On 26 August 2026, González signed for Newcastle United on a long-term deal. The transfer fee was reportedly £52m.

Personal life He is the son of former Spanish footballer and Deportivo La Coruña legend Fran González and the nephew of José Ramón.

Career statistics

Honours Porto Taça de Portugal: 2023–24 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2024

Manchester City EFL Cup: 2025–26 FA Cup runner-up: 2024–25 Individual Primeira Liga Midfielder of the Month: December 2024