Spain international footballer Nico Williams has publicly defended his former girlfriend Ainhi Garcia after she faced intense online harassment following their recent breakup.
Garcia, an engineer by profession, deleted her Instagram profile after receiving a wave of hostile messages targeting her past two-year relationship with the Athletic Bilbao winger.
The couple ended their relationship one month ago after two years together. At the time of the split, reports confirmed that the pair had separated on good terms, without any infidelity or third parties involved, because their romantic relationship had simply run its course.
Online harassment and account deletion
Despite the amicable nature of the breakup, Garcia became the target of continuous social media abuse over the following weeks. Critics posted hostile comments focusing on her personal life and financial situation, including messages accusing her of seeking out a millionaire, claiming Williams had plenty of women to be with, and doubting she earned as much as a professional footballer.
In a statement issued shortly before deactivating her account, Garcia addressed the ongoing hostility. She explained that the attacks had come solely as a result of having been with the person she loved. She emphasized that she has her own job and her own life as an ordinary person, and stated that she was unable to digest so much hatred.
Garcia added that the abuse was taking a direct toll on her health, leading her to make the decision to step away from social media for a period of time before her profile was taken down completely.
Nico Williams responds on Instagram
A few hours after Garcia deactivated her profile, Williams posted a statement on Instagram to address the situation and offer his public support. The footballer denounced the envy of individuals hiding behind a screen and urged his ex-girlfriend not to let critics affect her.
Williams described Garcia as one of the best people he had ever met and encouraged her not to allow anyone to extinguish the light she possesses that illuminates those around her. He added that she is one of the strongest women he knows, expressing his belief that although the situation hurts now, it will only make her stronger in the end.
The winger concluded his message by offering unconditional support, stating that even though they are no longer together, he will continue to defend her always.
Background and career context
Nico Williams is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for Spanish La Liga club Athletic Bilbao and the Spain national team. He gained widespread international recognition for his performances on the wing, including representing Spain at major international tournaments such as UEFA Euro 2024.
Garcia works as an engineer in Spain and had maintained a private career throughout her two-year relationship with Williams. The former couple had kept details of their private life largely out of the public spotlight prior to their breakup.
