Nico González (footballer, born 2002)

Nicolás González Iglesias (born 3 January 2002), sometimes known as just Nico, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Primeira Liga club Porto.

Barcelona
Nico 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, Nico 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 B-team from November 2020 onwards.

On 12 May 2021, Nico 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 win over Real Sociedad.

Nico 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, Nico renewed his contract until 2026, and later signed with Valencia on a season-long loan.

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

He 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, Nico made his first start for Porto, in a 2–1 home win over Farense.

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

Honours
Porto
 * Taça de Portugal: 2023–24