Inaki Williams Speaks After Becoming Athletic Club's First Black Captain in History
- Inaki Williams has made history as Athletic Club’s first black captain, a landmark moment for the Basque side just 14 years after debuting their first black player
- Williams used his press conference to speak out on the importance of visibility, identity, and his pride in representing immigrant families in Spain
- Amid rising far-right hostility and racial abuse, he vowed to use his platform to challenge discrimination and break down barriers across Spanish society
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Athletic Club forward Inaki Williams has made history this season by becoming the first black captain in the club’s history.
The 31-year-old took the armband following the retirement of former skipper Oscar de Marcos.
It marks a symbolic shift in a club known for its unique Basque-only player policy.
Source: Twitter
The moment carries extra weight considering that just 14 years ago, in 2011, Athletic introduced their first black player, Jonas Ramalho, under then-coach Marcelo Bielsa.
Ramalho, who has Angolan roots, made his debut against Sevilla, paving the way for future players of diverse backgrounds, including Williams, who first played for the club in 2014.
Williams reacts to becoming Athletic Club's first black captain
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Williams not only addressed transfer speculation surrounding his younger brother Nico Williams, but also reflected on his historic appointment as captain.
“It means a lot,” Williams said via ESPN. It seems like a coincidence when my mother and father gave birth to me in Bilbao… but it’s destiny. We are lucky to represent many people who come from abroad to earn a living and be a reference, both in the Basque Country and in Spain. It’s important.”
Williams speaks out against racism and far-right politics
Inaki didn’t shy away from addressing the growing threat of far-right rhetoric and social tension in Spain, particularly targeting immigrant communities.
Both he and his brother Nico have been victims of racial abuse during matches, and he sees his role as captain as an opportunity to challenge that hostility.
“We are people from humble families, and publicising this is good for everyone. It’s fashionable to be far right, and those of us who have a voice will try to continue to prove them wrong and break down barriers,” he declared.
Source: Getty Images
Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, his mother made a perilous journey across the Sahara desert before entering Spain through Melilla.
The family was taken in by a Basque priest in Pamplona, explaining the brothers' traditional Basque names, Iñaki and Nico.
Williams earned a single cap for the Spain national team in 2016 but later switched allegiance to Ghana in 2022.
Since then, he has represented the Black Stars at both the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
His younger brother Nico, meanwhile, remains with the Spanish national team and also plays for Athletic Club.
Inaki Williams among four Ghanaians who captained clubs in Europe
Earlier, YEN.com.gh spotlighted four Ghanaian footballers who proudly led their European clubs as captains long before Inaki Williams earned the armband at Athletic Club.
The 31-year-old forward reached this major career milestone at the tail end of the 2025/26 season.
Source: YEN.com.gh
