Inaki Williams has been named captain of Athletic Club for the 2025/26 season, marking a proud and historic moment—not just for the player, but for the entire club. With the appointment, Williams becomes the first Black player ever to wear the captain’s armband in the club’s 126-year history.
It’s a moment steeped in meaning.
Athletic Club, based in Bilbao, is one of Spanish football’s oldest and most tradition-rich institutions, famed for its unique policy of fielding only players with ties to the Basque Country. Williams, born in Bilbao to Ghanaian and Liberian parents, came through the club’s youth system and has long been embraced as a symbol of both Athletic’s future and its evolving identity.
Now, he stands as its leader.
“This club raised me. It gave me everything,” said Williams in a statement. “To wear the armband is an honour I can’t describe. I know what it means—not just to the team, but to the fans, to this city, and to every child who sees themselves in me.”
Williams takes the captaincy after more than a decade at the club, having made over 400 appearances in the red and white. Known for his blistering pace, work ethic, and dedication, he’s also the holder of the record for most consecutive La Liga appearances—a testament to his resilience and consistency.
Beyond his footballing achievements, Williams’ appointment is a milestone for representation. In a club and region where heritage and tradition run deep, his captaincy reflects the growing understanding that being Basque is not about how you look, but where your heart lies.
As Athletic Club prepares for another season in La Liga, the image of Inaki Williams leading his teammates onto the pitch at San Mamés will stand as a powerful symbol: of progress, of pride, and of a club honouring its past while embracing its future.