Iñaki Williams reaches 500 matches for Athletic Club

Iñaki Williams made his 500th official appearance for Athletic Club after playing at Montilivi against Girona FC on Saturday afternoon.

The 31-year-old forward joins a group of seven other players who have played 500 or more official matches for Los Leones: Jose Angel Iribar (614), Oscar de Marcos (573), Iker Muniain (560), Txetxu Rojo I (541), Joseba Etxeberria (514), Andoni Iraola (510) and Markel Susaeta (507). 

On Sunday, 22 March, in the build-up to the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and Real Betis at San Mames, De Marcos will present the current captain with a trophy in recognition of his 500 games for the Zurigorri, just like last year when the former skipper received a trophy from Muniain, who in turn received one from Markel Susaeta before that.

It's another example of the succession of footballers who have helped forge Athletic Club's unique identity. The Cathedral will have the opportunity to give Iñaki Williams the ovation he deserves for his sporting achievements and for perfectly embodying the values associated with our club. 

From the moment Iñaki Williams broke into Athletic Club's first team in 2014, he demonstrated his character as a player and as a person. Pure pride, with a powerful physique and the heart of a true lion.

He played in 251 matches in a row between April 2016 and January 2023, setting a LaLiga recored for most consecutive appearances.

Iñaki's official Athletic debut came during the 2014/15 season in a LaLiga fixture against Córdoba CF at San Mamés on December 6. Twelve years later, Iñaki Williams has reached this milestone of 500 appearances, scoring a total of 114 goals.

The forward's feats include the 2023/24 Copa and two Supercopas (2015 and 2021) and five Copa runners-up medals as well as eight European campaigns. Iñaki Williams is undoubtedly a modern Athletic Club legend.

Iñaki Williams' official matches for Athletic, by competition:

• 396 in LaLiga
• 3 in the Champions League
• 42 in the Europa League
• 52 in the Copa del Rey
• 6 in the Supercopa
   

The eight players with 500 or more official Athletic Club appearances:

• José Ángel Iribar: 614
• Óscar De Marcos: 573
• Iker Muniain: 560
• Txetxu Rojo I: 541
• Joseba Etxeberria: 514
• Andoni Iraola: 510
• Markel Susaeta: 507
• Iñaki Williams: 500*

*Still plays for Athletic Club.