Óscar de Marcos to present Iñaki Williams with trophy for 500 matches

From captain to captain, from a retired legend to a current legend, from friend to friend, this Sunday, before the match against Real Betis, Oscar de Marcos will present Iñaki Williams with a trophy in recognition of the forward's 500 Athletic Club appearances, a milestone he reached against Girona FC last week. 

Just like in 2023 when De Marcos accepted a trophy from Iker Muniain – who in turn had received one from Markel Susaeta – our former captain will now give one to Iñaki Williams.

With Iñaki becoming a member of the exclusive 500-appearances club, The Cathedral will have the chance to celebrate a career full of memorable moments – one which hopefully has many more highlights still to come.

The no.9 joins a list which includes Athletic Club legends like: 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).


A trophy steeped in symbolism

The trophy is crowned by the actual armband Iñaki Williams wore against Girona FC whilst making his 500th appearance.

The Ikurriña (the Basque flag), the Athletic Club crest and the date of the match (14 March 2026) feature prominently, whilst the fabric has been treated and reinforced with resins to ensure its longevity.

Below, there is a piece of stone that is a true relic, a remnant of the old, demolished San Mamés stadium, and a link to Athletic Club’s 128-year history.

And finally, the trophy has an oak plinth featuring a laser-engraved inscription detailing the date of the event and the words “Ez dadila haria eten” (“Never break the chain”). This piece was commissioned by the Club and created by Bilbao-born artist Iñaki Arce Sagarduy.

We kindly ask supporters attending the match against Real Betis to arrive in good time so they can take part in this tribute to Iñaki Williams.