Williams

Athletic Club's captain fantastic, San Mamés loves nothing more than to watch a full-flight Iñaki Williams gliding past opposing defenders.

In 2014/15, head coach Ernesto Valverde handed Williams his LaLiga debut in a 0-1 loss to Córdoba CF. Iñaki's versatility and ability to play up top and on the right wing gives Valverde more options. But of course, Iñaki’s biggest asset is his pace - he regularly hits speeds in excess of 35 kph. When he gets going, it is devastating. 

Perhaps more incredible is his consistency and resistance to injuries. In 2021/22, Iñaki broke the long-standing LaLiga record for consecutive appearances, playing his 203rd game in a row in the Matchday 9 fixture against Deportivo Alavés - a run which came to an end after an incredible 251 matches.

Iñaki’s goals tend to be spectacular and important. For example, in the 2020/21 Super Cup final, he scored a stunning extra-time winner which saw Athletic beat FC Barcelona and lift the trophy. 

One of Williams’ most memorable goals was his second in Athletic’s 2-0 home victory over Sevilla in 2018-19. He received the ball in the semi-circle, flicked it past his marker, outsprinted the defender to the ball and left the entire Sevilla defence in his wake before rounding the keeper and scoring. 

In 2020/21, Iñaki fulfilled the long-held dream of playing senior football alongside his younger brother Nico. The Williams brothers shared the pitch together during the final stretch of the LaLiga Matchday 33 fixture against Real Valladolid.

The striker made himself available for selection for Ghana (the birth country of his parents) and has become a key part of the 'Blackstars' side. So far, Iñaki has played almost 500 matches and scored more than 100 times for Athletic Club.