Inaki Williams Makes History as Athletic Bilbao’s First Non-Spanish Champions League Player
· YEN.com.gh News · Join- Iñaki Williams finally makes his Champions League debut, marking a historic moment in his long career with Athletic Bilbao
- Athletic Bilbao face Arsenal at San Mamés in their return to the Champions League, setting the stage for an electric opener
- Nico Williams remains sidelined with a groin injury, leaving Ernesto Valverde without one of his most dangerous attackers during this crucial run of fixtures
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Inaki Williams has etched his name into Athletic Club history with a long-awaited Champions League debut on the horizon.
The 31-year-old forward has been included in Athletic Bilbao’s squad for the 2025/26 campaign, marking his first-ever appearance in Europe’s premier competition.
Source: Getty Images
A one-club man and cult figure at San Mamés, Williams has already racked up more than 475 appearances for the Basque giants across all competitions.
His loyalty and consistency were underlined when he helped Athletic Club end an 80-year trophy drought by lifting the Copa del Rey two seasons ago.
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Now, the Spanish-born Ghanaian is set to spearhead the Basque side on the grandest stage of European football.
According to 3Sports, Williams has become one of the first non-Spanish players to represent Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League, a milestone he shares with Moroccan forward Marouan Sannadi.
Athletic Bilbao have been handed a tough but thrilling Champions League group, featuring European giants Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atalanta.
They will also battle Newcastle United, Slavia Praha, Qarabağ, and Sporting CP in what promises to be a demanding campaign.
For Iñaki Williams, it is the realisation of a lifelong dream to represent his boyhood club on Europe’s biggest stage, and at 31, the chance to carve his legacy in the competition.
Inaki makes Champions League debut against Arsenal
Williams was named in the starting lineup to face Arsenal at San Mamés, leading the attack alongside Álex Berenguer and Robert Navarro.
His younger brother, Nico Williams, is sidelined with a groin injury picked up during Spain’s clash with Turkey, where he was forced off after 43 minutes.
The winger is expected to be out for around three weeks, leaving coach Ernesto Valverde without one of his most explosive talents during a vital stretch of games.
More to follow..
Source: YEN.com.gh