Who is Ryan Williams? Aussie footballer who gave up his citizenship to play for India, here’s all you need to know
He was born to an Indian mother and an Australian father and spent his early years in Mumbai; it was a connection that shaped his identity. Read here to learn about this star football player.
In a historic decision for Indian sports, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Thursday that two players of foreign origin will join the Indian national team on a permanent basis. Both players have renounced their previous citizenship and are now Indian citizens. Among them is former Australian winger Ryan Williams, who started his Indian football journey with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.
Williams’ eligibility for Indian citizenship is based on his mother being born to an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai and his maternal grandfather representing Mumbai in the Santosh Trophy in the 1950s.
Who is Ryan Williams?
Ryan Williams is a 32-year-old winger who started his professional career in England and later returned to Australia with Perth Glory. He was born to an Indian mother and an Australian father and spent his early years in Mumbai; it was a connection that shaped his identity.
After a season with Bengaluru FC, where he scored three goals in as many matches, Williams became the second professional footballer to obtain Indian citizenship and qualify for the Indian national team, after Japanese-born Izumi Arata in 2012. Coach Khalid Jamil is expected to call him up for the upcoming camp in Bengaluru and the player himself is eager to answer the call.
Ryan Williams’ grandfather played for Central Railway SC, Tatas club and Bombay (now Mumbai)
Williams’ football legacy stretches back generations. His grandfather, Lincoln Eric Grostate, was a left-footer who played for Central Railway SC, the Tatas club and Mumbai, even beating a strong Bengal team that once boasted nine internationals.
Williams’ two brothers, Aryn and Rhys, pursued the sport at a high level; Rhys played for Middlesbrough, Burnley and Charlton Athletic in the English Premier League before joining Perth Glory and playing in Australia.
Recalling his grandfather’s influence, Williams said, “I remember my grandfather telling Aryn to play for India and he really enjoyed his time there (representing Neroca FC in the I‑League). There’s more than just a little bit of history (about that move). My mother, my grandparents, my great grandparents were all born here. My grandmother has an old notebook with all the pictures. He was a good left-footer, a good striker. It’s a bit of an old story.” It’s coming full circle.”
Ryan Williams’ path to Indian citizenship
The journey to obtain an Indian passport was an arduous one, involving a year-long stay in the country, extensive paperwork, countless phone calls, and numerous trips to government offices. Williams described the surreal moment he experienced handing in his Australian passport: “The police have never seen anyone surrender an Australian passport before, so it was very eye-opening. “If something feels right, you have to go for it.
“Everything has its positives and negatives, but the positives completely outweighed the negatives, so it was a no-brainer.” Reflecting on the decision, he added: “One of the things my deceased grandfather said was: ‘Please go and play for India. The process (of getting an Indian passport) was difficult but the decision was not. “This is something my family and I have thought about a lot,” Williams told TOI on Thursday. “Making your national team debut is the proudest moment for any professional footballer. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.”
National team goals
Williams is preparing to play for India for the first time in official qualifiers. He expressed his feelings with conviction: “When I wear the India jersey, I will give everything for my country, for the team, for the fans,” he promised. “It would be quite difficult to put (this feeling) into words, but it will be happiness. It will be quite emotional.”
Despite being 32 years old, he feels physically strong and mentally sharper than ever: “I’m in a great position physically. I’m becoming more productive and mature mentally. I feel like I have many more years to go, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing this,” he said, underlining his readiness to contribute to the side.
Williams believes his transition could inspire other professional footballers who are hesitant to give up foreign citizenship. “They might do the same thing and break down the door a little bit,” Williams said.
“We have to show others that it is possible. We can represent India and hopefully take the country forward and inspire the younger generation.” Its story, based on multi-generational ties to Indian football, underscores a larger narrative about athletes forging new paths while honoring their legacies.
