Ryan Williams has ushered in a new hope in Indian football after the midfielder gave up his Australian citizenship and officially became an Indian citizen.
The Indian citizenship handover for Williams was conducted by legendary Sunil Chhetri at Bengaluru FC’s training facility. The winger received full support from his family, Bengaluru FC management and the Karnataka State Football Association. The final stamp came from the ministerial level in New Delhi.
“Honoured to make official what’s long felt true. Grateful for the love, the opportunity, and the sense of belonging this country has given me. As you can see, the last round of interviews was the hardest. India, I’m one of your own!” Williams wrote in an Instagram post.
Who is Ryan Williams?
Ryan Williams (born 28 October 1993) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) and the India national football team. Born in Perth, Australia, Williams represented Australia at youth and senior levels before acquiring Indian citizenship in 2025 through his maternal lineage. He is noted for his pace, versatility, and work rate on the flanks.
Early life
Ryan Williams was born in Subiaco, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, on 28 October 1993. His mother, Audrey, belongs to an Anglo-Indian family originally from Mumbai, India, while his father hails from Kent, England. Williams’ maternal grandfather, Lincoln “Linky” Grostate, represented Bombay in the Santosh Trophy during the 1950s.
Williams grew up in Perth alongside his twin brother, Aryn Williams, who also became a professional footballer and later played in India for NEROCA FC in the I-League.
Also Read: Former Australian National Ryan Williams To Join Indian Football Team
Club career
Williams began his youth career at ECU Joondalup, a well-known football academy in Western Australia. In 2010, he moved to England to join the Portsmouth FC academy and made his professional debut for the club in the 2011–12 season.
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He later signed for Fulham FC, spending time on loan at several English clubs including Gillingham, Oxford United, Barnsley, and Rotherham United. Over the years, Williams became known for his energetic wing play and adaptability across attacking roles.
Return to Australia
In 2021, Williams returned to Oxford United for a second stint before signing with Perth Glory in the A-League ahead of the 2022–23 season.
Bengaluru FC
In July 2023, Williams joined Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, marking his first club move to India. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team, contributing goals and assists with consistency. In 2025, he signed a contract extension with the club, underlining his long-term commitment to Indian football.
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International Career
Australia
Williams played in Australian colours at the under-20 and under-23 levels, featuring in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He made his senior debut for Australia in 2019, coming on as a substitute in a friendly match against South Korea.
India
In 2025, Williams renounced his Australian citizenship to become an Indian citizen, making him eligible to represent India internationally. His eligibility stemmed from his mother’s Indian heritage and his grandfather’s sporting representation for Bombay in the 1950s.
After completing the nationality change and obtaining the required No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Football Australia, Williams was called up to the India national team for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh on 18 November 2025.
His citizenship ceremony was held at Bengaluru FC’s training facility and was conducted by Indian captain Sunil Chhetri.
Personal life
Williams comes from a footballing family. His twin brother Aryn Williams has played professionally in Australia, England, and India. Ryan’s multicultural background- with Indian, English, and Australian heritage- has been cited as an influence on his global footballing journey.
Legacy and significance
Williams’ decision to switch nationality and play for India has been described as a landmark moment for Indian football. He became the second foreign-born footballer after Arata Izumi (Japan-born, 2012) to take Indian citizenship to represent the country. His move is seen as part of a broader initiative by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to attract players of Indian origin willing to naturalize, potentially strengthening the national team.
