It’s Official! Australian-Born Ryan Williams Joins National Camp in Bengaluru Ahead of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Ryan Williams has officially completed his remarkable transition from an Australian international to an Indian citizen, marking a new chapter in Indian football's global outlook. The social media accounts

of the national football team confirmed it on Sunday, Nov 9.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who gave up his Australian passport, will now be eligible to represent India and has joined the national camp in Bengaluru ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on November 18.

Williams' citizenship handover ceremony was conducted at Bengaluru FC's training facility, with none other than Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri presenting him his Indian documents. The emotional event was attended by his family, Bengaluru FC officials, and members of the Karnataka State Football Association. The final nod came from ministerial authorities in New Delhi, officially confirming Williams' eligibility.

"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 on Instagram, reflecting on his heartfelt journey.

Williams becomes only the second footballer to switch citizenship to play for India after Japan-born Izumi Arata, who represented the Blue Tigers in 2013 and 2014.

Interestingly, Williams' Indian ties run deep. His mother hails from an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai, while his maternal grandfather, Lincoln "Linky" Grostate, was a noted footballer who represented Bombay in the Santosh Trophy during the 1950s.

Williams began his professional career in England after joining Portsmouth's academy in 2010. He made his senior debut the following year before turning out for several clubs, including Fulham, Gillingham, Oxford United, Barnsley, and Rotherham United. He returned to Portsmouth in 2019 and later joined Perth Glory in Australia's A-League. His move to Bengaluru FC in 2022 marked the start of his Indian journey both professionally and personally.

On the international stage, Williams represented Australia at the U-19 and U-20 levels, including appearances in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. His senior debut came in 2019 during a friendly against South Korea.

According to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, Chhetri played a pivotal role in initiating Williams' switch. "Sunil Chhetri gave the first information about Ryan Williams, who wants to play for India by giving up his Australian passport. From then on, the process started," Chaubey told PTI.

With Williams now part of the national setup, Indian football welcomes not just a skilled midfielder but also a powerful symbol of global connection and belonging.