Newly appointed Athletic Club captain Iñaki Williams has welcomed the responsibility of leading the team into a season that promises both excitement and pressure, Softfootball reports. Williams is the first Black captain for the Spanish side.
With under three weeks to go before the 2025/26 LaLiga opener against Sevilla at San Mamés, the 30-year-old forward shared his thoughts on the team’s pre-season preparations, Champions League return, and what it means to wear the armband.
Williams, speaking to the club media, said:
“I’m ready. This is a dream come true.
“I feel proud to have come through the academy, established myself in the first team, and now lead the side as captain.”
Having joined Athletic as a teenager, Williams said the journey to captaincy has been shaped by those who led before him.
He said:
“I’ve had good teachers. I’ve been progressing since the under-18 level, and I know what it means to represent this club.
“Becoming captain is not easy, but with hard work, humility, and effort, I’ve earned it.”
The Bilbao native is optimistic about the season ahead, praising both the summer arrivals and the energy of the club’s younger players.
He continued:
“With the new signings and the young players coming through, we’re taking big steps.
“This is one of the strongest Athletic sides I can remember since I joined.”
The upcoming season will see Athletic return to the UEFA Champions League, alongside domestic duties in LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa. Williams says the squad is embracing the challenge, not shying away from it.
He revealed:
“For many of us, it’ll be our first time in the Champions League, and that’s very exciting.
“We have to keep working, stay grounded, and continue on the path that’s brought us good results. There’s a lot of hunger in Bilbao to hear that anthem again.”
Athletic are midway through their preseason, with four fixtures left, including two games against Liverpool and one against Arsenal. Williams believes these high-level tests are vital for what’s to come.
Williams added:
“We’re preparing properly.
“We’ve built a strong group, and we’re going to fight to stay at the top. I don’t think the number of matches will overwhelm us. Rotation will help. The key is to find balance so we’re fresh when it matters most.”
Softfootball earlier reported that the Athletic Club stopped the deal of Williams’ brother Nico, who signed a 10-year contract extension.
The Spanish youngster was close to joining Barca before the shocking news to stay further at the Estadio de San Mames as the club hopes to compete in the Champions League.
