Ryan Williams: From Australia to India – A Football Dream Realized

A Childhood Dream Nurtured by Family

Excitement and anticipation define Ryan Williams’ emotions as he prepares to don the India jersey for the first time in Dhaka next week during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh. This dream, however, didn’t emerge overnight—it was planted decades ago by his maternal grandfather, the late Lincoln Grostate, who represented Bombay in the Santosh Trophy in the 1950s. Lincoln’s enduring advice to Williams was simple: aim to play in India, not just for India.

A Family Legacy of Football Aspirations

The Williams family has long pursued opportunities in Indian football. Ryan’s twin brother, Aryn, had played for NEROCA FC in the late 2010s and explored acquiring Indian citizenship. Unfortunately, repeated discouragement and the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed his efforts.

Ryan, however, embodies persistence. “My two hands aren’t enough to count the number of people who told me it wouldn’t be possible,” he says. With his family’s unwavering support, he embarked on a two-year journey beginning with his stint at Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). After living in India for the mandatory 12 months and completing extensive documentation, Williams finally achieved his goal: an Indian passport in hand and the path cleared to represent the country on the international stage.

Honoring His Grandfather and Personal Ambitions

For Williams, this milestone is deeply personal. It fulfills his grandfather’s long-standing dream and allows him to play international football again after six years since his sole appearance for Australia in a friendly against South Korea. His motivations are dual: honoring family legacy and embracing the unparalleled honor of representing a nation.

Williams also acknowledges the personal sacrifices involved. Relinquishing a stronger Australian passport to acquire an Indian one was a bold move. With encouragement from his wife and support from his children, Williams is fully settled in Bengaluru and thriving in family life.

“People looked at me like I had four heads, when I said I’m giving up my Australian passport for an Indian one,” he recalls.

Setting an Example for Aspiring Players

Williams hopes his decision inspires others like Yan Dhanda and Danny Batth, who have expressed a desire to represent India but hesitated to give up their British passports. “It would only move football in India forward,” he asserts.

Challenges in Indian Football

While Williams’ arrival is promising, India’s struggles in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers limit his opportunities for immediate competitive impact. “It’s a shame,” he admits, wishing the citizenship process had been faster to allow him to contribute sooner. Nevertheless, his focus extends beyond on-field performance.

Known for his leadership at Bengaluru FC, Williams demands high standards from teammates and sets the tone on the pitch. While new to the national team, he aims first to integrate fully, wear the India shirt with pride, and give his best effort.

A Vision for Indian Football

Williams also hopes to influence broader football development in India. With no top-tier league currently operating and the AIFF receiving no bids for the Indian Super League’s commercial rights, he remains cautiously optimistic. “Sometimes, you go one step back to take two steps forward,” he says, highlighting the temporary nature of current setbacks.

Reflecting on his ISL experience, he shares, “I’ve enjoyed my time in the ISL so far, it’s been so well organized. I’ve looked forward to the calendar coming out, the matches, even what I’d be doing on Christmas day. Hopefully, the league will return soon for the sake of the players and their families.”

A Leap of Faith in Indian Football

Despite recent struggles in Indian football—the national team’s poor results, organizational uncertainty, and challenges faced by players—Williams has put his trust in the system. His faith and commitment are a testament to his belief in Indian football’s potential.

Ready to Make His Mark

For now, Williams’ focus is simple: don the India jersey and perform to the best of his abilities. With the Bangladesh game approaching at short notice, he looks forward to his family witnessing the culmination of a long-held dream. The Williams household is set to celebrate a historic moment, as Ryan steps onto the field wearing India’s colors for the first time.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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