Iñaki Williams: Athletic Bilbao's First Black Captain Amid Rising Far-right Ideologies

Madrid, Jul 29 (AP) Iñaki Williams takes pride in becoming Athletic Bilbao’s first Black captain at a moment when, as he puts it, the “far-right is fashionable.”

The 31-year-old Williams, among the club’s first Black players, will assume the role of the squad’s main captain this season. Athletic Bilbao has historically fielded few Black players due to its policy of only selecting athletes from Spain's Basque Country and surrounding regions.

Both Iñaki and his younger brother Nico were born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents who embarked on a long journey to Europe seeking better opportunities. "This means a lot," Williams expressed. "It's seems like destiny that my mom and dad gave birth to me in Bilbao 31 years ago." He emphasized the significance of representing many immigrants striving for a better life, both in the Basque Country and across Spain.

Williams notes, "We come from humble families, and being able to express this is good for everyone," highlighting the importance of using one's voice against the rise of far-right ideologies. Both brothers have faced racist insults during their time in Spain. Iñaki Williams chose to represent Ghana in the last World Cup, while 23-year-old Nico has become a regular in Spain’s national squad.

Nico Williams, now a rising star in Spanish soccer, was reportedly in talks to join Barcelona this season but ultimately extended his contract with Athletic. In the previous season, the Basque club finished fourth in La Liga, behind Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and champions Barcelona.

Iñaki Williams stated, "We're committed to being ambitious. With the new signings and young players coming in, we're making great strides. This is one of the strongest Athletic sides I can remember since I joined." (AP)

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