In what could be a defining moment for Indian football, Australian-born winger Ryan Williams is all set to wear the Indian jersey for the very first time. The 31-year-old Bengaluru FC star has been called up for India’s preparatory camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on November 18.
Williams, who recently completed his citizenship process, now holds an Indian passport and is eligible to represent the Blue Tigers under FIFA regulations. Speaking exclusively to RevSportz, he opened up about what it means to become an Indian footballer, his family legacy, and the journey that brought him here.
‘It’s a proud moment for my entire family’
Having previously represented Australia in a friendly against South Korea in 2019, Williams is now embracing a new chapter. “There’s a lot of different aspects to it,” he said. “I hope, like I’ve said in a few interviews, that I can inspire others with a similar background to me to come and play in India or for India and help us move up the rankings and inspire the younger generation too.”
For Williams, this isn’t just about switching national allegiance; it’s deeply personal. His late grandfather, Lincoln ‘Linky’ Grostate, represented Bombay in the Santosh Trophy in the 1950s and first encouraged the idea of playing in India.
“He was the first one to plant the seed,” Williams recalled. “He mentioned that he would love for me to go and play in India. At the time, it probably never really crossed my mind. When it started to come about, it was something really exciting and new but also, at the same time, not new, if that makes sense. I don’t think I’m completing an unfinished dream. I think if he were still alive, he would be the proudest man alive. He’s the one that got the ball rolling for all of this.”
‘I’m ready to give 110% for India’
With Sunil Chhetri having retired from international football, the Indian team is in search of an incisive attacker — a responsibility that now partly falls on Williams’ shoulders. But the winger exudes quiet confidence.
“Yes,” he said when asked if he feels ready to fill the attacking void. “Depending on where the manager wants to put me, I have confidence in my own ability. I’ve spoken to the manager; he also has confidence in me. It’s me coming into a new team it’s not going to happen straight away. I’m hoping it will, I think it will, but generally it doesn’t. Still, I’m excited to try. I’m excited to leave it all out there and give 110% every match that I’m selected.”
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‘It’s not too late — I feel my best right now’
Some may wonder whether this opportunity has come a bit late in his career, especially as India are already out of the current Asian Cup qualification race. But Williams disagrees.
“No, I don’t,” he said firmly. “I think there are two sides to this — my impact on the pitch and, second, being the first — not the first, but the second one — to do it and inspire others that have a similar background to me. I’m 32, I feel the best I’ve felt. I still have plenty of years to play. I still think my best is yet to come. As I get older, I feel like I’m getting a lot smarter, a lot more efficient, and a lot more mature on the pitch. So no, I don’t feel like it’s late at all.”
‘My goal is to make a big impact for India’
Williams believes that his time with Bengaluru FC has played a major role in preparing him for this next chapter. “I definitely feel confident because I’m super happy at the club I’m at now,” he said. “They give me so much confidence — not only the players around me and the staff but also the city itself and all the fans. My goal is to come here to make a big impact. That is something that I will do and I’m hoping to do. Time will tell.”
‘It’s been a collective effort to make this happen’
Williams was quick to credit those who helped him along the way. “I’ve got some friends here locally who were the biggest help in this,” he shared. “Also, my lawyer helped me with the application. But definitely my local friends here, because without their guidance, I wouldn’t have got very far and also AIFF and JSW. They all managed to chip in here and there, and all of us collectively got this over the line.”
As Williams prepares to don the Indian colours for the first time, he represents more than just a new addition to the national squad.
“I hope I can inspire others like me,” he said. And with that, the attacker is ready to begin his Indian chapter.
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