Athletic Bilbao's Iñaki Williams reaches 500-game milestone

The Basque club captain joins an exclusive group of European football players who have played 500 or more competitive matches for one club.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:38pm

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Iñaki Williams, the captain of Athletic Bilbao, has reached a significant milestone in his career by playing his 500th professional match for the Basque club. Williams, a Bilbao native, is only the eighth player in Athletic Bilbao's history to reach this impressive feat, joining a select group of 19 current professionals across Europe who have played 500 or more competitive games for a single club.

Why it matters

Williams' achievement highlights his unwavering loyalty and dedication to his boyhood club, Athletic Bilbao, which is known for its policy of only fielding players from the Basque region. In an era of player mobility, Williams' longevity with a single club is a testament to his commitment and the strong bond he shares with the club and its supporters.

The details

Despite the milestone match ending in a 3-0 defeat to Girona, Williams' manager, Ernesto Valverde, praised the player's remarkable accomplishment, stating that it showcases Williams' determination, fighting spirit, and the integral role he plays not only in the team but also in the club's history. Williams, a right-winger, has scored 114 goals and provided 66 assists in his 500 appearances for Athletic Bilbao.

  • Iñaki Williams reached the 500-game milestone for Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The players

Iñaki Williams

A 31-year-old Bilbao-born Ghana international who has spent his entire professional career with Athletic Bilbao, the club he has represented since making his debut in 2014. Williams is the captain of Athletic Bilbao and is now part of an exclusive group of 19 current professionals in European football who have played 500 or more competitive matches for a single club.

Ernesto Valverde

The current manager of Athletic Bilbao, who himself played 492 games for the club across three spells as a player. Valverde praised Williams' remarkable achievement and highlighted the player's determination, fighting spirit, and importance to the team and the club's history.

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What they’re saying

“These are impressive figures that highlight what Iñaki means not only to the team, but also to the club and its history. He has achieved everything through sheer determination, thanks to his unbridled fighting spirit, which always drives us on and pushes us forward. This will be another success in his career.”

— Ernesto Valverde, Manager, Athletic Bilbao

The takeaway

Iñaki Williams' 500-game milestone with Athletic Bilbao is a remarkable achievement that showcases his unwavering loyalty and dedication to his boyhood club. In an era of player mobility, Williams' longevity with a single club is a testament to his commitment and the strong bond he shares with the club and its supporters, making him a true club legend.