In a landmark development for Indian football, forward Ryan Williams has officially joined the national team camp in Bengaluru after giving up his Australian citizenship to become an Indian national, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Sunday.
The 32-year-old, born in Perth to a mother from Mumbai and a father from Kent, England, reported to the Khalid Jamil-led camp alongside defender Jay Gupta. “Forward Ryan Williams, and defender Jay Gupta have joined the senior men’s national team camp in Bengaluru,” the AIFF confirmed in a post on X.
Williams’ inclusion comes as part of a new initiative by the federation to integrate overseas-based talent into the Indian setup. Earlier this week, the AIFF also called up Abneet Bharti, another foreign-based player of Indian origin, as the team prepares for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on November 18.
The move marks a significant shift in approach by the federation, long criticized for its reluctance to tap into the global Indian diaspora. For Williams, the decision represents more than just a professional transition—it marks a personal milestone. His formal citizenship handover ceremony was conducted by Indian captain Sunil Chhetri at Bengaluru FC’s training facility, where the forward currently plies his trade in the Indian Super League.
“Honoured to make official what’s long felt true. Grateful for the love, the opportunity, and the sense of belonging this country has given me. As you can see, the last round of interviews was the hardest. India, I’m one of your own!” Williams wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post following the ceremony.
Williams’ football journey has spanned multiple continents. A product of Australia’s youth system, he represented the country at both U-20 and U-23 levels and earned a senior cap in a friendly against South Korea in 2019. His club career has included stints with English sides Fulham and Portsmouth before his move to India in 2023.
This development marks only the second time an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) has become eligible to represent the national team. The first was Japan-born Izumi Arata, who took Indian citizenship in 2012 and played nine matches for the Blue Tigers between 2013 and 2014.
With the Bengaluru camp underway, Williams’ addition brings both experience and excitement to a squad aiming to secure qualification and signal a new era of inclusivity in Indian football.
