Inaki Williams becomes fifth most-capped Athletic Bilbao player after Elche draw

Former Ghana striker Inaki Williams entered the history books of Athletic Bilbao by becoming the fifth most capped player for the Basque club after their 1-1 draw against Elche in La Liga.

The Spain-born striker, who announced his international retirement 24 hours prior to the game, made his 515th appearance for the La Liga giants on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Williams celebrated the moment with the goal that ensured Athletic Bilbao secured an important point at San Mames.

He achieved the piece of history after surpassing Joseba Etxeberria, who made 514 appearances for the club.

Meanwhile, the players ahead of the Ghanaian on the list are Txetxu Rojo with 541 caps, more recently Iker Munian with 560 games, Oscar de Marcos with 573 appearances and at the top is the legendary Jose Angel Iribar with 614 matches for the Rojiblancos.

"Iñaki Williams enters the TOP-5 of matches with Athletic Club 515 official games as a lion. And the remaining ones. Congratulations, Williams," posted Bilbao on social media.

In his over half-a-century appearances for his boyhood club, Williams has scored 116 goals and delivered 74 assists. He has also won a Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups with Athletic Bilbao.

Meanwhile, on Friday, September 11, 2026, Williams announced his decision to retire from international football with an emotional message to Ghanaians.

He wrote:

"I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end," he said in a post on social media.

"I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt.

"It has allowed me to come back home, feel even closer to my roots and experience the enormous pride of representing my country and wearing this flag on my chest," he added.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has been part of this journey and for all the love you have always shown me.

"Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am."

He scored two times in 28 matches for the Black Stars of Ghana.