Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Ryan Williams Becomes Indian Citizen to Play for National Football Team
A football player named Ryan Williams, who is 32 years old, used to play for Australia.
Now, he has officially become an Indian citizen by giving up his Australian passport.
This is so he can play for India's national football team.
His decision was supported by his family, his club Bengaluru FC, and the famous Indian football player Sunil Chhetri.
Ryan expressed that he feels honored and grateful for the opportunity to play for India, a country he feels a sense of belonging in.
He will now join the Indian team for their training camp and an important game on November 18.
Ryan Williams, a 32-year-old midfielder, has officially become an Indian citizen and surrendered his Australian passport.
This move is part of the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) initiative to bring Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) into the national football team.
The transition was facilitated with support from his family, Bengaluru FC, and legendary player Sunil Chhetri, who conducted the citizenship handover ceremony.
Williams is now eligible to play for the Indian national team and will join the national camp in Bengaluru.
His first potential game for India will be the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on November 18.
- Who
- Ryan Williams, a 32-year-old midfielder/winger.
- What
- Ryan Williams has officially become an Indian citizen, giving up his Australian passport, to fulfill his dream of playing for the Indian national football team.
- When
- Williams' transition to Indian citizenship was recently finalized and he will join the national camp before the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on November 18.
- Where
- The handover ceremony took place at Bengaluru FC's training facility, and the national camp is also in Bengaluru, India.
- Why
- Williams desires to play for the Indian national team, a long-held dream, facilitated by the AIFF's initiative to recruit Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
- Player Name
- Ryan Williams
- Age
- 32
- Current Position
- Midfielder/Winger
- Previous Nationality
- Australian
- Current Nationality
- Indian
- Governing Body Facilitating
- All India Football Federation (AIFF)
- Key Supporter/Facilitator
- Sunil Chhetri
- Upcoming Match
- AFC Asian Cup qualifier vs. Bangladesh
- Qualifier Date
- November 18
Sources
New Page! Ryan Williams Obtains Indian Passport, Called Up For India's Encounter Against Bangladesh
Who are Abneet Bharti and Ryan Williams, the first foreign-based duo set to join the Indian football team?
Indian football set for a historic first with two overseas players set to join Blue Tigers national camp
Ryan Williams, son of Anglo-Indian mother settled in Perth, and Kathmandu-born Abneet Bharti added to Indian football team
New era for Indian football: AIFF opens doors to overseas talent as Ryan Williams, Abneet Bharti join India camp
Ryan Williams gives up Australian passport to join Indian football team, Nepal-born Abneet Bharti called for national camp
