Ryan Williams scores for India after choosing to represent His Mother’s Country
Australian-born forward Ryan Williams scored for India in their 1-1 draw against Panama on Friday, continuing an unusual international journey that has taken him from representing Australia to wearing India’s colours.
Williams was born in Perth, Australia, to an Indian-born mother and an English father. His mother was born in Mumbai into an Anglo-Indian family.
He initially followed the Australian football pathway, representing the country at U-20 and U-23 level before making one senior appearance for Australia in 2019 in a friendly against South Korea.
But Williams later decided he wanted to represent India. That decision required a major step because India does not allow its citizens to hold foreign citizenship at the same time. Williams gave up his Australian citizenship, obtained an Indian passport, and then received FIFA approval to switch his international allegiance from Australia to India.
Williams gave India the lead in the 41st minute against Panama, controlling a long pass before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper. Panama eventually equalised through Omar Valencia in the 68th minute, leaving the game 1-1.
After the match, Williams said his India teammates had made him feel welcome despite being an outsider.
“They could have very easily, kind of, excluded me, because I am an outsider. You have to call a spade a spade. They’ve been amazing with me,” he said.
