Newly appointed Athletic Club captain Inaki Williams has welcomed the responsibility of leading the team into a season that promises both excitement and pressure, Softfootball reports. Williams is the first Black captain for the Spanish side.
With under three weeks to go before the 2025/26 LaLiga opener against Sevilla at San Mames, the 30-year-old forward shared his thoughts on the team's pre-season preparations, Champions League return, and what it means to wear the armband.
Williams, speaking to the club media , said:
Having joined Athletic as a teenager, Williams said the journey to captaincy has been shaped by those who led before him.
He said:
The Bilbao native is optimistic about the season ahead, praising both the summer arrivals and the energy of the club's younger players.
He continued:
The upcoming season will see Athletic return to the UEFA Champions League, alongside domestic duties in LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa. Williams says the squad is embracing the challenge, not shying away from it.
He revealed:
Athletic are midway through their preseason, with four fixtures left, including two games against Liverpool and one against Arsenal . Williams believes these high-level tests are vital for what's to come.