Ryan Williams has officially kick-started a fresh chapter in Indian football after surrendering his Australian passport and completing his transition to Indian citizenship.
The 32-year-old becomes only the second player to make the switch under the All India Football Federation’s push to integrate Overseas Citizens of India into the national setup.
His citizenship ceremony, held at Bengaluru FC's training ground, was made even more special as it was conducted by Indian legend Sunil Chhetri. Williams received wholehearted support from his family, the Bengaluru FC hierarchy and the Karnataka State Football Association, with the final green light arriving from the central ministry in New Delhi.
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Here, TSN brings everything you need to know about 32-year-old Bengaluru FC winger.
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Who is Ryan Williams?
Ryan Williams' connection to India stretches back generations. His mother was born into an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai, while his father hails from Kent in England. Long before Williams ever kicked a ball, his maternal grandfather, Lincoln "Linky" Grostate, had already carved out a football legacy of his own, representing Bombay (now Mumbai) in the Santosh Trophy during the 1950s.
Williams spent his early childhood in Australia before moving to England, where he joined Portsmouth's academy in 2010 on a scholarship. A year later, he earned a promotion to the senior squad and made his professional debut against Middlesbrough.
His career then took him across the English football pyramid, with spells at Fulham, Gillingham, Oxford United, Barnsley and Rotherham United, before returning to Portsmouth in 2019. He later rejoined Oxford in 2021, then headed back home to sign a three-year deal with Perth Glory.
Has Ryan Williams played in India?
In 2022, Williams made the leap to Indian football, joining Bengaluru FC.
On the international stage, he represented Australia in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. His lone senior cap for the Socceroos came in a friendly against South Korea in 2019, where he featured as a second-half substitute.
Williams' ambition to don the India shirt first reached the AIFF through Sunil Chhetri. As AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey told PTI, "Sunil Chhetri gave the first information about Ryan Williams, who wants to play for India by giving up his Australian passport. From then on, the process started."
Because India does not permit dual citizenship, even for those with deep ancestral ties, the road to eligibility required a complete renunciation of his Australian nationality. A 2008 Sports Ministry policy under MS Gill further cemented the rule that only Indian passport holders can represent the country, making OCI and PIO athletes ineligible unless they formally switch citizenship.
AIFF's approach and recent developments
Ryan Williams' call-up comes on the heels of the AIFF's renewed effort to expand its talent pool by welcoming players of Indian heritage and those prepared to give up foreign passports to don the national colours. Just days ago, Abneet Bharti, the Nepal-born defender of Indian origin, was also drafted into the national camp.
Williams' arrival represents more than just another addition to the squad. It could be a watershed moment for Indian football. His selection underlines a bold shift in the federation's mindset, creating a clearer pathway for overseas-origin players and individuals willing to switch allegiance to India.
Is Ryan Williams eligible to play for India?
The FIFA’s Players’ Status Chamber (PSC) decision cleared Williams to play for India on November 20, 2025.
“Following the submission, FIFA’s Players’ Status Chamber reviewed the request in alignment with the standards set out in the RGAS. The Chamber delivered its decision on November 19, confirming that all eligibility criteria had been satisfied and approving the player’s change of association to India,” the All India Football Federation said in a statement.
“With the ruling now in effect, Ryan Williams is officially eligible for selection to the Indian national team,” it added.
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