Former Ghana striker Inaki Williams has moved into the top five for appearances in Athletic Bilbao’s history after reaching 515 games for the Spanish club in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Elche.
Williams marked the landmark appearance by scoring Athletic’s goal at San Mames, helping the Basque side earn a point in La Liga.
The 32-year-old, who was born in Spain, reached 515 appearances for his boyhood club just one day after announcing his retirement from international football with Ghana.
His latest appearance saw him overtake former Athletic forward Joseba Etxeberria, who made 514 appearances for the club.
Williams now occupies fifth place on Athletic’s all-time appearance list, with only four players ahead of him.
Txetxu Rojo is fourth with 541 appearances, while former captain Iker Munian is third after playing 560 times for the club. Oscar de Marcos is second with 573 appearances.
At the top of the list is Athletic legend Jose Angel Iribar, who made 614 appearances for the Rojiblancos.
Athletic Bilbao celebrated Williams’ achievement on social media after the draw with Elche.
“Iaki 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.
Williams has spent his senior career with Athletic, making more than 500 appearances for the club and establishing himself as one of its most prominent modern players.
Across those appearances, he has scored 116 goals and provided 74 assists.
His achievements with Athletic also include winning the Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups.
His latest milestone came only 24 hours after he announced that his international career with Ghana had come to an end.
Williams made the announcement on Friday, 11 September 2026, delivering an emotional message to Ghanaians as he confirmed his decision to retire from international football.
“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.
The former Ghana striker said he was leaving the national team with pride and satisfaction after giving his full commitment whenever he represented the country.
“I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt.”
Williams also reflected on the significance of representing Ghana despite being born in Spain.
“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.
He thanked those who had supported him throughout his time with the Black Stars.
“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.”
Williams also made clear that his decision to retire from international football would not end his connection with Ghana.
“Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am.”
Williams’ international career ended with two goals in 28 appearances for Ghana.
His decision to retire came as he continued to reach significant milestones at club level. One day after announcing his departure from the Black Stars, he made his 515th Athletic appearance and scored against Elche.
The goal ensured Athletic took a point from the match and provided an appropriate celebration of another landmark in Williams’ long association with the club.
His rise to fifth on Athletic’s appearance list further underlines his importance to the Basque side, where he has spent his professional career and collected major domestic honours.
With 515 official appearances already to his name, Williams now has four of Athletic’s most-capped players ahead of him, led by Iribar’s record of 614.
For the Ghanaian-born forward, the weekend therefore brought both an emotional farewell to international football and another significant chapter in his remarkable Athletic Bilbao career.
