Ryan Williams gives up Australian passport to play for India
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By thecommonsvoice
Ryan Williams, a 32-year-old winger born in Perth, Australia, renounced his Australian citizenship and surrendered his passport to become an Indian citizen, as India does not permit dual nationality.
His eligibility to represent India comes through his mother, Audrey, who was born in Mumbai. His grandfather, Lincoln “Linky” Grostate, was also a notable footballer who represented Bombay in the Santosh Trophy during the 1950s.
Making his official debut for India on March 31, 2026, against Hong Kong in Kochi, Williams scored just four minutes into the match, setting a new record for the fastest goal by a debutant in the history of the Indian men’s national team.
Before joining Bengaluru FC in the ISL, Williams built an extensive career in England playing for clubs like Portsmouth and Fulham. Having only represented Australia in a non-competitive friendly in 2019, he remained eligible for a FIFA "change of association" to join the Blue Tigers.