Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams has been officially appointed as the new club captain of Spanish side Athletic Bilbao for the upcoming 2025/26 football season.

Williams takes over the leadership role from long-serving veteran Oscar de Marcos, who departs the Estadio San Mamés after an illustrious 16-year stint with the Basque club.

The captaincy marks a major milestone for the 30-year-old, who has been a mainstay at the club since 2014, amassing over 300 appearances.

The leadership change comes on the back of a strong campaign in which Athletic Club secured a top-four finish in La Liga, earning qualification for the UEFA Champions League — a stage Inaki is eager to lead his side onto.

Williams, who remains a crucial figure for club and country, recently claimed the La Liga African Player of the Year award for the second year running.

He edged out competition from Pape Gueye of Villarreal and Enzo Boyomo of Osasuna after contributing 6 goals and 8 assists in 35 league matches during the 2024/25 season.

Despite his club heroics, Williams was not included in Ghana’s 23-man squad for the 2025 Unity Cup in London.

Head coach Otto Addo is using the four-nation tournament to test new and returning players, offering opportunities to domestic stars and fringe internationals.

While Inaki’s absence in the Unity Cup might be a temporary omission, his growing status at club level — now as captain — further cements his legacy as one of Ghana’s most prominent players in European football.