Rhys Williams

Liverpool

Williams joined Liverpool's academy aged nine and won the FA Youth Cup with their youth team in 2019 when they defeated Manchester City in a penalty shoot-out. On 31 July 2019, he joined Kidderminster Harriers on a half-season loan. The loan came about due to connections between Harriers boss John Pemberton and Liverpool's assistant academy director. The deal was extended to cover the entire season and he went on to make 26 National League North appearances for the club in the 2019–20 campaign, scoring his first goal in senior football with a header in a 3–0 win at Bradford (Park Avenue) on 10 August. Kidderminster finished in 16th place, but had conceded only four more goals than second-placed Kings Lynn Town.

"The one that arrived was a young academy graduate, six-foot-five baby face, obviously technically very good. The player that left, left with a broken nose, with experience of being sent off and scoring goals, and learning that it really mattered playing with players who at this level live month to month, rent by rent." In September 2020, Williams signed a long-term contract with Liverpool. He made his first-team debut for the club in the EFL Cup on 24 September, against Lincoln City, partnering Virgil van Dijk in central defence. On 21 October, Williams came on as a 90th-minute substitute against AFC Ajax in the UEFA Champions League. He made his second Champions League appearance the following week, where he came on as a 30th-minute substitute…

Williams played for the England U18 team between March and May 2019. He was called up for the England U-19 team for the International Marbella Cup in October 2019. On 5 October 2020, Williams received his first call-up to the England U-21 squad, and made his debut during a 3–3 draw against Andorra on 7 October 2020.

As of match played 12 April 2025

Middlesbrough

He began his football career as a school boy at Woodvale Secondary College on a scholarship. Rhys was a promising junior with Perth-based club ECU Joondalup. As a youth player, 2004 would prove his breakthrough year with his club performances leading to selection in the Western Australian under-16 state representative squad for the 2004 National Talent Identification Championships. He impressed with three goals in the tournament, helping Western Australia reach the semi-finals. At the conclusion of the event, he travelled to England where he trialed with several clubs including Aston Villa, Leicester City, and Middlesbrough. Williams nearly joined semi-pro side Alvechurch, but the move collapsed over international clearance. He ultimately signed a three-year deal with Premier League club Middlesbrough, playing academy football. In July 2007, he signed his first professional contract with the club, despite a number of injury setbacks which curtailed his football development. In the 2008–09 season, Williams was promoted to the first team after he was impressed in the pre-season. Williams appeared in the first team for the first team when he appeared as an unused substitute. However, Williams suffered injury while on duty with Wales U21 after damaging lateral ligament that required a surgery to repair and was sidelined by the end of 2008. On 30 January 2009, he signed a new two-year contract at Middlesbrough and signed on loan for Championship side Burnley…

Williams was in an unusual position as he was eligible to represent Australia, England, India, and Wales. In May 2009, he opted to represent Australia, the country of his birth, despite having made numerous appearances for the Wales national under-21 football team. He was also called up to the senior Wales squad. Following this declaration, Williams earned his first call-up for Australia at senior level as part of an extended Socceroos squad for the June 2009 World Cup qualifiers. On 17 June 2009, he made his full Australian debut in a World Cup qualifier against Japan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In May 2010 Williams was included in Australia's preliminary squad for the World Cup; however, he was not included in the final squad due to an injury sustained while playing for his club. Australia then Manager Pim Verbeek accused Middlesbrough for causing Williams' injury. Williams returned to the Socceroos squad for the friendly against New Zealand on 5 June at Adelaide Oval which was won by Australia 3–0 and he came off the bench in the 0–0 draw on June against Serbia at Etihad Stadium. Williams played as a centre back in a friendly against France on 11 October 2013. In October 2019, Williams retired from international soccer.

Club

As of 30 April 2017

International

As of match played 19 November 2013.

Rhys Williams was born on 3 February 2001 in Preston, Lancashire.

Melbourne Victory

A-League: 2017–18 Individual

PFA Team of the Year: 2017–18 A-League