Athletic’s Iñaki Williams gets the Toni Kroos treatment in Saudi Arabia Super Cup

Athletic Club captain Iñaki Williams faced boos and whistles from fans in the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah during the early minutes of the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Barcelona. The reaction came after Williams publicly criticized playing the tournament in Saudi Arabia, calling it “bullshit” to have to play a national competition in the Middle Eastern country.

His comments quickly made headlines and even reached the host nation, prompting a call from the Spanish Soccer Federation asking him to avoid using that tone in public statements.

Why Toni Kroos was booed in Saudi Arabia

Williams’ situation drew comparisons to Toni Kroos in 2024. The then-Real Madrid midfielder openly criticized Saudi Arabia’s emerging league, saying players joined only for money and even calling it “shameful.” Kroos also faced boos from local fans for his remarks.

Williams acknowledges misstep but sticks to point

The Athletic captain appeared to face a similar backlash during the semifinal kickoff against Barcelona. His coach, Ernesto Valverde, had previously advised caution, stressing the tournament’s importance for the club and urging careful wording.

Williams addressed the media before the match, admitting, “My words weren’t appropriate,” but he maintained his position, adding, “It still sucks.”