Athletic Club forward Inaki Williams has announced his retirement from international football with Ghana after four years representing the Black Stars.
The 32-year-old made his Ghana debut in September 2022 and went on to earn 28 international caps, scoring two goals. During his time with the national team, Williams represented Ghana at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups as well as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Williams made two appearances at this year’s World Cup before Ghana were eliminated by Colombia in the last 32.
Announcing his decision on social media, Williams said he believed the time had come to end his journey with the Black Stars. He said he was leaving the national team with pride and satisfaction, knowing that he had given everything whenever he represented Ghana.
Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, Williams initially represented Spain at youth level and also played in a senior friendly for the country in 2016. He later chose to switch his international allegiance to Ghana, making his debut for the Black Stars six years later.
His decision to represent Ghana allowed him to reconnect with his family roots and play for the country of his parents.
Williams said his time with Ghana had given him much more than football, describing the experience as an opportunity to return to his roots and feel a deeper connection to Ghana.
He thanked supporters, teammates, coaches and everyone who had been part of his international career, expressing gratitude for the love and support he received while wearing the national team shirt.
Williams also made it clear that his retirement does not mean he is turning his back on the Black Stars. He said Ghana would always remain part of him and that he would continue supporting the national team even after stepping away from international football.
His retirement comes just one week after the Ghana Football Association confirmed the return of Carlos Queiroz as head coach. The Portuguese manager has been appointed ahead of Ghana’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Williams’ younger brother, Nico Williams, has taken a different international path. The Athletic Club winger chose to represent Spain and has since become a European Championship and World Cup winner with La Roja.
Inaki Williams leaves the Ghana national team after appearing at two World Cups and one Africa Cup of Nations, bringing an international career that began with high expectations to an end.
Although his goalscoring record for Ghana was modest, Williams remained an important figure for the team and a player whose decision to represent the country strengthened his connection with his Ghanaian heritage.
