Athletic Club forward Iñaki Williams has announced his retirement from international football with Ghana, bringing an end to his four-year journey with the Black Stars.
The 32-year-old made the announcement on Friday, September 11, 2026, through a statement shared on social media, saying he believes the time has come to close his chapter with the national team.
“I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end. I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt,” Williams wrote.
Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, Williams switched his international allegiance from Spain to Ghana in 2022 after making one senior appearance for the Spanish national team in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016.
He made his Black Stars debut later in 2022 and went on to represent Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four-year international career
Williams leaves the Black Stars with 28 appearances and two goals. His international career included two World Cup tournaments and a major role in Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 competition.
At the 2026 World Cup, Ghana advanced to the knockout stage for the first time since 2010 before losing 1–0 to Colombia in the Round of 32. Williams featured in the tournament, making his final appearance in the defeat.
Despite his decision to retire, Williams said his relationship with Ghana would remain strong.
“Ghana has given me much more than football. It has allowed me to come back home, feel even closer to my roots and experience the enormous pride of representing my country and wearing this flag on my chest,” he said.
He also thanked Ghanaians and everyone who supported him throughout his international career.
“Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am,” Williams added, ending his message with “Medaase. Always Ghana.”
Williams will now focus on his club career with Athletic Club, where he remains an important figure and captain. His retirement marks the end of an international journey that allowed him to reconnect with his Ghanaian heritage while representing the country on football’s biggest stage.
