Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams has retired from international football with Ghana, bringing his four-year spell with the Black Stars to an end.
The 32-year-old announced his decision on Friday, September 11, 2026, in an emotional statement posted on social media.
“I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end,” Williams said.
“I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt.”
Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, Williams made one senior appearance for Spain in 2016 before choosing to represent Ghana in 2022.
He announced his decision in July 2022 and received his first Black Stars call-up later that year. He made his Ghana debut on September 23, 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 friendly defeat to Brazil.
Williams went on to feature at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He leaves the Black Stars with two goals in 28 appearances.
One of his goals for Ghana came in November 2023, when he scored a stoppage-time winner against Madagascar in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Williams said representing Ghana allowed him to reconnect with his roots and experience the pride of playing for his parents’ country.
“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 the supporters and everyone who had been part of his international career, while pledging to continue supporting the Black Stars.
“Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am,” he added.
Williams leaves the Black Stars after four years, two World Cups and one Africa Cup of Nations, having chosen Ghana despite previously representing Spain at senior level.
