Iñaki Williams has announced his retirement from international football with Ghana’s Black Stars, ending a four-year stint with the national team.
The 32-year-old Athletic Club forward announced his decision in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying he was leaving the Black Stars with pride after representing Ghana at several major international tournaments.
Born in Bilbao, Spain, to Ghanaian parents, Williams switched his international allegiance to Ghana in 2022 after previously making appearances for Spain at senior level.
He made his Black Stars debut on September 23, 2022, in a friendly against Brazil before earning a place in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Williams subsequently featured for Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At the 2026 World Cup, he started Ghana’s Round of 32 encounter against Colombia, which ended in a 1-0 defeat, eliminating the Black Stars from the competition.
One of his most memorable moments for Ghana came during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when he scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Madagascar in the opening match of the campaign.
Williams made 28 appearances for Ghana and scored two goals during his international career.
In his farewell message, Williams said representing Ghana had given him more than just football and had strengthened his connection with his family roots.
He expressed gratitude to Ghanaian supporters and said he would continue to follow and support the Black Stars despite stepping away from international football.
His retirement comes as Ghana prepares for a new chapter under Carlos Queiroz, who was reappointed as head coach following the 2026 World Cup.
Queiroz is expected to begin his latest spell with the Black Stars during Ghana’s upcoming international fixtures, including the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar