Inaki Williams, the veteran 32-year-old striker for Spain’s Athletic Club, has officially brought an end to his international career representing Ghana’s Black Stars, closing out a chapter that connected the Bilbao-born player to his family’s cultural roots for nearly three years.
Since making his senior international debut for Ghana in September 2022, Williams earned 28 caps for the West African side and found the back of the net twice, with both goals coming during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. He went on to feature in three major tournaments for Ghana: the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), and the 2026 FIFA World Cup held earlier this year. At the 2026 tournament, Williams made two appearances as Ghana was eliminated in the round of 32 by Colombia.
In a public statement shared across his social media platforms, Williams confirmed his retirement, saying he believes the timing is right to conclude his journey with the Ghana national team. “I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt,” Williams wrote.
Williams’ connection to international football took an unusual path: born and raised in Bilbao to Ghanaian immigrant parents, he previously represented Spain at the youth international level, and even earned one senior cap for Spain in a 2016 friendly match before committing his senior international future to Ghana. His younger brother Nico Williams, also a first-team player at Athletic Club, made the opposite choice, electing to stay with the Spanish national setup where he has already won both the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship titles.
Williams’ retirement announcement comes just one week after the Ghana Football Association confirmed that experienced coach Carlos Queiroz would return to lead the Black Stars in preparations for the 2027 Afcon, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. For Williams, the experience of representing Ghana extended far beyond the pitch.
“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 added. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has been part of this journey and for all the love you have always shown me. Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am.”