Ghana forward Iñaki Williams has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a four-year career with the Black Stars. The 32-year-old Athletic Bilbao captain made the announcement via social media on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Williams made 28 appearances for Ghana, scoring two goals. He represented the nation at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
From Spain to Ghana: A Return to Roots
Born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1994 to Ghanaian parents, Williams’ journey to representing Ghana was deeply personal. His father hailed from Ghana, while his mother was from Liberia; the two met in a refugee camp in Accra before eventually settling in Spain. Williams had previously earned one cap for the Spain senior national team in a 2016 friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In July 2022, Williams switched his international allegiance to Ghana, the country of his parents’ birth. The decision was widely described at the time as a reconnection with his family’s roots. He made his Ghana debut in September 2022 and was subsequently named to the squad for the Qatar World Cup, where he featured in all three group-stage matches, including Ghana’s memorable 3-2 victory over South Korea.
Two World Cups and an AFCON Campaign
Williams’ international career spanned several major tournaments. He represented Ghana at both the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2026 World Cup, where he helped the Black Stars reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2010. At the 2026 tournament, he started in Ghana’s group-stage match against England, though the team ultimately fell 1-0 to Colombia in the Round of 32.
His first international goal did not arrive until November 2023, when he scored in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Madagascar. He followed that up with another goal in the same qualifying campaign against Chad. Williams was also part of Ghana’s squad at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Black Stars were eliminated in the group stage.
Injury Concerns and Club Focus
According to Spanish media reports, Williams’ decision was closely tied to his physical condition. During the 2025-26 season, he struggled with recurring muscle problems, including hamstring and groin injuries. Retiring from international duty will allow him to focus entirely on club football, where he continues to serve as captain of Athletic Bilbao. His contract with the club runs until 2028.
An Emotional Farewell
In his farewell statement, Williams expressed gratitude and pride in his journey with the national team.
“I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end,” he wrote. “I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt.”
He emphasized that Ghana had given him far 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.”
Williams thanked everyone who had been part of his journey and expressed his enduring love for the nation. “Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am.”
He signed off with “Medaase. Always Ghana.” — “Medaase” meaning “thank you” in Twi, one of Ghana’s most widely spoken languages.
A Unique Family Story
Williams’ younger brother, Nico Williams, currently plays for the Spain national team and was part of the squad that won the 2026 World Cup. The image of the two brothers representing different nations on the international stage has become a unique footnote in modern football history.
As Williams steps away from international football, his legacy with the Black Stars will be remembered not only for his contributions on the pitch but for the powerful symbolism of his decision to represent his parents’ homeland — a choice that resonated far beyond the game itself.
