Inaki Williams has announced his retirement from international football with Ghana, bringing an end to a four-year spell with the Black Stars. The Athletic Bilbao forward and captain confirmed the decision in a statement posted on social media on Friday, 11 September 2026.
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The Announcement
Williams, 32, said he felt the time had come to close this chapter of his career, adding that he was leaving “happy, proud” and at peace knowing he had given his all every time he wore the shirt. He also thanked Ghana for giving him far more than football, describing how representing the country allowed him to reconnect with his roots and experience the pride of wearing the national colours. He said he intends to continue supporting the Black Stars going forward.
A Career By the Numbers
Williams made 28 appearances for Ghana after switching his international allegiance from Spain in 2022, scoring twice during his time with the Black Stars.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Inaki Williams |
| Age | 32 |
| Caps for Ghana | 28 |
| Goals for Ghana | 2 |
| International Debut | 2022 |
| Tournaments Played | 2022 World Cup, 2023 AFCON, 2026 World Cup |
| Previous National Team | Spain (1 appearance) |
| Club | Athletic Bilbao (captain, under contract until 2028) |
Before switching allegiance, Williams had made a single senior appearance for Spain, in a 2016 friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He became eligible for Ghana through his parents and made his Black Stars debut in 2022, going on to be included in Ghana’s squad for that year’s World Cup in Qatar.
His Two International Goals
Williams’ first goal for Ghana came in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Madagascar in November 2023. His second arrived during Ghana’s qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, in a match against Chad.
Major Tournaments With the Black Stars
Beyond the 2022 World Cup, Williams featured for Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where the team failed to progress beyond the group stage, and most recently at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Ghana were eliminated in the last 32 following a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Kansas City.
His retirement comes just months ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, meaning Ghana will head into that tournament without one of the more high-profile forwards to have joined the squad in recent years.
What It Means for Ghana
With Williams stepping away, Ghana’s attacking options for the upcoming AFCON cycle are likely to lean on players such as Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Jordan Ayew, all of whom remain part of the national team’s forward line. His departure leaves a gap in experience up front, though the Black Stars retain considerable depth in attacking positions heading into 2027.
Read More: Lucas Bergvall Signs New Contract at Tottenham Until 2032
FAQs
Why has Inaki Williams retired from the Ghana national team?
Williams said he felt the time had come to end his international journey, expressing pride in his contributions and gratitude for what representing Ghana meant to him personally.
How many goals and appearances did Inaki Williams have for Ghana?
He made 28 appearances for Ghana and scored 2 goals during his four-year international career.
Did Inaki Williams play for any other national team before Ghana?
Yes, he made one senior appearance for Spain, in a 2016 friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, before switching allegiance to Ghana in 2022.
Which tournaments did Inaki Williams play for Ghana?
He represented Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Is Inaki Williams retiring from club football as well?
No, he continues as captain of Athletic Bilbao, where he remains under contract until 2028.
