Athletic Bilbao captain Iñaki Williams has announced his retirement from international football with Ghana, bringing his four-year spell with the Black Stars to an end.
The 32-year-old made the announcement on Thursday, September 11, 2026, saying he was leaving “happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt.”
Williams switched his international allegiance from Spain to Ghana in 2022, choosing to represent the country of his parents.
He made his Black Stars debut later that year and was subsequently part of Ghana’s squads for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He made 28 appearances for Ghana and scored two goals.
His first Black Stars goal came in November 2023 when his 96th-minute header secured a 1-0 win over Madagascar in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. He scored his second against Chad in March 2025.
In his farewell message, Williams said representing Ghana had allowed him to reconnect with his heritage.
“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 thanked Ghanaians for their support and pledged to continue backing 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. Medaase. Always Ghana.”
Williams will now focus fully on his club career with Athletic Bilbao, where he remains a key figure and captain.
