Ghana forward Iñaki Williams has officially retired from international football, bringing his four-year spell with the Black Stars to an end.
The 32-year-old Athletic Club captain announced his decision on Friday, September 11, 2026, in a statement published on social media, saying he felt the time had come to end his career with Ghana.
Williams said he was leaving the national team “happy, proud” and with the satisfaction that he had given everything whenever he wore the Black Stars shirt.
His decision brings to an end a journey that began in 2022, when he chose to represent Ghana, the birth country of his parents, after previously making one senior appearance for Spain in 2016.
He made his Ghana debut in September 2022 in a friendly against Brazil and went on to feature at two FIFA World Cups and the Africa Cup of Nations. He finished his international career with 28 appearances for the Black Stars.
Williams was part of Ghana’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars reached the Round of 32 before losing 1-0 to Colombia. He started the knockout match and came close to scoring as Ghana pushed for an equaliser.
In his farewell message, Williams said representing Ghana had given him more than football, allowing him to reconnect with his roots and experience the pride of carrying the Ghanaian flag.
He thanked those who had supported him throughout his time with the national team and said Ghana would always remain part of him.
“I will continue supporting the national team. Like one of you, wherever I am.”
Williams also indicated that his focus will now turn fully to the latter stages of his club career with Athletic Club, while remaining close to his family.
His retirement means the Black Stars lose an experienced forward who featured at two World Cups and was part of Ghana’s attack during a significant period of transition.
Despite ending his playing career with Ghana, Williams made clear that his connection with the country remains.
“Always Ghana,” he concluded.