Athletic Club forward Inaki Williams has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32, bringing an end to his four-year spell with the Ghana Black Stars.
Williams made 28 appearances for Ghana after making his international debut in 2022. He scored two goals and represented the country at two FIFA World Cups, in 2022 and 2026.
He was also part of Ghana’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Black Stars failed to progress beyond the group stage.
From Spain to Ghana
Williams switched his international allegiance to Ghana in July 2022 after previously representing Spain.
He made one senior appearance for Spain in 2016, featuring in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina before choosing to represent Ghana at international level.
He received his first Black Stars call-up in September 2022, when then-head coach Otto Addo selected him for pre-World Cup friendly matches against Brazil and Nicaragua.
‘I gave everything’
Announcing his decision on social media, Williams said he believed the time had come to end his international career.
“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.”
Williams said representing Ghana had given him a stronger connection to his heritage and allowed him to experience the pride of playing for his country.
“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 teammates, coaches, officials and supporters for their love and support throughout his international career.
“Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am.”
He ended his message with a heartfelt farewell:
“Medaase. Always Ghana.”
With his international career now over, Williams will turn his full attention to Athletic Club, where he continues his club career.
