Iñaki Williams Retires from Black Stars After 28 Caps and Two World Cup Appearances

Athletic Bilbao captain Iñaki Williams has officially announced his retirement from international football with the Ghana national team, the Black Stars. After a four-year journey that began with a high-profile allegiance switch from Spain in 2022, the 32-year-old forward concludes his international chapter with 28 caps and two goals. Williams made the announcement via a post on X on September 11, 2026, stating that he feels it is the "right time" to step away from the national setup and focus on the remainder of his professional career in Spain.

Williams’ tenure with the Black Stars was defined by his decision to represent his ancestral home just months before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Having previously represented Spain in a friendly, his switch to Ghana was seen as a major boost for the national team’s recruitment of diaspora talent. He made his debut in 2022 and went on to participate in two FIFA World Cups (2022 and 2026) as well as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. While he scored only twice for Ghana—most notably a winning goal against Madagascar—his consistent work rate and leadership were highly valued by his teammates and the technical team.

In his farewell message, Williams expressed deep gratitude and pride for the opportunity to reconnect with his Ghanaian heritage. He described wearing the national colors as a profound honor that allowed him to embrace his roots more fully. As he steps back from international duty, the forward will now dedicate his full attention to his club duties at Athletic Bilbao. Currently serving as the captain of the La Liga side, Williams is under contract with the Basque club until 2028. He assured fans that while he will no longer be on the pitch for the Black Stars, he will remain a lifelong supporter of the team.