Inaki Williams retires from Ghana duty after 28 appearances

Inaki Williams has retired from international football with Ghana, ending a four-year spell in which the Athletic Club forward represented the Black Stars at two World Cups. BBC Sport reported that the 32-year-old announced his decision on social media after making 28 appearances and scoring twice for the national team.

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Williams made his Ghana debut in September 2022 and went on to feature at the World Cup that year, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup. He played twice at this year's World Cup, where Ghana's campaign ended against Colombia in the last 32. Both of his international goals came during qualification for the 2026 tournament.

In his farewell message, Williams said he believed the moment had arrived to end his international career. He described leaving with happiness and pride, saying he was satisfied that he had given his full commitment whenever he represented Ghana. The announcement closes his playing involvement with the Black Stars after appearances at three major international tournaments.

Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, Williams had represented Spain at youth level and played a senior friendly for Spain in 2016 before choosing Ghana. His younger brother Nico, also an Athletic Club player, took a different international path by representing Spain. According to the BBC's report, Nico has since won both the World Cup and the European Championship with the Spanish national team.

Williams said playing for Ghana had strengthened his connection to his family roots and given him experiences that extended beyond the sport itself. He thanked those who had supported him throughout his time with the team and made clear that retirement would not end his attachment to Ghana. He intends to continue supporting the Black Stars wherever he is.

His decision comes a week after confirmation that Carlos Queiroz would return as Ghana coach. That appointment forms part of the team's build-up to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Williams' departure brings his international career to a close as Ghana prepares for that next tournament under returning leadership.