Iñaki Williams has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing his four-year journey with the Ghana Black Stars to an end.

The Athletic Club forward confirmed his decision on Friday, September 11, 2026, in an emotional statement shared with supporters. Williams said he felt the time had come to close an important chapter of his career with the Ghana national team, while making it clear that his connection with the country will remain strong.

The 32-year-old forward represented Ghana from 2022 and went on to make 28 appearances for the Black Stars, featuring at two FIFA World Cups and one Africa Cup of Nations.

Iñaki Williams Announces Ghana Retirement

Williams announced his international retirement after completing Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In his farewell message, the forward expressed happiness and pride at having represented Ghana, emphasizing that he gave everything whenever he wore the national team’s shirt.

His decision marks the end of a unique international career. Born in Bilbao, Spain, Williams initially represented Spain at senior level, making his debut for La Roja in 2016. However, in 2022, he chose to represent Ghana, the country connected to his family roots.

He subsequently made his Ghana debut in September 2022 against Brazil.

For Williams, playing for Ghana was about more than football. He described the experience as a way of reconnecting with his heritage and representing a country that had become an important part of his identity.

A Journey That Began in 2022

Williams’ decision to switch his international allegiance to Ghana generated considerable excitement among Black Stars supporters.

His pace, physical strength and experience with Athletic Club made him an important attacking option for Ghana. The forward quickly became part of the national team’s plans and was selected for major international tournaments.

During his time with the Black Stars, Williams experienced the highs and lows that come with international football.

He represented Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, before returning to the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He also featured at the Africa Cup of Nations during his international career.

Ghana’s Football Association selected Williams in the squad for the 2026 World Cup under head coach Carlos Queiroz. The official squad announcement confirmed him among Ghana’s forwards for the tournament.

His Final World Cup Appearance

The 2026 World Cup proved to be Williams’ final major tournament with Ghana.

He was part of Ghana’s squad for the group-stage victory over Panama but did not play in that match. He then featured for 65 minutes in Ghana’s goalless draw against England.

Williams was an unused substitute against Croatia before returning to the starting lineup in Ghana’s Round of 32 meeting with Colombia.

That match ultimately became his final appearance for the Black Stars. Williams played 61 minutes as Ghana suffered a 1–0 defeat to Colombia and exited the tournament.

Although his World Cup campaign did not end with the result Ghana would have wanted, it provided Williams with one final opportunity to represent the country on football’s biggest stage.

Williams Leaves With Pride

Williams’ retirement statement reflected the emotional importance of his time with Ghana.

Rather than simply viewing his international career through statistics, the forward spoke about the personal meaning of representing the Black Stars. Ghana, he explained, allowed him to reconnect with his roots and experience the pride of carrying the country’s flag on his chest.

His message also made clear that retirement from international football does not mean turning his back on Ghana.

Williams said he would continue supporting the Black Stars as a fan, regardless of where his career takes him.

That sentiment is likely to resonate strongly with Ghanaian supporters, particularly those who followed his decision to represent the country after previously playing for Spain.

Focus Turns Back to Athletic Club

With his international career now over, Williams will concentrate on his club football with Athletic Club.

The veteran forward remains an important figure at the Bilbao-based club and has indicated that he wants to focus on the final stages of his playing career, as well as his family.

Athletic Club confirmed earlier in 2026 that Williams had been selected for Ghana’s World Cup squad, highlighting his continued importance at both club and international level at the time.

His decision to retire from international football therefore allows him to reduce the demands of international travel and focus his energy on club football and his personal priorities.

A New Chapter for the Black Stars

Williams’ departure leaves Ghana without one of its most experienced attacking players.

Since choosing the Black Stars in 2022, he became a familiar face in Ghana’s attack and represented the country at two World Cups. His combination of experience, pace and physicality made him a valuable option for successive Ghana coaches.

However, international football is constantly evolving, and the Black Stars will now have to look toward a new generation of attackers to fill the space left by the Athletic Club forward.

For Williams, meanwhile, the next chapter will be about club football, family and supporting Ghana from the sidelines.

His international career may be over, but his relationship with the Black Stars is not.

Iñaki Williams and Ghana: A Four-Year International Journey

From his Ghana debut against Brazil in 2022 to his final World Cup appearance against Colombia in 2026, Williams’ journey with the Black Stars lasted four years.

He leaves international football having represented Ghana 28 times, played at two FIFA World Cups, featured at an Africa Cup of Nations, and created a lasting connection with supporters.

For a player who once represented Spain at senior level, choosing Ghana was a deeply personal decision. His retirement statement showed that the connection he built with the country will continue long after his playing days for the national team have ended.

Iñaki Williams now begins a new chapter — but for Ghanaian football fans, his years in the Black Stars shirt will remain an important part of his career story.

The Black Stars have lost an experienced forward, but Ghana has gained a lifelong supporter.