Ghana and Athletic Club forward Iñaki Williams has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his four-year spell with the Black Stars.
Williams made the announcement in a statement shared on his social media accounts on Friday, September 11, 2026.
The 32-year-old forward said he had reached the point where it was time to close the chapter on his international career, adding that he leaves the Black Stars “happy, proud” and with the satisfaction of having given his all whenever he represented Ghana.
Williams switched his international allegiance to Ghana in 2022 after previously making one senior appearance for Spain. He subsequently made his Ghana debut against Brazil in September 2022.
Since then, he has represented Ghana at two FIFA World Cup tournaments and became an important figure in the Black Stars squad.
In his farewell message, Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the country of his parents and reconnect with his Ghanaian roots.
He said playing for Ghana gave him more than football and allowed him to feel closer to his heritage while experiencing the pride of wearing the national colours.
“Ghana will always be part of me,” Williams said, while pledging to continue supporting the Black Stars from outside the pitch.
The Athletic Club forward will now focus on his club career in Spain, where he remains a key figure for the Bilbao-based side.
Athletic Club had selected Williams for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup squad earlier this year, with the forward set to feature in Ghana’s campaign in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Williams leaves international football after a career in which he represented Ghana on some of the biggest stages in world football and became one of the most recognisable members of the Black Stars squad.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Mavis Fantevi
