Inaki Williams Ends International Career with Ghana
Inaki Williams has drawn a line under his international career with Ghana, closing a short but emotionally charged chapter that tied his professional life back to his family roots.
The 32-year-old Athletic Club forward announced his decision on social media, confirming he will no longer represent the Black Stars after earning 28 caps and scoring two goals since his debut in September 2022.
“I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end,” he wrote, before stressing that he walks away “happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt.”
A brief, intense journey with the Black Stars
Williams’ spell with Ghana packed a lot into four years. He featured at two Fifa World Cups, in 2022 and 2026, and at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. At this year’s World Cup he appeared twice, as Ghana’s campaign ended in the last 32 against Colombia.
Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, Williams initially came through the Spanish system, representing Spain at youth level and playing in a senior friendly in 2016. The switch to Ghana was a conscious step towards his heritage, a decision driven as much by identity as by football.
His own words underlined that. Williams said his time with Ghana had given him “much more than football,” describing how the experience had allowed him “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.”
Brothers on different paths
His international retirement also sharpens the contrast with his younger brother Nico, who chose a different route. Nico Williams, also at Athletic Club, committed to Spain and has already become both a World Cup and European Championship winner with La Roja.
Two brothers, one club, two national teams, and now one of those stories is complete.
A decision amid change for Ghana
The timing of Inaki Williams’ announcement is striking. It arrives just a week after confirmation that Carlos Queiroz will return as Ghana coach to lead the build-up to the 2027 Afcon, to be staged in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Queiroz will now shape a new attacking line without the experienced forward, who had become a regular squad presence across major tournaments, even if his goal return never quite matched his work rate and tactical value.
Williams, though, leaves with no hint of bitterness. His farewell message was soaked in gratitude.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has been part of this journey and for all the love you have always shown me,” he said, before signing off with a promise that underlines how deeply the Black Stars have marked him.
“Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am.”
His shirt is up for grabs. His connection is not.
