Ghana and Athletic Bilbao star Inaki Williams has announced his retirement from the Ghana Black Stars, saying he leaves the Black Stars with pride and peace of mind, insisting he gave everything every time he wore the national team shirt during his four-year international career.
The Athletic Bilbao captain announced his retirement from international football on Friday morning, bringing an emotional close to his Ghana journey. He will now concentrate on his club career at Athletic Bilbao, where he continues to serve as captain and remains an influential figure for the Spanish side.
Williams switched his international allegiance from Spain to Ghana in 2022, choosing to represent his parents’ country at senior level. He went on to make 28 appearances for the Black Stars, scoring twice.
After completing the nationality switch, Williams made his Ghana debut in June 2022 and was swiftly drafted into the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He went on to feature for Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and was also part of the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After bringing his international career to an end, Williams reflected on his time with the national team and insisted he had no regrets about his commitment whenever he represented Ghana.
“ I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end. I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt. Ghana has given me much more than football.
“It has allowed me 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. 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. Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am,” he wrote on X.
Williams’ decision ends a chapter that saw him reconnect with his Ghanaian heritage and represent the Black Stars at three major international tournaments.
Despite stepping away from international football, the 32-year-old leaves with a strong sense of pride over his contribution to the national team and the opportunity to wear the Ghana shirt.
