By Kwame Bediako
Iñaki Williams has announced his retirement from international football with Ghana, ending a four-year spell in which he earned 28 caps and scored twice for the Black Stars. The 32-year-old made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), saying he leaves “happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt”.
From Spain to Ghana: a roots-driven switch
Williams switched his international allegiance from Spain to Ghana in 2022, becoming eligible to represent the country of his parents at senior level. He made his Ghana debut in June 2022 and was subsequently included in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Before the switch, he had made one appearance for Spain.
“Ghana has given me much more than football”
In his farewell message, Williams said representing Ghana allowed him to reconnect with his roots and feel the pride of wearing the national flag. “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,” he wrote. He thanked fans and promised to continue supporting the Black Stars “as one of you, wherever I am. Medaase. Always Ghana.”
Focus now on Athletic Bilbao
With his international career concluded, Williams will turn his full attention to club football as captain of Athletic Bilbao, where he remains a key figure and is under contract until 2028.
