Inaki Williams retires from Black Stars

Ghanaian footballer Inaki Williams has announced his retirement from the Black Stars, stating that he feels it is the right time to bring his international career to an end.

In a post on X on September 11, 2026, Williams expressed his delight at having represented his roots and his deep honor in playing for the national team.

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“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,” he wrote.

The Athletic Bilbao forward expressed his gratitude to his family, fans, and all who supported him throughout his journey, pledging to continue supporting the team despite retiring.

“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. Medaase. Always Ghana,” he added.

Williams was expected to replicate his explosiveness at club level for the national team, but that did not materialize, as he managed just two goals in 28 matches for the Black Stars.

The Athletic Bilbao captain switched his international allegiance from Spain to Ghana in 2022 and went on to make 28 appearances, scoring twice.

He made his Ghana debut in June 2022 after completing the nationality switch, becoming eligible to represent the country of his parents. Williams featured in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, and was part of the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Read the tweet below:

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… pic.twitter.com/6WkqhYwG2V

— IÑAKI WILLIAMS ARTHUER (@Williaaams45) September 11, 2026