Athletic Club striker Inaki Williams has decided to step away from international football with Ghana, bringing an end to a three-year spell representing the Black Stars.
The 32-year-old made the announcement in a statement shared on social media, reflecting on a chapter that began in September 2022 and included appearances at two World Cups and one Africa Cup of Nations. During his time with Ghana, Williams collected 28 caps and found the net twice for the national team.
Williams featured for the Black Stars at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, as well as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His final tournament appearances came this year, when he played twice as Ghana's World Cup campaign ended with an exit at the hands of Colombia in the round of 32.
"I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end," Williams wrote. "I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt."
The forward's connection to Ghana traces back to his parents, who emigrated from the country to Bilbao, Spain, where Williams was born and raised. Despite his Ghanaian heritage, he initially represented Spain at various youth levels and even earned a senior cap for La Roja in a friendly match back in 2016 before later switching his international allegiance to the Black Stars.
His decision to play for Ghana stands in contrast to that of his younger brother, Nico Williams, also an Athletic Club player, who opted to remain with the Spanish national team. Nico has since gone on to enjoy considerable success with Spain, winning both a World Cup and a European Championship title.
In his farewell message, Inaki Williams described his international career with Ghana as something that transcended the sport itself. "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 said.
He also expressed gratitude toward the fans and everyone connected to his time with the national team. "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," Williams added, before making clear his emotional ties to the country would endure beyond his playing days. "Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am."
The timing of Williams' retirement from international duty comes shortly after Ghana's football federation confirmed that Carlos Queiroz will return to take charge of the national team once again. The experienced Portuguese coach is set to lead the Black Stars in their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Williams' departure marks the end of an era for a player who brought both quality and a unique personal story to the Ghana setup, having built a career at club level with Athletic Club in Spain's La Liga while representing his ancestral homeland on the international stage. His legacy with the Black Stars includes memorable World Cup experiences and a role in helping the team navigate two major tournament cycles, even as his final appearance ended in disappointment against Colombia.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.