Iñaki Williams has brought his international career with Ghana to an end after making 28 appearances for the Black Stars and scoring two goals.
Born in Bilbao, Spain, to Ghanaian parents, Williams initially represented Spain at senior level, making one appearance in 2016. He later chose to represent Ghana, officially completing his switch in 2022 and receiving his first Black Stars call-up that September.
The Athletic Bilbao forward made his Ghana debut on September 23, 2022, coming on in the second half of a 3-0 friendly defeat to Brazil in France.
His first major tournament with Ghana came just two months later when he was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Williams started all three of Ghana’s group-stage matches as the Black Stars faced Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay, although the team failed to progress to the knockout stage.
Williams was also part of Ghana’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. The Black Stars, however, endured another disappointing tournament and were eliminated at the group stage.
After waiting more than a year for his first international goal, Williams finally opened his account for Ghana in dramatic fashion. He scored in stoppage time against Madagascar in November 2023 to give the Black Stars a crucial 1-0 victory in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
His second goal for Ghana came during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, when he scored in the Black Stars’ 5-0 victory over Chad in Accra in March 2025.
Williams eventually went on to represent Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning his international journey included appearances at two World Cups and one Africa Cup of Nations.
Although his time with the Black Stars did not produce a large number of goals, Williams remained an important attacking option during his four-year spell with the national team.
Announcing his retirement on September 11, 2026, Williams said he was leaving Ghana duty with happiness and pride, satisfied that he had given his best whenever he wore the national shirt.
He also said representing Ghana meant much more to him than football because it allowed him to reconnect with his roots and experience the pride of carrying the Ghanaian flag.
Williams closed the chapter by thanking those who supported him throughout his international journey and promising to continue backing the Black Stars from outside the team.
His Ghana career therefore ends with 28 caps, two goals, two World Cup appearances and one Africa Cup of Nations campaign, while leaving behind a story centred on his decision to reconnect with his Ghanaian heritage through football.
