Iñaki Williams has brought his international career with Ghana to a close, announcing that he will step back from Black Stars duty after four years representing the country of his parents’ birth.
The Bilbao-born striker, who plies his trade for Athletic Club in Spain’s top flight, confirmed the decision through a personal statement shared on social media, describing a journey that carried him from a single senior cap for Spain to a deeply personal homecoming with Ghana.
Career Snapshot
Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents
Capped once for Spain, against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016
Switched allegiance to Ghana in July 2022
Called up by then-coach Otto Addo in September 2022 for friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua
Made his Black Stars debut versus Brazil on 23 September 2022 in Le Havre, coming off the bench in a 3-0 loss
Having earned a single appearance for Spain in a 2016 friendly, he later chose to pursue the flag of his heritage, formally switching allegiance to Ghana in July 2022 ahead of that year’s World Cup cycle.
Otto Addo, then in charge of the national team, wasted little time handing him a first call-up, naming him in the squad for warm-up matches against Brazil and Nicaragua. Williams went on to debut against Brazil in Le Havre on 23 September 2022, entering as a substitute in a match Ghana lost 3-0.
In his farewell message, Williams reflected on what the four-year spell meant beyond the pitch, framing his time with Ghana as a rediscovery of identity as much as a sporting commitment.
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.”
The forward struck a tone of gratitude and closure throughout his announcement, thanking supporters for the warmth extended to him since his arrival and insisting his connection to the Black Stars would endure beyond active duty.
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.
Medaase. Always Ghana.
Iñaki Williams, via social media
Williams closed his statement with a pledge to remain a supporter of the team from the terraces of public opinion, even as his playing involvement comes to an end.