Athletic Bilbao captain Inaki Williams retires from Ghana’s Black Stars

Athletic Bilbao captain Inaki Williams has announced his retirement from the Ghana national team, bringing an end to his four-year journey with the Black Stars.

Williams completed his international switch from Spain to Ghana in 2022 and went on to make 28 appearances for the Black Stars, scoring twice in the process.

He earned his first Ghana cap in June 2022 after becoming eligible to represent the country of his parents at senior level.

The Athletic Bilbao forward was then selected for Ghana’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he featured for the Black Stars.

Williams also featured at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and was later included in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite his decision to end his international career, Williams leaves the Black Stars with an emotional connection to Ghana, having repeatedly spoken about the importance of his heritage and representing the country of his parents.

According to the Athletic Bilbao star, playing for Ghana gave him the opportunity to reconnect with his roots and experience the immense pride that comes with representing the country and wearing the national flag.

 “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.” He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Williams now brings the curtain down on his Black Stars career after four years of international service, leaving behind memories of his appearances at major tournaments and his contribution to the national team.

While his international chapter has come to an end, the 31-year-old will now turn his full attention to club football, where he remains a key figure and captain of Athletic Bilbao.

The decision marks the end of Williams’ journey with Ghana, but his connection with the country remains strong as he prepares to continue supporting the Black Stars from afar.