Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku has expressed disappointment over Inaki Williams' decision to retire from international football after the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Williams, captain of Spanish club Athletic Bilbao, announced his retirement from the Black Stars following Ghana's campaign at the tournament in North America. Okraku stated that the GFA was initially concerned by the decision but came to understand the reasons behind it after discussions with the player and his family.
Okraku revealed that Williams had been playing through pain and injuries, and even at club level, he was being managed. The GFA president emphasized that the association had to appreciate what Williams had done for Ghana as a country. He mentioned that Williams' parents had spoken to him and the Football Association, and they just had to appreciate his contributions.
Williams switched his international allegiance to Ghana in July 2022 after previously representing Spain. He had made one senior appearance for Spain in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016 but later chose to play for the country of his parents. Williams received his first Black Stars call-up in September 2022 under then-coach Otto Addo for pre-World Cup friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua.
Williams made his Ghana debut against Brazil on 23 September 2022, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 defeat in Le Havre, France. He was subsequently named in Ghana's squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, featuring in all three group-stage matches. Four years later, Williams was selected by Carlos Queiroz for Ghana's 2026 World Cup squad in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
During the 2026 World Cup, Williams started Ghana's goalless draw against England and also featured from the start in the Round of 32 defeat by Colombia. He was an unused substitute against Panama and Croatia. His appearances at the tournament took his World Cup tally to five across two editions. Williams dramatically scored his first international goal in November 2023, heading home in the 96th minute to give Ghana a 1-0 win over Madagascar.
Okraku urged critics to look beyond Williams' relatively modest goalscoring record for Ghana and recognize his contribution to the national team. He emphasized that people should appreciate Williams' effort, not just his numbers. Williams finishes his Ghana career with 28 appearances and two goals, having represented the Black Stars at two World Cups and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire.
The GFA president expressed gratitude for Williams' service to the national team, acknowledging the player's dedication and commitment. Williams' retirement marks the end of an era for the Black Stars, and Okraku's comments reflect the association's appreciation for his contributions. The GFA will likely focus on identifying and nurturing new talent to fill the void left by Williams' departure.
Key points
- - Inaki Williams retires from Black Stars with 28 appearances and two goals. - GFA president Kurt Okraku expresses disappointment but understanding over Williams' decision. - Williams cites playing through pain and injuries as a reason for his retirement.
