Black Stars: Inaki Williams' retirement decision disappointing, says GFA president Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku says the football governing body was disappointed by Inaki Williams’ decision to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup.

The Athletic Bilbao captain announced his retirement from the Black Stars following Ghana’s campaign at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Okraku said the decision came as a surprise to the GFA but acknowledged the physical challenges Williams had been dealing with.

“I was disturbed about his decision. Not only me, but the entire Football Association. However, when you hear him out, you will understand his situation,” Okraku told Asempa FM.

“He has been playing through a lot of pain and injuries, and even at club level, he is being managed.

“As a Football Association, we were disappointed, but we had to understand. His parents spoke to me and the Football Association and we just have to appreciate what he has done for us as a country.”

Okraku also urged critics to look beyond Williams’ goalscoring record when assessing his contribution to Ghana.

“I have seen people quoting his numbers but what we have to do is that we have to appreciate his effort,” he added.

Williams switched his international allegiance from Spain to Ghana in July 2022, having made one senior appearance for Spain in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016.

He 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 on 23 September 2022, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 defeat by Brazil in Le Havre, France.

He was subsequently named in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and featured in all three group-stage matches.

Four years later, Williams was selected by Carlos Queiroz for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

He started Ghana’s goalless draw against England and the Black Stars’ Round of 32 defeat by Colombia, while remaining an unused substitute against Panama and Croatia.

The two tournaments took his World Cup appearances for Ghana to five.

Williams scored his first Black Stars goal in dramatic fashion in November 2023, heading home in the 96th minute to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Madagascar in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier.

He scored his second international goal against Chad in March 2025 during the same qualifying campaign.

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.