Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku says he was disappointed by 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 said the GFA was initially concerned by the decision but came to understand the reasons behind it after discussions with the player and his family.
“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’s Ultimate Sports Show.
“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’ relatively modest goalscoring record for Ghana and recognise his contribution to the national team.
“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 to Ghana in July 2022 after previously representing Spain.
The forward 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.
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 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.
He 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 in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier.
He scored his second Black Stars 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.
