Antoine Semenyo is a professional footballer who currently plays as a winger and forward for Manchester City in the Premier League and represents the Ghana national team. Born on January 7, 2000, in Chelsea, England, Semenyo’s career is a testament to resilience, having overcome multiple academy rejections before rising through the English football pyramid from the National League South to the pinnacle of world football. In January 2026, he completed a high-profile €72 million transfer from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City, following a stellar period where he became one of the most feared attackers in the top flight.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about Semenyo’s early struggles, his breakout years at Bristol City and Bournemouth, his tactical evolution under managers like Andoni Iraola and Pep Guardiola, and his growing influence as a key figure for the Black Stars of Ghana.
Early Life and Academy Rejections
Antoine Semenyo’s journey to professional football was anything but a straight line. Growing up in London, he faced significant setbacks that nearly forced him to walk away from the sport entirely during his teenage years.
Trials at London Clubs
Semenyo spent his youth attempting to break into the prestigious academy systems of London’s top-tier clubs. He underwent unsuccessful trials with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Millwall, failing to secure a permanent spot at any of these institutions despite his clear physical potential.
The Crystal Palace Heartbreak
The most significant blow came at age 15 when he was rejected by Crystal Palace after an extensive eight-week trial. This rejection was so discouraging that Semenyo initially decided to give up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer, briefly stepping away from the competitive academy circuit.
The Turning Point at SGS College
Semenyo’s path was saved by the intervention of Dave Hockaday, who convinced the youngster to join the football program at South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College. This environment allowed him to develop away from the intense pressure of elite academies.
Discovery by Bristol City
His rapid improvement at SGS College quickly caught the attention of professional scouts once again. While Birmingham City and Crystal Palace showed renewed interest, Semenyo chose to sign for Bristol City’s academy in 2017, finally entering the professional system at age 17.
Professional Debut
After signing his first professional contract in January 2018, Semenyo was sent on loan to Bath City, where he scored six goals in 16 appearances. He returned to make his Bristol City debut on the final day of the 2017–18 season against Sheffield United, marking the official start of his senior career.
Rising Through the Football League
Before becoming a Premier League star, Semenyo proved his mettle in the lower divisions of English football, where he refined his physical and technical attributes.
Success at Newport County
A season-long loan to Newport County in 2018–19 proved pivotal for his development. It was here that he transitioned from a traditional striker to a powerful winger, notably playing a key role in Newport’s famous FA Cup victory over Leicester City.
Breakthrough at Bristol City
Following a brief loan at Sunderland, Semenyo returned to Bristol City to become a first-team regular. During the 2021–22 season, he was named the club’s Young Player of the Year and won the EFL Championship Player of the Month for January 2022, after contributing a flurry of goals and assists.
Premier League Stardom at Bournemouth
In January 2023, AFC Bournemouth secured Semenyo’s signature for a fee of approximately €10.3 million, providing him with his first taste of Premier League football.
Adapting to the Top Flight
While his first few months were spent adjusting to the speed of the Premier League, Semenyo became a vital component of Andoni Iraola’s high-pressing system during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons. His ability to carry the ball over long distances and his defensive work rate made him indispensable.
The 2025 Breakout Season
The 2025–26 season saw Semenyo reach a new level of productivity, scoring 10 goals in just 20 appearances for Bournemouth before the winter transfer window. His performances, including a PFA Premier League Fans’ Player of the Month award in September 2025, made him one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Manchester City and the €72m Move
On January 9, 2026, Manchester City officially announced the signing of Antoine Semenyo for a reported fee of €72 million. This move placed him among the most expensive African players in football history.
Immediate Impact for City
Semenyo did not take long to introduce himself to the Etihad faithful, scoring on his league debut against Wolves on January 24, 2026. Pep Guardiola praised his “incredible energy” and versatility, noting that his ability to play across the front line would be crucial for City’s quadruple pursuit.
Competition and Role
At Manchester City, Semenyo often occupies the right-wing or wide-midfield positions, competing with and occasionally deputizing for stars like Erling Haaland. His arrival in the same window as defender Marc Guehi signaled a significant mid-season reinforcement strategy for the defending champions.
International Career with Ghana
Despite being born in England and holding French citizenship through his mother, Semenyo chose to represent Ghana, the homeland of his father.
Debut and World Cup
Semenyo made his debut for the Black Stars in May 2022 and was subsequently named in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He made two appearances during the tournament, providing a glimpse of his talent on the world stage.
African Cup of Nations
He was a starter for Ghana during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (held in 2024). Although Ghana suffered a disappointing group-stage exit, Semenyo remained a focal point of the attack, and by early 2026, he had earned 32 caps, scoring 3 goals for his country.
Playing Style and Tactical Analysis
Semenyo is frequently described as a “powerhouse” due to his unique blend of physical strength, explosive pace, and technical dribbling.
Physical Dominance
Standing at 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in), Semenyo uses his frame to shield the ball effectively and wins a high percentage of his aerial duels. His stamina allows him to maintain high-intensity pressing for the full 90 minutes, a trait highly valued by modern tactical managers.
Versatility in Attack
While he started his career as a striker, Semenyo is now most effective as an inverted winger on the right or a traditional winger on the left. He excels at exploiting the “half-spaces” and using body feints to unbalance defenders before unleashing powerful shots with either foot.
Practical Information and Career Stats
As of January 2026, Antoine Semenyo’s career trajectory remains on a steep upward curve. Fans looking to follow his progress can find him in the following competitions:
Where to Watch Semenyo
- Premier League: Manchester City matches at the Etihad Stadium.
- Champions League: European mid-week fixtures.
- International: Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and AFCON matches.
Career Statistics (as of January 27, 2026)
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
| Bristol City | 125 | 21 |
| AFC Bournemouth | 110 | 32 |
| Newport County (Loan) | 32 | 6 |
| Manchester City | 4 | 3 |
| Total Senior Club | 278 | 62 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Antoine Semenyo play for in 2026?
Antoine Semenyo plays for Manchester City in the Premier League and the Ghana national team. He joined Manchester City in January 2026 from AFC Bournemouth.
How much did Manchester City pay for Antoine Semenyo?
Manchester City paid a transfer fee of €72 million to AFC Bournemouth on January 9, 2026. This followed a record-breaking season for him at the south coast club.
What is Antoine Semenyo’s nationality?
He represents Ghana internationally but was born in Chelsea, England. He also holds French citizenship through his mother.
What position does Antoine Semenyo play?
Semenyo is a versatile forward who primarily plays as a right winger or wide midfielder, though he can also play as a left winger or a central striker.
How many goals has Semenyo scored for Ghana?
As of January 2026, he has scored 3 goals in 32 appearances for the Ghana national team.
Who is Antoine Semenyo’s brother?
His younger brother is Jai Semenyo, who is also a professional footballer currently playing for FC Lorient B in France.
What was Semenyo’s breakout season in the Premier League?
His breakout was the 2024–25 season at Bournemouth, where he scored 11 goals, followed by an even more prolific start to the 2025–26 season.
Has Antoine Semenyo won any individual awards?
He won the PFA Premier League Fans’ Player of the Month in September 2025 and was named the SWAG Male Footballer of the Year (Foreign-based) in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Antoine Semenyo’s move to Manchester City in early 2026 represents the pinnacle of a career built on defying the odds. From being released by four separate London academies as a teenager to becoming one of the most expensive and feared attackers in the Premier League, his journey serves as an inspiration for late bloomers in professional sports. His arrival at the Etihad Stadium, marked by a massive €72 million transfer fee, signals the start of a new chapter where he is no longer just a rising talent but a centerpiece for one of the most dominant clubs in football history.
As Semenyo continues to break records for both club and country, his legacy is defined by more than just goals. He remains a symbol of the “Black Stars” of Ghana and a testament to the fact that technical brilliance, when paired with a relentless work ethic, can overcome any structural barrier. Whether leading the line for Pep Guardiola or inspiring a new generation of Ghanaian athletes, Antoine Semenyo has firmly established himself as a world-class powerhouse of the modern game.
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