As a teenager, Antoine Semenyo was turned away by London clubs. He played non-league football and waited for a chance. A decade later, he was scoring in an FA Cup final for Manchester City and wearing the Black Stars shirt.
Early life
Antoine Serlom Semenyo was born on 7 January 2000 in England to Ghanaian parents. He chose to represent Ghana at international level.
Rejections
Semenyo had unsuccessful trials at London clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall. Many young players give up after such setbacks.
Non-league start
Before joining Bristol City’s academy in September 2017, he had a brief spell at Hellenic League side Highworth Town, playing the final 13 minutes of an FA Cup preliminary round match against Marlow on 20 August 2017.
Bristol City
He signed his first professional contract in January 2018 and went on loan to Bath City. He made his professional debut for Bristol City in the Championship in 2018 and became a regular from 2020 after further loan spells.
Bournemouth
In January 2023, Semenyo joined Premier League side Bournemouth for £10 million. His pace, strength and powerful shooting made him one of the club’s key attackers.
Manchester City
Three years later, he signed for Manchester City for a reported £64 million. In his first half-season, he won the EFL Cup and the FA Cup, scoring the only goal of the FA Cup final.
Ghana
Semenyo made his international debut for Ghana in 2022, becoming part of a new generation of Black Stars players born or raised abroad.
Style
He is known for direct running, strength on the ball and the ability to shoot from distance with either foot.
Perseverance
Semenyo has spoken about the importance of not giving up after rejection. His path from non-league to the Premier League is often held up as an example for young players.
At Bournemouth
Semenyo’s goals and energy made him a fan favourite at Bournemouth, and his performances attracted interest from bigger clubs. His rise there turned him into one of the Premier League’s most improved players.
Loans
His loan spells in the lower leagues, including at Newport County in League Two, gave him regular senior football and toughened him physically before he broke into Bristol City’s first team.
The long way round
Some players arrive at the top through famous academies. Semenyo took the long way: trials, rejections, loans and lower leagues. That route shaped a player who knows how much every chance is worth.
