From non-league to the World Cup: Semenyo’s rise to Ghana squad

Antoine Semenyo is set to represent Ghana against England at the World Cup 2026, marking the culmination of a career trajectory that has drawn significant attention from BBC Sport. The 26-year-old winger recently completed a £65 million transfer to Manchester City from Bournemouth in January 2026, following a standout first half of the 2025-26 season where he scored 10 goals for the Cherries.

Semenyo’s path to the elite level was neither linear nor guaranteed. After failed academy trials at Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Millwall, he faced disillusionment by age 16. His career was revitalised by David Hockaday, a former Forest Green Rovers manager who spotted Semenyo during a trial at Bisham Abbey. Hockaday, who described the teenager as initially "lost" and lacking belief, took Semenyo under his wing, driving him to matches for South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College at 5am to ensure he could compete in the South West Counties League.

The influence of Hockaday remains central to Semenyo’s professional identity. Upon signing for Bournemouth, Semenyo sent Hockaday a bottle of champagne with the label "hunger and belief," a mantra the former manager instilled in him during their time together. Hockaday noted that Semenyo’s development was rooted in resilience, transforming from a player who relied on natural talent into a disciplined professional capable of handling the physical demands of men’s football.

Semenyo’s first professional contract was signed with Bristol City in January 2018, though he was immediately loaned to non-league Bath City. Coach Jerry Gill moved him from striker to winger, a tactical shift that proved pivotal. Under the management of Nigel Pearson, Semenyo was integrated into the Bristol City first team for the 2021-22 season, where he recorded eight goals and 12 assists, establishing himself as a key asset alongside mentor Nahki Wells.

His performances at Ashton Gate attracted interest from Premier League clubs, leading to a £10 million move to Bournemouth in January 2023. Over 110 appearances, Semenyo scored 32 goals and provided 13 assists, becoming a standout figure in Andoni Iraola’s high-energy system. His form in the 2025-26 season attracted the attention of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, culminating in the record transfer.

Prior to the World Cup, Semenyo has recorded 11 goals and three assists for Manchester City in the current season. He concluded the domestic campaign as an FA Cup hero, scoring the winning goal against Chelsea in the final. BBC Sport profiles his career as a testament to the impact of early mentorship and persistent development, highlighting how a player once ready to quit the sport has reached the pinnacle of international football.