Antoine Semenyo’s journey from non-league to World Cup with Ghana
11 reported
According to a BBC Sport report, Antoine Semenyo, now 26, has risen from non-league football to playing for Ghana in a World Cup, including a game against England. Born in London to Ghanaian parents Larry and Dela, Semenyo grew up in Greenwich and faced failed trials at Arsenal, Tottenham, Millwall, and Crystal Palace. At 16, he was ready to quit football until former Forest Green Rovers manager David Hockaday spotted him at a trial session at Bisham Abbey. Hockaday brought Semenyo into his team at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, driving him to matches from Swindon at 5am on Saturdays. Semenyo signed his first professional contract with Bristol City in January 2018, followed by loans at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland. He moved to Bournemouth for £10m in January 2023, scoring 32 goals in 110 appearances, then transferred to Manchester City for £65m in January 2026. He ended the domestic season as an FA Cup hero, scoring the winning goal against Chelsea in the final at Wembley, before heading to the World Cup with Ghana.
What’s reported
Antoine Semenyo is 26 years old and born in London to Ghanaian parents Larry and Dela.
He had failed trials at Arsenal, Tottenham, Millwall, and Crystal Palace.
David Hockaday spotted him at a trial at Bisham Abbey and brought him into his team at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.
Hockaday drove Semenyo from Swindon to matches at 5am on Saturdays.
Semenyo signed his first professional contract with Bristol City in January 2018.
He had loan spells at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland.
He signed for Bournemouth for £10m in January 2023 on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
At Bournemouth, he scored 32 goals and had 13 assists in 110 appearances across all competitions.
He moved to Manchester City for £65m in January 2026.
He scored the winning goal for Manchester City against Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
He scored 11 goals and recorded three assists for City before heading to the World Cup with Ghana.
Key figures
Antoine Semenyo (Ghana international, Manchester City forward)
David Hockaday (former Forest Green Rovers manager, coached Semenyo at SGS College)
Larry Semenyo (father, played alongside Tony Yeboah in Ghana's top flight)
Dela Semenyo (mother)
Jai Semenyo (brother)
Jerry Gill (former Bath City coach)
Nahki Wells (former Bristol City teammate, mentor)
Nigel Pearson (former Bristol City manager)
Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth manager)
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City manager)
Sources: BBC News
