Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has opened up on his rise in football, his decision to represent Ghana, and the Black Stars’ ambitions ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Speaking in an interview with FIFA, the Manchester City and Ghana striker reflected on his journey from being released by several English academies as a teenager to becoming one of Ghana’s key players on the international stage.

Semenyo revealed that he attended trials at clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Fulham, Millwall and Crystal Palace between the ages of 11 and 15 but failed to secure a place at any of them.

According to him, frustration over the setbacks led him to quit football temporarily and focus on school before he was encouraged to return to the sport by former Leeds United coach Dave Hockaday at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

His performances in friendly matches against professional academies later earned him a move to Bristol City in 2017.

After loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland, Semenyo enjoyed a breakthrough period at Bristol City before earning a call-up to the Ghana national team in May 2022 for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Despite being born and raised in England, Semenyo said representing Ghana was never a difficult decision because of his strong family ties to the country.

“My mum and dad are Ghana through and through,” he told FIFA, adding that watching Ghana at previous FIFA World Cups with family members remains one of his fondest memories.

Semenyo was part of Ghana’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, making two substitute appearances during the tournament.

He stated that the experience has strengthened both him and the national team mentally ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The forward, who joined Bournemouth in January 2023 before later moving to Manchester City, said his football journey still feels surreal.

“I didn't think I would ever make it this far,” he said, adding that even becoming a professional footballer had once exceeded his expectations.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside England for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and Semenyo said the Black Stars are determined to prove they can compete against top football nations.

“I just want to win and prove that we can compete with the top nations,” he stated.

The striker also recalled Ghana’s performances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, including the matches against Germany and Uruguay, describing them as memorable moments that showed Ghana could compete at the highest level.

Semenyo admitted the Black Stars were disappointed after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but said the team remains focused on making an impact at the World Cup.

According to him, the squad is motivated to write its own history and show the world that Ghana can compete with the best teams internationally.

“I feel like we can go on and do special things,” he said.