Antoine Semenyo Makes Ghanaian History with PFA Premier League Team of the Year Selection
Antoine Semenyo has etched his name into Ghanaian football history after becoming the first Ghanaian player to be named in the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Premier League Team of the Year.
The prestigious recognition caps an outstanding 2025/26 campaign for the Black Stars forward, whose performances throughout the season earned him the votes of his fellow professional footballers and placed him among the very best players in the English top flight.
Semenyo’s inclusion in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year represents a significant personal achievement and a landmark moment for Ghanaian football. No Ghanaian player had previously featured in the prestigious Premier League XI, making the 26-year-old the first player from the country to receive the honour.
A Remarkable Season for Semenyo
Semenyo enjoyed one of the most productive campaigns of his career, scoring 17 Premier League goals during the 2025/26 season, according to Transfermarkt.
The forward began the campaign with Bournemouth before securing a high-profile move to Manchester City midway through the season. Rather than allowing the change in environment to affect his form, Semenyo continued to make a strong attacking impact, demonstrating his adaptability, consistency and ability to compete at the highest level.
His performances at both clubs helped establish him as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking players and ultimately earned him recognition from his fellow professionals.
The achievement is particularly significant given the demanding nature of the Premier League, where Semenyo has steadily developed from a promising young forward into an established attacking force.
From Bristol City to Manchester City
Semenyo’s rise to the top of English football has been a story of gradual progression and determination.
His journey through English football began at Bristol City, where he developed into a powerful and versatile forward. His performances eventually attracted the attention of Bournemouth, giving him the opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League.
At Bournemouth, Semenyo continued to improve his goalscoring, physicality and attacking influence, eventually earning a move to Manchester City.
His transfer to the Etihad Stadium represented another major step in his career, placing him alongside some of the biggest names in world football. His ability to maintain his influence after making the move further demonstrated his readiness to compete among the elite. The PFA recognition now provides another important milestone in a career that continues to rise.
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Semenyo Joins Premier League Elite
The Ghanaian forward was selected in a star-studded PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
Semenyo formed part of a formidable attacking trio alongside Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Brentford forward Igor Thiago.
The midfield featured Declan Rice of Arsenal, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, while Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was selected between the posts. The defensive line was completed by Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly.
Being selected alongside such high-profile names underlines the level of Semenyo’s performances throughout the campaign and the regard in which he is held by his fellow professionals.
A Landmark Moment for Ghanaian Football
Beyond the personal achievement, Semenyo’s selection represents another encouraging development for Ghanaian football. Ghana has produced several outstanding players who have made their mark in English football, including legendary figures such as Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Tony Yeboah. However, Semenyo’s inclusion in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year gives him a unique place in the country’s football history.
He becomes the first Ghanaian to be selected in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, creating a new benchmark for future generations of Ghanaian players competing in England. For the Black Stars, his continued development is equally significant. Ghana will look to Semenyo’s goals, physical presence and attacking versatility as the national team continues to build around a new generation of talent.
Individual Honour Despite Missing Top Award
Semenyo’s PFA recognition comes despite the forward missing out on the biggest individual prize of the ceremony. According to BBC Sport, Bruno Fernandes was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year. Nevertheless, Semenyo’s selection in the Team of the Year remains a major accomplishment, particularly because the team is determined by the votes of fellow professional footballers.
The recognition therefore serves as a strong endorsement of his performances from those who shared the Premier League stage with him throughout the season.
A New Chapter in Semenyo’s Career
At just 26, Semenyo still has considerable room to grow, and his inclusion in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year could prove to be another defining moment in his development. From his early days at Bristol City to his breakthrough at Bournemouth and subsequent move to Manchester City, the forward has continued to take significant steps forward.
His latest achievement confirms that he is no longer simply regarded as a promising Ghanaian attacker but as one of the Premier League’s leading performers. For Ghanaian football fans, Semenyo’s achievement is a source of considerable pride. His name now stands alone in the history books as the first Ghanaian player selected in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
As his career enters another important phase at Manchester City, the expectation will be for Semenyo to build on this remarkable achievement and continue raising the flag of Ghana on one of football’s biggest stages.
