Antoine Semenyo completed one of football’s most inspiring journeys after scoring the winning goal in the 2025/26 FA Cup final and continuing his remarkable rise to the top of the game.
The 26-year-old forward’s story has attracted widespread attention after years of setbacks, lower league loans and rejection earlier in his career.
Semenyo was rejected by both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 14 before unsuccessful trials followed with Crystal Palace, Fulham and Millwall a year later.
His breakthrough opportunity eventually came when Bristol City signed him at 17.
The Ghana international then spent several seasons gaining experience through loan spells in the lower divisions of English football.
At 18, he joined Bath City in the National League South before moving to Newport County in League Two at 19.
A year later, Semenyo continued his development during a loan spell at Sunderland in League One.
His performances eventually earned him regular football with Bristol City in the Championship before a major career breakthrough arrived in 2023 when AFC Bournemouth signed him in a £10 million deal.
After impressing in the Premier League, Manchester City secured his signature in a £64 million transfer.
Semenyo has since developed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers, contributing 26 goals and assists in 46 matches this season.
His winning goal in the FA Cup final further strengthened his growing reputation and completed a remarkable rise from rejected academy player to one of English football’s standout stars.
The forward’s journey has also become a powerful reminder of perseverance, determination and resilience in professional football.
Antoine Semenyo shares a special moment with his family 🩵 pic.twitter.com/6TzYxMZvaB
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 16, 2026
