2026 World Cup: Antoine Semenyo reveals he quit football for a year before rise to the top

Antoine Semenyo has revealed he nearly walked away from football completely before eventually rising to become one of Ghana’s key players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking in an interview with FIFA, the Ghana forward reflected on his difficult teenage years after unsuccessful trials with several English clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Fulham, Millwall and Crystal Palace.

“I went to quite a few academies between 11 and 15,” Semenyo said. “Crystal Palace was my last trial at 15. I went there for two months, didn’t get in, and was very frustrated.”

The Manchester City forward admitted he eventually stopped playing football for a year and focused on school.

“I gave up for the year, enjoyed just being normal,” he added.

Semenyo’s fortunes later changed after former Leeds United coach Dave Hockaday convinced him to return to football while studying at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

That opportunity eventually led to a move to Bristol City in 2017 before loan spells at Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland helped shape his development.

The 26-year-old has since risen rapidly, earning a move to Bournemouth before joining Manchester City earlier this year in a deal worth over £60 million.

Semenyo is now preparing for his second World Cup with Ghana after first appearing at Qatar 2022.