Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo has etched his name into the record books. He became the first Ghanaian player ever selected for the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Premier League Team of the Year.
The recognition crowns an outstanding 2025/26 campaign. It saw the 26-year-old rise from Bournemouth’s ranks to become a key figure at Manchester City.
Semenyo was one of four City players included in the prestigious XI. He joined academy graduate Nico O’Reilly, French playmaker Rayan Cherki and Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.
The quartet’s presence underlines Manchester City’s depth and quality during a season in which the club secured both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
The PFA Team of the Year carries particular weight because it is chosen exclusively by fellow professional footballers. Unlike awards decided by journalists or fans, this selection represents a direct endorsement from the players. These players compete against one another week after week. For Semenyo, it stands as one of the highest individual honours available in English football.
Semenyo’s path to this moment began with a strong first half of the season at Bournemouth. He operated primarily as a right-sided attacker but was equally comfortable on the left. Additionally, he produced consistent performances that attracted interest from several top clubs.
In January he completed a move to the Etihad Stadium, where he quickly adapted to the demands of Pep Guardiola’s system.
At City he continued the form that had made him one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide players. He was capable of cutting inside onto his stronger foot. He also stretched defences with pace and direct running. As a result, Semenyo established himself as an influential attacking option.
His ability to contribute both goals and creative play made him a regular selection in major matches.
The highlight of his debut half-season at City came in the 2026 FA Cup final against Chelsea. With the score locked at 0-0, Semenyo produced a moment of individual brilliance—a spectacular back-flick that proved decisive in a 1-0 victory.
The goal not only secured the trophy but also cemented his growing reputation among teammates and opponents alike.
Across the full campaign Semenyo finished with 21 goals and six assists in 48 appearances. Those numbers, spanning both clubs, illustrate the consistency and end product he maintained throughout the year.
His contribution was central to City’s success in the two domestic cup competitions that defined the club’s silverware haul.
Manchester City’s other representatives also enjoyed notable seasons. Nico O’Reilly broke through as a reliable presence in midfield and defence. He earned recognition for his composure and versatility. Rayan Cherki, in his first full campaign in English football, impressed with his vision and technical quality. He also showed the ability to unlock tight defences.
Erling Haaland, meanwhile, continued his extraordinary scoring form. He finished with 38 goals in all competitions, including 27 in the Premier League. That tally earned him a third Golden Boot. It also further underlined his status as one of the world’s most clinical strikers.
City Director of Football Hugo Viana welcomed the quartet’s inclusion. He described selection by fellow professionals as “the ultimate tribute” and expressed pride that four players from the squad had been recognised after the club’s success in both domestic cup competitions. The statement reflected the club’s satisfaction at seeing individual excellence rewarded alongside collective achievement.
For Ghanaian football the moment carries deeper significance. Semenyo becomes the first player from the country to earn a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. He joins a short list of African players who have previously received the honour.
His selection arrives at a time when Ghanaian talent continues to attract attention across Europe’s top leagues. It also provides a visible benchmark for younger players following a similar path.
Semenyo’s journey, from the youth ranks through Bournemouth’s development system to the highest level of English club football—offers a clear example of sustained progress. The move to Manchester City in January tested his ability to adapt to a new environment and higher expectations. He responded by delivering decisive moments in cup finals and maintaining strong statistical output. This speaks to both his technical quality and mental resilience.
The 2025/26 season will be remembered at the Etihad for the dual cup triumphs and for the individual contributions that made those successes possible. Semenyo’s inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year ensures his name will stand alongside the club’s other standout performers that year. For a player still only 26, the honour also points toward further opportunities at club and international level.
In a league defined by intense competition and constant scrutiny, recognition from one’s peers remains one of the purest forms of validation. Antoine Semenyo has earned that validation, and in doing so has opened a new chapter in the story of Ghanaian footballers in the Premier League.
