Omanghana
Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has made history by becoming the first Ghanaian footballer to earn a place in the Professional Footballers’ Association Premier League Team of the Year.
The Manchester City forward was selected following an outstanding 2025/26 campaign during which he represented both AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City.
Semenyo’s inclusion was confirmed at the 2026 PFA Awards, with the final team chosen through votes cast by fellow professional footballers. The PFA
The recognition represents an important milestone for Ghanaian football, with several Black Stars greats having played in the Premier League without previously being selected for the prestigious annual team.
Semenyo began the season at Bournemouth and quickly established himself as one of the competition’s most dangerous attackers. Operating across the forward line, he combined direct running, physical strength and two-footed finishing to become the focal point of the Cherries’ attack.
His performances attracted Manchester City, who secured his services during the January 2026 transfer window. Despite joining a different tactical system midway through the campaign, Semenyo adapted quickly and continued producing decisive performances.
He completed the league season with 17 goals, finishing third in the Premier League scoring standings behind City teammate Erling Haaland and Brentford striker Igor Thiago. His total was also the highest recorded by any player classified as a midfielder in the league’s Fantasy Premier League game. Premier League
Across all competitions, Semenyo registered 21 goals and six assists in 48 appearances for Bournemouth and Manchester City.
His contribution helped City win both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, completing a domestic cup double.
The defining moment of his campaign arrived in the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium. With the contest still goalless, Semenyo produced an instinctive back-flick finish from Erling Haaland’s delivery to secure a 1–0 victory for City.
The spectacular goal became one of the major highlights of the 2025/26 English football season and underlined Semenyo’s growing reputation as a player capable of delivering in decisive matches.
Manchester City described him as an “electrifying presence” on either wing whose productivity and big-game contributions proved central to the club’s success.
Semenyo’s selection carries additional significance because the PFA Team of the Year is determined by players competing in the same division. It therefore represents recognition from the defenders, midfielders and goalkeepers who faced him throughout the campaign.
Reflecting on the honor, Semenyo described his inclusion as an important moment in his career.
“You play against these players all year round. It’s nice to know that I’m one who’s been voted for,” he said.
“It’s an honor to be standing next to these players. It’s amazing, and it’s been a long journey.”
He acknowledged that adapting to Manchester City’s demands was challenging but said the experience had helped him improve.
“It was tough. Pep made it tough for me coming in, but I’ve enjoyed every minute and I’m improving every day,” he added.
Alongside his Team of the Year selection, Semenyo was shortlisted for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. The top honor was ultimately won by Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Semenyo was one of four Manchester City players named in the final XI. He was joined by Haaland, midfielder Rayan Cherki and defender Nico O’Reilly.
O’Reilly also received the PFA Young Player of the Year award after an impressive season for City.
Premier League champions Arsenal provided four members of the team: goalkeeper David Raya, defenders Jurriën Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, and midfielder Declan Rice.
Manchester United’s Fernandes earned a midfield position, while Brentford’s Igor Thiago completed the attacking line alongside Haaland and Semenyo.
2025/26 PFA Premier League Team of the Year
Goalkeeper: David Raya — Arsenal
Defenders: Jurriën Timber — Arsenal; William Saliba — Arsenal; Gabriel Magalhães — Arsenal; Nico O’Reilly — Manchester City
Midfielders: Declan Rice — Arsenal; Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United; Rayan Cherki — Manchester City
Forwards: Antoine Semenyo — Bournemouth/Manchester City; Erling Haaland — Manchester City; Igor Thiago — Brentford
Semenyo’s achievement crowns the most productive season of his professional career and adds his name to an elite group of players recognized by their Premier League colleagues.
It also represents another major step in a remarkable journey that has taken him from non-league football and loan spells in the lower divisions to Bournemouth, Manchester City and the highest level of English football.
For Ghana, his historic selection provides a fresh source of pride and further strengthens his status as one of the country’s leading footballers.
Source: Omanghana
