Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo has made history by becoming the first-ever Ghanaian footballer to be named in the Professional Footballers’ Association — PFA — Premier League Team of the Year.
The prestigious recognition caps a remarkable 2025/26 campaign for the 26-year-old forward, who established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous and influential attacking players.
Semenyo’s achievement is particularly significant because the PFA Team of the Year is selected by professional footballers themselves. His inclusion therefore represents recognition from fellow players who competed against him throughout the season and witnessed his performances at the highest level of English football.
The Ghanaian enjoyed an outstanding campaign, beginning the season with Bournemouth before securing a high-profile move to Manchester City during the January transfer window. Despite changing clubs midway through the campaign, Semenyo maintained his impressive form and continued to make a major impact in front of goal.
He finished the Premier League season with 17 goals and four assists, combining his performances for Bournemouth and Manchester City. His goalscoring output made the campaign the most productive Premier League season of his career.
Semenyo’s performances for Bournemouth were a major reason behind the attention he attracted from some of England’s biggest clubs. His pace, strength, direct running, versatility and ability to operate from either wing made him a constant threat to opposition defences.
After completing his move to Manchester City, he quickly demonstrated that he could perform on an even bigger stage. City also highlighted his ability to deliver in important matches, including his decisive contribution in the 2026 FA Cup final, where his remarkable back-flick helped secure a 1-0 victory over Chelsea.
By the end of the campaign, Semenyo had recorded 21 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City, alongside six assists, according to the club.
His PFA Team of the Year selection now adds another major achievement to a season that has already seen him make significant strides in his career.
Semenyo had previously received recognition during the campaign, including being named the PFA Premier League Fans’ Player of the Month for September 2025. He was also among the nominees for the Premier League Player of the Season award.
Although he did not win the overall PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, his inclusion in the Team of the Year is a landmark moment in Ghanaian football.
For decades, Ghanaian players have made significant contributions to the Premier League, with legends such as Tony Yeboah, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng, André Ayew and others leaving their mark on English football. However, Semenyo has now achieved something none of them had previously managed — earning a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
His selection also places him alongside some of the biggest names in the English game. The 2025/26 PFA Premier League Team of the Year features several stars from Arsenal and Manchester City, with Semenyo representing City alongside players including Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Nico O’Reilly.
The recognition is a powerful indication of how far Semenyo has come since his early days in professional football.
For Ghana, the achievement provides another reason to celebrate the growing influence of the Black Stars on the international football stage. Semenyo has transformed himself into a high-level Premier League attacker and is now being recognised among the best players in the competition.
His journey from Bournemouth to Manchester City, followed by a record-breaking season and historic PFA recognition, represents a significant milestone in his career.
Antoine Semenyo is therefore not only celebrating a personal honour — he has opened a new chapter in Ghanaian Premier League history. His name will now forever be associated with being the first Ghanaian footballer to make the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
