By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Antoine Semenyo has described his early months at Manchester City as a “fairytale” after capping a remarkable rise with his first major trophy in the Carabao Cup.
The Ghana international, who joined City in January, has quickly established himself as one of the standout additions in Pep Guardiola’s evolving squad—playing a key role as the club secured silverware with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley.
“It feels like a fairytale”
Reflecting on his journey and rapid impact, Semenyo admitted the moment still feels surreal:
“It feels like a fairytale if I’m honest. I feel like I have a lot more to show.”
The 26-year-old forward emphasized his ambition to prove his versatility in Guardiola’s system:
“I feel like I want to play wide, as a nine, and show how versatile and just help the team as much as I can.”
His adaptability has already been evident, with Semenyo contributing across multiple attacking roles since his arrival, something Guardiola has encouraged by allowing him to “play free” and express himself.
Beyond football, Semenyo spoke candidly about the role of faith in his journey from the lower leagues to one of Europe’s elite clubs:
“God’s got a plan… the answer always reveals itself later on.”
It’s a message he says he would give to his younger self—highlighting the resilience that shaped his rise from Bristol City and Bournemouth to the Etihad.
While trophies are routine at Manchester City, this one carried deep personal significance for Semenyo:
“They’ve won so many trophies but for me it’s so personal. I’ve never won a trophy before.”
City’s Carabao Cup triumph marked his first major honour in professional football—a milestone moment in a career that has accelerated dramatically in 2026.
Despite joining a dressing room filled with serial winners, Semenyo revealed he has felt supported rather than overwhelmed:
“It’s not intimidating, everyone has experience and they keep the ones who are new calm and level-headed.”
That balance between experience and emerging talent has been central to City’s success this season, with younger players—including Semenyo—playing decisive roles in key matches.
Semenyo’s early performances underline why City moved quickly to secure his signature; direct running and physical presence in attack, ability to operate centrally or on the wings, and I mmediate goal contributions in key fixtures
Since his debut goal and assist in the FA Cup, he has consistently added energy and unpredictability to City’s frontline.
From lower-league beginnings to lifting silverware at Wembley, Semenyo’s journey is unfolding at remarkable speed.
And if his own words are anything to go by, this is only the beginning.
“I’m enjoying my football and it can only get better.”
Leave feedback about this