Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has achieved a remarkable milestone in his career after making his UEFA Champions League debut.
After featuring in Manchester City’s clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday, the Black Stars striker has become only the second player to progress from non-league football through all four professional divisions in England before featuring in Europe’s elite club competition.
Former Republic of Ireland international full-back Steve Finnan is the only other player to have followed a similar path, having previously featured for Welling United, Birmingham City, Notts County, Fulham, Liverpool and Portsmouth during his career in English football.
Semenyo’s debut caps an impressive rise through the English football pyramid. Since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth in January, he has quickly settled at the Etihad Stadium, scoring seven goals in 13 appearances.
#UCL debuts coming up for @antoinesemenyo and @MarcGuehi13 ????? pic.twitter.com/u3TxA2iE7Q
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 11, 2026
Born in London, the Ghana international had to work his way up the ranks before breaking into professional football.
At the age of 17, he earned his first professional contract with Bristol City in the Championship.
His journey to the top included loan spells with National League South side Bath City, League Two outfit Newport County, and Sunderland in League One. These experiences helped shape his development as he gradually climbed through the divisions.
Semenyo established himself as a regular at Bristol City during the 2020/21 season before securing a move to Bournemouth in January 2023. His performances with the Cherries, particularly his goal scoring form during the first half of the 2025/26 campaign, eventually earned him a transfer to Manchester City.
Although Semenyo’s UEFA Champions League debut ended in a defeat as Real Madrid thumped Manchester City 3-0, it is a proud moment for the player who has now seen it all in English football.
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