Antoine Semenyo Makes History as First Ghanaian in PFA Premier League Team of the Year Following Sensational 2025/26 Campaign

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has etched his name into football history by becoming the first-ever Ghanaian player to be selected for the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Premier League Team of the Year. The landmark announcement came during the 2025/26 PFA Awards ceremony held at the Manchester Opera House on August 25, 2026. Semenyo’s inclusion in the prestigious XI marks a crowning achievement in a season where he emerged as one of the most clinical attackers in English football, solidifying his status among the league's elite alongside global stars.

The 26-year-old’s journey to the Team of the Year was defined by a meteoric rise and a high-profile mid-season move. Semenyo began the 2025/26 campaign at AFC Bournemouth before securing a blockbuster #62.5 million transfer to Manchester City in January 2026. Despite the pressure of the price tag, he finished the season with a remarkable tally of 17 Premier League goals. Reflecting on his transition to the Etihad, Semenyo admitted that manager Pep Guardiola "made it tough" for him, noting the demanding nature of the Spaniard’s tactical requirements and the steep learning curve involved in moving from a mid-table club to a perennial title contender.

The PFA selection also highlighted the overwhelming dominance of the league's frontrunners, with Manchester City and Arsenal accounting for nine of the eleven players in the Team of the Year. Semenyo was joined in the squad by high-profile teammates such as Erling Haaland and Thiago, reflecting City's formidable attacking prowess. Beyond the Team of the Year honors, the ceremony celebrated Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes as the PFA Men's Player of the Year, while Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw claimed the Women's Player of the Year award. Both Fernandes and Shaw achieved a rare feat by sweeping both the PFA and the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) awards for the 2025/26 season.

For Ghanaian football, Semenyo’s recognition represents a significant milestone, breaking a historical barrier for the many talented Black Stars who have graced the Premier League over the decades. His success is seen as a testament to his resilience and adaptability, transitioning seamlessly into one of the most competitive squads in world football. As the 2026/27 season commences, Semenyo’s historic achievement sets a new benchmark for Ghanaian players abroad and cements his role as a key pillar for both Manchester City and the national team.