Antoine Semenyo has shed light on why he committed his international future to Ghana instead of England, as the stage is set for a possible reunion at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Born in London but raised in a deeply Ghanaian household, the 26-year-old forward never wrestled long with the decision when the Black Stars came calling. With Ghana and England drawn together in Group L, alongside Croatia and Panama, the prospect of facing his birth nation adds an extra layer of intrigue to his journey.
Semenyo made it clear that, from a footballing standpoint, the path was obvious.
“I was never in the England rankings like that anyway,” he said in an interview via All Out Football. “Ghana came when I was around 20 or 21, and I couldn’t turn down playing first-team football for Ghana. It was such an easy decision.”
Since earning his first cap in 2022, the Bournemouth attacker has grown into a reliable presence in Ghana’s frontline, offering a blend of strength, direct running, and tactical flexibility. His rise has coincided with a renewed push by the Black Stars to reassert themselves on the global stage.
Off the pitch, the decision resonated just as strongly. For Semenyo, representing Ghana was as much about identity as it was about opportunity.
“My dad was so happy,” Semenyo revealed. “He was celebrating and saying: ‘Yeah, you don’t play for England!’ Everyone in my family supports Ghana passionately.”
Football runs deep in his bloodline. His father, Larry Semenyo, featured in Ghana’s domestic top tier and shared the pitch with iconic striker Tony Yeboah, adding a generational thread to Antoine’s international journey.
Now, with the World Cup looming, Semenyo is bracing for what could be one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of his career. Ghana face England on June 23 in their second group game, a clash that promises intensity both on and off the ball.
“It’s going to be tough,” he said. “But we’re looking forward to it.”
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Semenyo’s impact in national colours has been steady. His breakthrough moment came in dramatic fashion. netting a stoppage-time winner against Angola in an AFCON qualifier on March 23, 2023. Since then, he has accumulated 34 caps and scored three goals, quietly cementing his place in Ghana’s evolving squad.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, Semenyo’s story stands as a reflection of modern international football, where heritage, opportunity, and ambition often intersect.
