Bournemouth’s Semenyo motivated by trial rejections

Antoine Semenyo’s rise to prominence at Bournemouth has been nothing short of inspiring. With his recent goal against defending Premier League champions Manchester City helping secure the club’s first-ever win over them, the 24-year-old has firmly established himself as one of the league’s emerging talents. However, his path to success has been filled with obstacles, including numerous trial rejections and moments of self-doubt.

Known for his strong work ethic and perseverance, Semenyo’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience. As a key figure for both Bournemouth and Ghana, he’s been linked to some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United. But his rise to the top was far from straightforward.

Overcoming Setbacks and Doubts

As a teenager, Semenyo faced rejection after rejection. Trials with several top-flight clubs, including Arsenal, Spurs, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Millwall, all ended without a contract. At the time, these setbacks were hard to process. “As a 15- or 16-year-old, you don’t know how to cope with your emotions—being so high, being so upset all the time,” Semenyo explained in an interview with Football Focus. “I did have a lot of doubts, but I had positive parents. They always told me life’s not always going to be roses.”

The most painful rejection came from Crystal Palace, where Semenyo had spent eight months on trial. He recalled a moment when his father noticed the coach’s disapproval after a missed shot in a match. “From that moment, he knew I wasn’t getting signed,” he said. Semenyo was heartbroken when he was told the news and remembers crying in the car afterward. “I was emotional, and for a while, I thought my dream of being a professional footballer was over.”

After this setback, Semenyo took a break from football and focused on his studies and spending time with friends. But his love for the game never faded, and he returned to football by attending an open trial. This led him to South Gloucestershire and Stroud College’s football academy, where he was eventually spotted by Bristol City.

A Dream Realized at Bristol City

In January 2018, Semenyo signed his first professional contract with Bristol City, a moment he still considers the proudest of his career. “I remember that day like it was yesterday,” he said. “My mum was so emotional, so happy for me. I’ll cherish that moment for life.”

Semenyo’s time at Bristol City included several successful loan spells at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland. After making a mark at the club, he went on to score 21 goals in 125 appearances for the Robins. His performances caught the attention of Bournemouth, who signed him in January 2023 for a reported fee of over £10 million.

Growth Under Andoni Iraola

Semenyo’s first six months at Bournemouth were spent adjusting to Premier League life under former manager Gary O’Neil. But it was with new head coach Andoni Iraola that Semenyo truly began to flourish. The Spaniard’s player management and attention to detail have played a crucial role in Semenyo’s development. “His player management is so good. He’s very forthcoming and honest,” said Semenyo. “We look through games to see where I can improve and be more effective for the team.”

One key piece of advice from Iraola has been for Semenyo to position himself better at the back post to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities. “That was the thing he nagged me about last year,” Semenyo recalled. This advice paid off, with Semenyo scoring four Premier League goals already this season, including the one that helped Bournemouth secure the win over Manchester City.

A Goal-Oriented Mentality

Semenyo sets high standards for himself. While he keeps his personal goal tally for the season to himself, he is determined to keep improving. “I do have a number in mind, but I keep that to myself,” he admitted. “I write my goals down in a journal, and only my brother knows what they are.”

Off the pitch, Semenyo is deeply focused on his faith and family. His Christian upbringing has been a significant influence on his mentality. He often speaks with a pastor before home games, finding that these conversations help him maintain a positive outlook. “I want to learn more about God and what He’s done in my life,” he shared.

Semenyo also enjoys spending time with his teammates. He is part of an unofficial “coffee club” at Bournemouth, where he and several players—such as Alex Scott, James Hill, Marcus Tavernier, and Ryan Christie—bond over coffee after training sessions. “We just sit there for hours, spending time together,” Semenyo said. “I feel like that chemistry off the pitch helps us on the pitch.”

Family and Future Ambitions

Football runs in the Semenyo family. His younger brother, Jai, who plays for Eastleigh in the National League, looks up to Antoine as a role model. The brothers often bicker, but both share the dream of facing off in the Premier League one day. Their father, Larry, a former player in the Ghana Premier League, has always been a source of inspiration for Antoine. “Our family always reminds us that Dad was the best player,” Antoine said. “But we didn’t get to see him play because there’s no footage.”

Antoine’s call-up to the Ghana national team in 2022 was a proud moment for his family, especially for his father, who was elated by the news. “It’s an honour to play for Ghana,” said Semenyo, reflecting on the significance of representing his home country. “It’s a dream come true.”

As for his future, Semenyo remains focused on his current role at Bournemouth. Despite speculation about a potential big-money move, he remains grounded. “Family and friends constantly send me things about transfer rumours, but I try not to take notice,” he said. “My mentality is just to keep focused on the game and see where it takes me.”

With his determination, faith, and family support, Antoine Semenyo’s journey is far from over, and the best may yet be ahead.