Antoine Semenyo Makes Champions League Debut
Antoine Semenyo made his UEFA Champions League debut on March 11, 2026, playing for Manchester City against Real Madrid in the Round of 16 first leg. This appearance is a significant milestone in Semenyo’s career, as he becomes the second player to compete in all four divisions of English football and the Champions League, a feat previously achieved by Steve Finnan in 2005.
Semenyo, who joined Manchester City for a transfer fee of £62 million from Bournemouth, played for 70 minutes before being replaced by Rayan Cherki. During his time on the pitch, he contributed to the team’s efforts, although Manchester City ultimately lost the match 3-0 to Real Madrid.
Federico Valverde scored a hat trick for Real Madrid, putting Manchester City in a challenging position ahead of the second leg. The defeat means Semenyo and his teammates have a mountain to climb to advance in the tournament.
Reflecting on his debut, Semenyo expressed his long-held dream of playing in the Champions League, stating, “Always as a kid you’ve always dreamed to play in the Champions League.” He added, “I thank God I’ve got the opportunity now,” highlighting the significance of this moment in his career.
Semenyo’s journey to this point has been remarkable, starting at Bristol City and gaining experience in Non-League with Bath City, as well as playing in League Two and League One on loan at Newport County and Sunderland, respectively. His scoring record for Manchester City stands at seven goals across all competitions since his arrival.
As Semenyo aims to represent Ghana in the upcoming World Cup in the summer of 2026, this Champions League debut adds to his growing list of achievements. The match against Real Madrid marks a pivotal moment, not just for Semenyo, but also for his aspirations on the international stage.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the team’s strategy for the second leg, but the stakes are high as Manchester City looks to overturn the deficit and progress in the tournament.
