From non-league to the World Cup: The Antoine Semenyo story

When Antoine Semenyo signed for Bournemouth, he sent former Leeds United manager David Hockaday a bottle of Champagne. On the label were the words 'hunger and belief' — a phrase that had resonated with Semenyo as a teenager and that he felt compelled to reiterate to the man who instilled it in him.

Now aged 26, Semenyo is preparing to face England in a World Cup match for Ghana. His path to this moment has been anything but straightforward: failed academy trials, 5am starts to play non-league football, and thoughts of quitting the sport altogether. His rise is rooted in resilience and the belief of a select few who saw something in a down-and-out kid searching for his big break.

Early life and trials

Born in London to Ghanaian parents Larry and Dela, Semenyo grew up in Greenwich with a ball almost permanently attached to his feet. His father, who played alongside Tony Yeboah in Ghana's top flight, encouraged him from a young age to kick 'paper, a can, anything' with both feet. By age six, Semenyo could use both feet naturally, and the dream of becoming a professional footballer was born.

His talent was spotted and encouraged by his parents, who sent him on trials at Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Millwall, followed by an eight-week trial at Crystal Palace at age 15. None proved successful. At 16, Semenyo was deflated, disillusioned, and ready to give up on football altogether.

Enter David Hockaday

Semenyo headed to a trial session at Bisham Abbey, later saying he only went to see where his fitness stood compared to other hopefuls. By chance, former Forest Green Rovers boss David Hockaday was at Bisham Abbey that day and was asked to help with the trials. He helped with drills and observed matches, but was 'surprised' when the teenager's name did not come up afterward.

'When I first came across him he was lost,' Hockaday told BBC Sport. 'He looked lost. He talked lost. There was a vacancy in his eyes. There was no belief. He was looking for somebody to help find himself.'

Despite Semenyo not standing out, Hockaday saw something. 'He didn't rip it up, didn't look anything particular, but he had moments and I believe that's what these trials are all about. I just saw a young lad who could deal with the football with both feet — inside, outside — without even thinking about it,' Hockaday said. 'He wasn't in the greatest physical shape, but he moved well. He had a good pair of shoulders and he looked like physically he was going to become a specimen in the right environment.'

Hockaday thought that was the last he had seen of Semenyo, but something did not sit right. 'I am good at spotting talent,' he said. 'I've described Antoine to his family as an itch that I just couldn't get rid of.'

Building trust and belief

In the weeks following, Hockaday tracked down Semenyo's parents, explained who he was, and offered to help their son. 'We met up and somehow, in some way, they trusted their son into my hands. And that's when our relationship started,' Hockaday said.

With Semenyo struggling for confidence and belief, his talent needed nurturing. 'I think initially I had to earn his trust,' said Hockaday. The mentor's guidance helped Semenyo rediscover his hunger and belief — the very words that would later appear on that Champagne bottle.

Semenyo's journey took him from non-league football to professional ranks, eventually earning a move to Bournemouth and a place in Ghana's squad for the 2026 World Cup. On 23 June, he will face England in a Group stage match, a moment that seemed impossible during those dark days at age 16.