Antoine Semenyo has admitted that he has never been in a proper trophy race before in his career after helping Manchester City defeat Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Semenyo proved decisive for City, producing a clever backheel finish from an Erling Haaland cross to secure a 1-0 win over Chelsea and lift the FA Cup.
The Ghana international has enjoyed a standout 2025/26 campaign, scoring double figures in the Premier League with Bournemouth before earning a £62.5 million move to the Etihad Stadium during the winter transfer window.
He joined alongside Marc Guehi as part of a recruitment drive aimed at adding top-level experience and depth to a side rebuilding after their first trophyless season since 2017.
The signings have made an immediate impact, with City already collecting two cup trophies and remaining firmly in the hunt for the league title.
Reflecting on his winning goal and the guidance he has received from Pep Guardiola, Semenyo said, “Everything happened so fast to be honest. It came straight to me and I had to improvise myself as quickly as I can. It has happened a couple of times in training, it happened perfectly today.
“It is a good finish, I can’t lie. As a kid I have always wanted to be playing for the top teams – it took a long time to get there, but I am grateful.
“The first thing he [Pep Guardiola] said to me when I came was ‘don’t change your game’. He knows we control the game a lot, he still wants me to be me, still create a bit of chaos.
“I have never competed for trophies like this before, so everything is new to me. Hopefully, we can finish the job off.”
