Semenyo’s ‘surreal’ journey hits new heights as Cup hero
TOM JENKINS/THE GUARDIAN From Wiltshire to Wembley, the City winger is enjoying a remarkable rise but expects a ‘kicking’ at Bournemouth 18 May 2026 - The Guardian David Hytner When it comes to Antoine Semenyo , it is almost impossible not to fixate on his career journey. Everybody loves a triumph over adversity, a rise from the lowest level to the very top, and the narrative arc with the Manchester City winger is practically perfect. There were the relentless rejections by the clubs in every corner of London as he grew up, culminating in the one from Crystal Palace at 15 that led him to stop playing football for a year. The rebuild at the Wiltshire Sports Academy in Swindon and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in Bristol, which led to the big break at Bristol City, and a first professional contract at 17. The loans at Bath City in National League South, Newport in League Two, Sunderland in League One. The progression from Bristol City in the Championship to Bournemouth in the ...