Why Antoine Semenyo plays for Ghana despite being born in England

Antoine Semenyo has explained why he decided to represent Ghana despite being eligible to play for England.

After an impressive season playing for both Bournemouth and Manchester City, Semenyo was widely considered to be one of the best players of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The forward scored 21 goals and picked up six assists across 48 appearances in all competitions for both clubs, justifying the £64million price tag City paid to sign him from Bournemouth.

At the 2026 World Cup, the 26-year-old is widely regarded as the star player in Ghana's squad, as seen in his performance in their 1-0 win over Panama in their opening fixture.

However, it wasn't just Ghana that Semenyo was eligible to represent on the international stage, as the City star could also have played for England or France had he chosen to.

Semenyo was born in London but has Ghanian citizenship through his dad, Larry, a former footballer who played for Okwawu United in the Ghana Premier League, and French citizenship from his mother.

But, reflecting on the decision he has insisted that he has never once regretted choosing to represent Ghana.

"Ghana came at 20, 21? I can't turn down playing first team for Ghana, so it was such an easy decision," he told the 'In The Mixer' podcast.

"No [it was] never a difficult decision. I was never in the England rankings like that anyway. My dad was so happy [when I chose], celebrating.

"He was like: 'Yeah, you didn't play for England!' They were just happy, everyone in my family was so happy. They support Ghana...I couldn't even tell you.

"They watch games and it's crazy; shouting, kicking stuff in the house. It's serious."

Antonine Semenyo previews England v Ghana

Following their 1-0 win over Panama, Ghana face England on Tuesday night at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

A win for either sides will guarantee progression to the knockout stages, with a guaranteed first-place finish secured depending on the result of Panama v Croatia.

"It's going to be tough," Semenyo said, looking ahead to the England game,

"But yeah, I'm looking forward to it."

READ MORE: England v Ghana prediction and preview as the Three Lions target top spot in World Cup group

He added: "It's a tough group because you can't underestimate Panama.

"Croatia and England are obviously top teams. Trying to get out of the group is what we want essentially, but it's not going to be easy at all."

Ghana will face Croatia in their final World Cup group stage fixture on Saturday, June 27, at the Philadelphia Stadium.