English-born Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo has shared the emotional story of how he briefly walked away from football at age 15 after being told he wasn’t good enough—only to bounce back and become one of the Premier League’s rising stars.

Now 25, the AFC Bournemouth forward is enjoying the best season of his career, with 18 goal contributions (11 goals and 7 assists) in 41 appearances across all competitions.

His pace, physicality, and relentless work ethic have made him a fan favourite at the Vitality Stadium.

In a recent interview, Semenyo reflected on the tough early days of his football journey, revealing how a coach’s harsh words almost derailed his dream.

"I quit football at the age of 15 because my coach back then said I was not good enough," he revealed. "I started as a midfielder when I began my football career. My aim is to make defenders hate me."

Despite that setback, Semenyo persevered. Transitioning from midfield to attack, he developed a fearsome playing style that has turned him into a constant threat to defenders—just as he set out to be.

He was in action last night for Bournemouth, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 away defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Despite the loss, Semenyo’s consistent displays haven’t gone unnoticed.

The Black Stars striker has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, with a potential summer move increasingly likely as he continues to rise through the ranks of elite football.

Antoine Semenyo’s story is one of resilience and redemption—a reminder that setbacks can pave the way for even greater comebacks.