Antoine Semenyo has become the first Ghanaian footballer to be selected for the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, completing a landmark achievement at the annual PFA Awards.
The Manchester City forward was named in the prestigious XI on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, after an impressive 2025/26 campaign.
Semenyo is one of four Manchester City players included in the side, alongside Nico O’Reilly, Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland. Arsenal provide five members of the team, while Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Brentford striker Igor Thiago complete the line-up.
The selection marks the first time a Ghanaian player has been included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. It represents a significant moment for Ghanaian football and further underlines Semenyo’s emergence among the Premier League’s leading players.
His recognition comes after a remarkable period in his career, following his move to Manchester City and an impressive first campaign with the club. The award adds to the growing profile of a forward who has established himself at the highest level of English football.
Arsenal’s representation reflects the club’s defensive strength during the 2025/26 season. David Raya, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice were all selected after helping the Gunners record the best defensive record in the league, conceding only 27 goals.
Manchester City’s four selections include O’Reilly, who received further individual recognition by being named PFA Young Player of the Year after a breakthrough season.
Fernandes was chosen in midfield after setting a new Premier League record for assists, with 21 during the campaign. Thiago’s place in the team follows his contribution in front of goal, having scored 22 league goals for Brentford.
The final team highlights the influence of Arsenal and Manchester City across the 2025/26 campaign. Together, the two clubs account for nine of the 11 positions in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
Semenyo’s inclusion provides the historic feature of the selection, making him the first player from Ghana to earn a place in the prestigious side. His achievement also caps an outstanding season after his move to Manchester City, while placing him alongside some of the Premier League’s most prominent performers.
The PFA Awards ceremony brought together the recognition for the division’s leading players, with Semenyo’s selection standing out as a landmark moment for both the forward and Ghanaian football.
