Antoine Semenyo’s Champions League debut means he becomes just the fourth player to play non-league, all four professional divisions in England and Europe’s elite competition.

The Ghana international was by Pep Guardiola for our Round of 16 first leg at Real Madrid.

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It marked his maiden appearance in the Champions League, having been registered in our squad following the completion of the league phase.

And it completes a remarkable rise up the football pyramid for our No.42, who has settled brilliantly at the Etihad with seven goals in 14 games since his January move from Bournemouth.

WATCH: Semenyo’s City goals so far

Born in London, Semenyo had to work hard for his first chance in professional football, eventually earning a contract at Bristol City in the Championship at 17.

He then had loan spells at National League South club Bath City, League Two side Newport County and Sunderland, then in League One.

It was in the 2020/21 campaign that he became a regular at Ashton Gate, before a move to Bournemouth in January 2023.

His form there, especially in front of goal in the first half of the 2025/26 campaign, eventually saw him make the step to City, where he continues to flourish.

Now, he’s taken to one of the grandest stages in club football.

Former Republic of Ireland international full-back Steve Finnan was the first player to have completed a similar route, appearing for Welling United, Birmingham City, Notts County, Fulham, Liverpool and Portsmouth in English football.

Gary Hooper also reached the milestone when turning out as centre forward for Grays Athletic, Southend United, Leyton Orient, Hereford United, Scunthorpe United, Celtic and Norwich City, before further spells in England at Sheffield Wednesday and Barnet.

Finally, Dan Burn was the third player to complete the set, turning out for Darlington, Fulham, Yeovil, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Brighton & Hove Albion and, finally, current team Newcastle United.

Congratulations to Antoine on his special journey up until this point!