Antoine Semenyo’s journey to Manchester City is a story of persistence, but the Ghana international’s secret weapon has always been a simple notebook. Since the age of 14, he’s documented every thought, every goal, every setback—with a habit that has become the blueprint for his career. ‘I did it as a kid a lot,’ he explained, ‘writing random stuff, then focusing on what I’d done during the day.’ The ritual wasn’t just reflection; it was a tactical tool. ‘I manifest what I want for the season, for the years ahead,’ he said, ‘and it’s worked out.’
The habit emerged from necessity. Semenyo’s path to professional football was far from linear. Rejected at multiple trials as a youngster, he finally secured his first professional contract with Bristol City in 2018—a breakthrough that required relentless self-belief. Journaling became his anchor. ‘A lot of the time I was overthinking,’ he admitted, ‘so it became a habit.’ The pages weren’t just for memories; they were for targets. Every goal, every assist, every step forward was recorded, then chased. By 2023, his consistency at AFC Bournemouth had turned heads, culminating in a high-profile transfer to Manchester City in January 2026—a move that underscores how discipline can outpace doubt.
The habit’s influence extends beyond personal motivation. Semenyo credits it for sharpening his focus in high-pressure moments, a trait that has served him well in the Premier League. ‘It’s about visualising your future,’ he noted, ‘and measuring how far you’ve come.’ The results speak for themselves: every goal he’s written down has manifested. That mindset is now part of his game, a reminder that even in football’s most competitive environments, clarity of purpose can be the ultimate advantage.
Yet Semenyo’s story isn’t just about the notebook. It’s about the resilience that came before it. The rejections, the late-night journal entries, the quiet conviction that one day, the goals would align. Now, as he steps into his new chapter at Manchester City, the habit remains. ‘It’s worked out,’ he said, ‘and it will keep working.’ For a player who turned ambition into action, the pages of his notebook are the proof.
