Antoine Semenyo’s journey from the south coast to the heights of English football has now sparked admiration far beyond the pitch.
The Ghanaian international’s headline-grabbing transfer from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City has become more than just a sporting story, it emerged this week as a talking point in the UK Parliament, hailed as an example of professionalism in a digital age.
Semenyo, 26, completed his £65 million move to the Etihad Stadium earlier this month. While the acquisition strengthens Pep Guardiola’s attacking line-up, it is the striker’s farewell to Bournemouth fans that has drawn the attention of lawmakers.
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, Tom Hayes, the Labour MP for Bournemouth East, took to the floor of the House to celebrate Semenyo not only for his goal-scoring ability but for the dignity he displayed off the field.
“AFC Bournemouth has just said goodbye to Antoine Semenyo. He’s been a superstar on the pitch and a gentleman off it. Taking out a four-page ad in the Bournemouth Echo to thank fans for the memories as he sadly went to Manchester City,” Mr Hayes told Parliament.
The MP was referring to the rare four-page spread Semenyo purchased in the Bournemouth Echo to personally thank the “Cherries” faithful. In a transfer market often dominated by silence or controversy, the gesture stood out as a mark of class.
Mr Hayes used Semenyo’s conduct to push a wider point, arguing that the example set by players like him is exactly what young people need to see, offline.
“In Bournemouth, we need more players like him. That means getting kids outdoors, off their phones. Which is why I’m backing raising the minimum social media age to sixteen,” he added, connecting Semenyo’s respectful exit to the ongoing debate about digital safety for minors.
Meanwhile, Semenyo has continued to make his mark on the field. On his Manchester City debut, he scored a goal and provided an assist, immediately demonstrating the value behind the £65 million fee.
His departure concludes a two-and-a-half-year spell at the Vitality Stadium in which he developed from a promising prospect into one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards.
