Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has pointed to Antoine Semenyo as the Ghana player likely to carry the heaviest burden at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the rising expectations tied to his growing reputation in European football.
Gyan made the remarks during PUMA’s “Rolling Nations” event in New York, where he noted that Semenyo’s progress at club level has naturally shifted public attention toward what he can deliver for Ghana on the global stage.
“There will be a lot of pressure on Semenyo going to the World Cup,” Gyan said.
He also touched on the gap between club form and international duty, stressing that fans often judge national team performances more critically.
“People back home have questions about his performance when it comes to the national team, but as a former player and a striker, I have to be in his shoes.”
According to the ex-Ghana captain, Semenyo’s current environment at one of Europe’s top clubs inevitably raises expectations whenever he links up with the national team.
“There will be a bit of pressure because of where he’s playing now. When you’re playing for one of the best teams in the world and you come into the national team, there will be a lot of expectations.”
Semenyo is heading into the tournament as one of Ghana’s standout attacking options and is widely tipped to lead the line, particularly with Mohammed Kudus sidelined through injury.
Gyan added that the forward’s profile makes him impossible to ignore at this point in Ghana’s football conversation.
“He’s the face of Ghana football right now because of his position and what he has done for himself.”
The all-time Black Stars top scorer further suggested that Ghana’s fortunes at the tournament could heavily hinge on Semenyo’s output in front of goal.
“Everything is going to depend on Antoine Semenyo for this World Cup.”
Ghana open their Group L campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England and Croatia in what is expected to be a demanding group stage, with Semenyo expected to feature prominently in Carlos Queiroz’s attacking plans.
