The reason behind Semenyo’s chosen shirt number at Manchester City
Antoine Semenyo has revealed the reason behind his decision to wear the No. 42 shirt at Manchester City, describing it as a tribute to where his professional journey truly began.
Following his high-profile move to the Etihad Stadium, the Ghana international was unable to continue with his preferred No. 24 shirt, which he wore during his time at AFC Bournemouth. That number is currently occupied at City by defender Joško Gvardiol, forcing Semenyo to look elsewhere for an alternative.
Semenyo instead has settled for the number 42 shirt which was previously donned by former Ivorian international, Yaya Toure, who enjoyed continued success at the club.
The squad number has been vacant since Toure’s departure from the club about a decade ago and will now have a new owner.
Rather than seeing it as a setback, the 26-year-old turned to a number that carries deep personal meaning.
“It was my first number at Bristol City when I first signed and that always stuck with me,” Semenyo explained. “It was either 42 or 24, and 24 wasn’t available so I went back to my first number.”
The choice symbolizes a full-circle moment in Semenyo’s career. The No. 42 shirt represents his early days at Bristol City, where he took his first steps in professional football and laid the foundation for a rise that has now taken him to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
By selecting No. 42, Semenyo brings a piece of his past into the next chapter of his career, blending nostalgia with ambition as he looks to make his mark under the bright lights of the Etihad.
For the Ghanaian forward, the number is more than just a squad listing—it is a reminder of humble beginnings and a motivation to keep pushing forward on the biggest stage