Marcel Desailly Backs Semenyo to Shine at World Cup but Calls for Humility
Former France defender and World Cup winner Marcel Desailly believes Antoine Semenyo could be one of Ghana’s most influential players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but has urged the forward to remain disciplined and focused on the team’s objectives.
Semenyo heads into the tournament as one of the Black Stars’ most exciting attacking talents following his impressive rise in European football and recent move to Premier League champions Manchester City.
With Ghana preparing for a difficult Group L campaign against Panama, England and Croatia, expectations are growing around the 26-year-old’s ability to provide moments of inspiration on the biggest stage.
Desailly, who lifted the World Cup with France in 1998, believes Semenyo possesses the qualities needed to make a decisive impact when Ghana face adversity during matches.
“He’s that individual player that when you are facing challenges, with one move, one run, he can allow Ghana to stay in the game,” Desailly said.
The former Chelsea defender noted that players capable of producing game-changing moments are invaluable in tournament football, particularly when teams are under pressure.
Despite praising Semenyo’s talent, Desailly stressed that individual success must be balanced with a team-first mentality.
“So he really needs to come in with humility and be that top player that can make the difference. The issue is he needs to stay disciplined even though he’s a Manchester City player and one of the stars. We need him to be one of the key players who can allow them, when they are in a difficult situation, to rise a little bit,” he added.
Desailly also reflected on the weight of expectation surrounding the Black Stars ahead of the tournament, pointing out that Ghana’s recent disappointments have only increased the desire for a strong World Cup showing.
“They’ve not qualified for the African Cup of Nations, so the expectation in Ghana is very high, and also for the players, they are eager to be part of an international competition,” he said.
Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before taking on England and Croatia in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
Under head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars are targeting a return to the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
As Ghana chase that objective, Semenyo is expected to carry much of the team’s attacking responsibility, with Desailly convinced that the forward has the ability to make a significant difference if he combines his talent with discipline and humility.
