Asamoah Gyan: Everything will depend on Antoine Semenyo at the World Cup

Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan believes Antoine Semenyo will carry the weight of the nation's expectations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Manchester City forward as the face of Ghana football heading into the tournament.

Speaking at PUMA's "Rolling Nations" event in New York, the former Black Stars captain acknowledged that Semenyo will face intense scrutiny from supporters but backed the attacker to embrace the responsibility.

"There will be a lot of pressure on Semenyo going to the World Cup," Gyan said.

"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."

Semenyo heads into the World Cup on the back of the best season of his career. The 26-year-old scored 21 goals and helped Manchester City win both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, cementing his status as one of Ghana's biggest stars.

With Mohammed Kudus ruled out of the tournament through injury, Semenyo is widely expected to shoulder much of Ghana's attacking responsibility in North America.

Gyan believes the expectations surrounding the forward have increased significantly because of his performances at club level and the profile he has built in recent years.

"There will be a bit of pressure because of where he's playing now," Gyan continued.

"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."

The former Sunderland striker went even further, suggesting that Semenyo has become the leading figure of the current Black Stars generation.

"He's the face of Ghana football right now because of his position and what he has done for himself."

"Everything is going to depend on Antoine Semenyo for this World Cup."

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia and will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto.