"Powered By Jesus": Premier League Star's Pitchside Prayer Goes Viral After Beach Baptism
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo sparked widespread attention on social media when video footage showed him praying with Pastor Jon Thompson pitchside before Bournemouth's Premier League match against Arsenal on Saturday, January 4, 2026. The 25 year old appeared calm and reflective as the pastor placed a hand on his chest and offered prayers during the warm up at Vitality Stadium, marking his 100th Premier League appearance.
The viral moment came just days after Semenyo publicly shared his baptism on New Year's Day 2026 at Bournemouth beach. Video footage posted by Ballers In God showed the winger dressed in a white t-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms being guided into the ocean before being fully immersed. He emerged from the water smiling broadly toward the heavens, his face reflecting joy and fulfillment. The ceremony was performed by a pastor identified as the same Jon Thompson who prayed with him before the Arsenal match.
Semenyo has been open about his Christian faith throughout his career. His Instagram bio reads "powered by Jesus," and he regularly shares faith based content with his 260,000 followers. In his New Year post, Semenyo wrote, "I don't know where to start. The love was endless. These pictures don't even tell the full story but I thank you God for your protection, your blessings and your work over my life. 2026 let's get it!" The post included images of him holding a Christ figurine bearing the words "Jesus loves you."
The Bournemouth striker has previously revealed that he prays with his pastor at pitchside before every home game, making it a regular part of his pre match routine. In October 2024, he told Football Focus, "I want to learn more about God and what He's done in my life," citing his parents' church going habits as inspiration for his spiritual journey. He described his upbringing, recalling how his parents' commitment to church sometimes meant sacrificing Sunday game time, a memory that now resonates as he prioritizes his own faith.
TAKE ACTION
Follow Antoine Semenyo's Faith Journey: Instagram: @antoine.semenyo Support Christian athletes publicly living their faith by engaging with and sharing their testimonies
Support Ballers In God: Instagram: @ballersingod Organization documenting and celebrating Christian athletes' faith journeys through baptisms and testimonies
Athletes in Action: Website: https://www.athletesinaction.org Email: info@athletesinaction.org Support ministry reaching professional athletes with the Gospel and discipleship
Christians in Sport UK: Website: https://www.christiansinsport.org.uk Email: info@christiansinsport.org.uk Equipping Christian athletes to live and speak for Jesus in competitive sports
Share His Testimony: Post Semenyo's baptism video and prayer moment on your social media. Let young athletes see what bold Christian witness looks like in professional sport.
Pray for Christian Athletes: Pray specifically for Semenyo and other believers in professional football facing pressure to hide their faith. Ask God to raise up more athletes willing to publicly declare Christ regardless of career consequences.
