Domeiro Bobb-Semple: I used Arsenal rejection as fuel to come back stronger | OneFootball

Brentford forward Domeiro Bobb-Semple has continued his impressive development this season, combining strong performances on the pitch with resilience shaped by earlier challenges in his career.

His story is also closely linked with the role his family play in his development, with his dad in particular heavily involved in his footballing life. That guidance has helped Bobb-Semple respond positively to his release from Arsenal and turn that difficult moment into motivation.

Bobb-Semple has made 18 appearances this season, registering 11 goals and six assists in all competitions, underlining his growing influence in attack and the confidence with which he plays his football.

The path to this point has not been straightforward for Bobb-Semple. Being released earlier in his career at Arsenal proved to be a formative experience, forcing him to reflect, adapt and develop both as a player and as a person. Rather than allowing the setback to define him, he used it as motivation.

“The biggest lesson for me was just being resilient and staying confident in my ability,” he explained.

“Rejection is one of the biggest things a young player can face, but it’s about never giving up and believing that another club will trust you to perform. That moment shaped me into a better person on and off the pitch."

He spoke about embracing the challenge mentally as well as physically, and how that shaped his outlook going forward.

“I used Arsenal rejection as fuel to come back stronger and I had to become tougher as a person,” he said.

“Instead of letting setbacks affect me, I tried to use them as fuel to improve. I told myself that if I kept working, something good would come. Focusing on my craft, thinking about how I could grow, looking at my weaknesses, honestly that was massive for me.”

A key turning point came when he arrived at Brentford on trial, an experience he describes as both daunting and exciting.

“The trial period was intense,” he said. “You’re walking into a new environment where everyone already knows each other and you’re the one trying to prove you belong. Every session felt important. I knew one bad day could make the difference, so I tried to treat every training session like a match.”

He admitted the nerves were real but soon became a source of motivation rather than fear.

“I was nervous, of course,” he continued. “But I learned to enjoy that pressure. It pushed me to raise my standards straight away. I just kept thinking, ‘Show what you can do and don’t hold anything back.’ I wanted the coaches to see my personality as well as my football.”

The moment he found out he had earned a place at Brentford is one he will not forget.

“When they told me I was being signed, it was unbelievable,” he said.

“It was relief, happiness, pride, everything at the same time. I remember just smiling and thinking about everything I’d been through before that. To go from being released to being given this opportunity meant so much to me. It made me even hungrier to work hard every single day because I know how quickly things can change.”

Throughout his journey, one constant has been his family, particularly his father, whose support has been a powerful driving force.

“The support from my family, especially my dad, is huge,” he said.

“My sisters, my step mum, my grandma and my uncle, they all play their part in different ways. I don’t see it as pressure; I just want them to watch me and be proud of what I’m doing.”

His dad’s presence in the stands is something he values deeply.

“My dad comes to all my games,” he said. “Knowing he’s there watching pushes me to give everything. Even if I’m tired or the game is tough, I think about him and the rest of my family and it gives me that extra bit of motivation.”

Their post-match conversations are a regular part of his routine.

“He’s my biggest critic and my biggest supporter at the same time,” Bobb-Semple smiled.

“After games we talk about everything, what went well, what I can do better. He’s honest with me, and I like that. We bounce off each other. I’m really grateful for him because not every player has someone who will always be there like that.”

He reflected further on just how much their backing means.

“I wouldn’t be here without my family,” he added. “They’ve driven me to training, supported me when things weren’t going well, reassured me when I doubted myself. All I want to do is repay them. Whenever I step on the pitch, they’re always in my mind.”

Now firmly settled into life with Brentford, Bobb-Semple is thriving within an environment he feels allows him to grow every day.

“The culture and environment at Brentford is brilliant,” he said. “The staff and players are really connected and close-knit. You always feel like people want the best for you here.”

He also highlighted the significant influence of Under-18s head coach Gary McDermott on his development.

“Working with Gary has been massive for me,” he explained. “He challenges me constantly, not just to score and assist, but to understand the game properly.

"He’s helped me with movement, pressing, decision-making in the final third and how to react when things don’t go my way. He’s honest, and if I’m not at my level, he’ll tell me straight. That’s exactly what I need.”

Bobb-Semple said that those standards have helped him mature on and off the pitch.

“He’s really improved my mentality,” he added. “He’s taught me to be consistent, to stay focused and not get carried away when things are going well. I feel like I’ve grown as a person as well as a player because of the environment and coaching here.”

With strong family backing, a grounded mindset and impressive performances already this season, Bobb-Semple is building solid foundations for the next stage of his career.