Former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville has heaped praise on Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante following the forward’s impressive showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Coventry City attacker played a key role in Ghana’s 1–0 victory over Panama on Wednesday night in their Group L opener, providing the assist for Caleb Yirenkyi’s late winner.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville highlighted both the striker’s talent and his unconventional journey to the top level of the game.
“I love Brandon Thomas-Asante. He used to play for Salford. He deserves it. He deserves it, he’s good,” Neville said.
He recalled the player’s early setbacks and breakthrough moments, including his time after being released by Milton Keynes Dons.
“He was at Milton Keynes Dons and got released. I think he was 18 or 19. We were setting up our B team, and we had trials. Warren Joyce was basically taking over our B team, and he said, ‘you’ve got to sign that lad now,’” Neville explained.
Neville also reflected on Thomas-Asante’s rise at Salford City, where a prolific run of form convinced many of his potential.
“I remember going on holiday to Greece in August, and we’d started the season. I think he’d scored five or six in eight games. He was on fire. He was ripping up teams,” Neville said.
The former England international believes the forward’s development underlines the importance of giving young players opportunities, noting that even his departure from Salford was bittersweet.
“He’ll be in the Premier League this year. He got Ghana in the World Cup,” Neville added.
Ghana’s win places them second in Group L behind England, who opened their campaign with a 4–2 victory over Croatia.
The Black Stars now turn their attention to a highly anticipated clash with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before wrapping up their group-stage fixtures against Croatia four days later.
The team will be aiming to build momentum as they chase a return to the knockout stages for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010.
NACOC raids Central University, arrests 5 students in possession of wee-infused ...
Ireland deports 42 South Africans
Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie's Canada trip self-funded — Judicial Service
Ghana summit charts path from 'recognition to action' on slavery reparations
Boakye Agyarko is best suited to lead NPP as National Chairman – Kpandai MP
African Union condemns deadly Niamey airport attack, pledges support to Niger
Don’t see Ken’s comment as war but opportunity for reconciliation — Kwasi Kwarte...
Kennedy Agyapong’s claim Defence Committee was stopped from visiting Afari Milit...
'We only corrected a miscommunication' — Agric Minister dismisses rift with Fina...
Ghana invests too little in early childhood despite 80% poverty rate among under...
