Thomas Asante is good – Gary Neville hails Ghana forward

Soccer players in yellow uniforms on a green field; a smiling player with braids watches a colorful ball overhead.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 20, 2026

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has paid an emotional tribute to Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante, describing the striker’s rise from England’s lower leagues to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a story of perseverance and determination.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville reflected on Thomas-Asante’s remarkable career journey, revealing how the forward first caught the eye while attending trials for Salford City’s newly formed B team.

“I love Brandon Thomas-Asante. He used to play for Salford. He deserves it. He deserves it; he’s good,” Neville said.

Thomas-Asante’s football career appeared to have stalled after he was released by Milton Keynes Dons as a teenager. But rather than giving up on the professional game, the striker seized an opportunity at Salford City, where his performances quickly convinced the club they had discovered a special talent.

Neville recalled that respected coach Warren Joyce wasted no time in recommending the young forward.

“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.

The decision proved to be inspired.

Neville remembered Thomas-Asante’s explosive start to life at Salford, recalling how the striker was in outstanding form within weeks of joining the club.

“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,” he said.

Thomas-Asante has since continued his steady rise through English football, impressing at West Bromwich Albion before moving to Coventry City and eventually earning international recognition with Ghana.

Now representing the Black Stars on football’s biggest stage, the 27-year-old has become one of Ghana’s key attacking players. He provided the decisive assist for Caleb Yirenkyi’s winning goal in Ghana’s opening World Cup victory over Panama, helping his country make a positive start to the tournament.

Neville believes Thomas-Asante’s impressive development has earned him the chance to compete at the highest level.

“He’ll be in the Premier League this year. He got Ghana in a World Cup,” the former England defender added.

Thomas-Asante could now face Neville’s beloved England when Ghana take on the Three Lions in a highly anticipated Group C clash on 23 June, with both nations chasing a place in the knockout stages.