World Cup 2026: ‘I love Bradon Thomas-Asante’ – Gary Neville

World Cup 2026: ‘I love Bradon Thomas-Asante’ – Gary Neville

Former Manchester United defender and Salford City co-owner Gary Neville has heaped praise on Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante, celebrating the striker’s extraordinary journey from the lower leagues of English football to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, Neville did not hide his admiration for a player who once wore the Salford City shirt.

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

The former England international recalled how Thomas-Asante’s path to the top was anything but straightforward. After being released by Milton Keynes Dons as a teenager, his professional dream appeared to be slipping away. However, an opportunity arose when Salford City organised trials for their newly established B team.

Neville revealed how quickly the striker caught the attention of respected coach Warren Joyce.

“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 27-year-old wasted little time making an impression after joining Salford. Neville fondly remembered the striker’s explosive start.

“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 added.

From Salford, Thomas-Asante continued his steady climb through the English football pyramid with successful spells at West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City before earning international recognition with Ghana.

Watching him shine on the World Cup stage has clearly filled Neville with pride.

“He’ll be in the Premier League this year. He got Ghana in a World Cup,” Neville declared.

Thomas-Asante set up youngster Caleb Yirenkyi’s winner in Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama. He could now line up against Neville’s beloved England when the Black Stars face the Three Lions on June 23.

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