World Cup 2026: England legend Gary Neville hails Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante

Former England captain Gary Neville has praised Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante following his decisive role in the Black Stars’ opening 1-0 win over Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto.

Thomas-Asante produced a standout cameo, providing the assist for Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner, a moment that sealed a crucial opening victory for Ghana in Group L.

Speaking on the Stick to Football show, Neville did not hide his admiration for the forward’s journey and impact on the global stage.

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

The former Manchester United defender went further, reflecting on how the attacker’s career began to take shape after a difficult start in the English system.

“He was at Milton Keynes Dons and got released. I think he was 18 or 19. We had trials at Salford and he stood out,” Neville explained.

Thomas-Asante’s rise from being released as a teenager to featuring at a World Cup has become one of the tournament’s early talking points, with his journey spanning lower-league football before breakthroughs at Salford City, West Bromwich Albion, and Coventry City.

Neville also expressed belief in the striker’s continued rise at the highest level.

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

The performance has strengthened Thomas-Asante’s case for a more prominent role as Ghana prepare for a high-profile clash against England on June 23 in Boston Stadium.

With confidence growing in the Black Stars camp, his influence could become a defining factor in Ghana’s World Cup campaign.