Former England striker Ian Wright has praised the remarkable rise of Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante, comparing his journey through the lower levels of English football to that of fellow Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo.
peaking about Thomas-Asante’s rise from the English lower leagues to the FIFA World Cup stage, Wright highlighted the similarities between the two players and the importance of persistence in football.
“What I love about it is it’s the same as Semenyo. Semenyo was doing all of it. He was going through it,” Wright said.
The Arsenal legend pointed to how quickly careers can change in football, using both players as examples of players who continued pushing despite taking unconventional routes to the top.
“And how quickly it can happen. He’s done that journey. He’s come up now with Coventry, he’s playing in the World Cup. He’s come back to play in the Premier League. And bam,” Wright added.
Thomas-Asante’s path has been built through hard work and patience. After leaving Milton Keynes Dons, the forward earned a move to Salford City after going through trials, where he developed into a key player before joining West Bromwich Albion and later Coventry City. His performances eventually earned him recognition at international level with Ghana.
Semenyo’s rise followed a similar route. After progressing through Bristol City’s system, he gained valuable experience during a loan spell at Newport County before establishing himself in the Championship and later making the step up to Premier League football.
Semenyo was key for Manchester City last season after joining Pep Guardiola’s side in the winter transfer window.
For Wright, the stories of both players represent the unpredictable nature of football and the reward for those who continue fighting for their opportunity.
“You have to hang in there,” he said.
Both players featured in Ghana’s World Cup win over Panama and will be up for selection when the Black Stars face England on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
