$World Cup 2026: \'Arsenal legend Ian Wright compared Thomas-Asante\'s rise to Semenyo\'s$

World Cup 2026: 'Arsenal legend Ian Wright compared Thomas-Asante's rise to Semenyo's

Fri 19th Jun, 2026 22:44

Former England striker Ian Wright has praised the remarkable journey of Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante, drawing comparisons to fellow Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo as both players carved unconventional paths to the top.

Speaking about Thomas-Asante's rise from the English lower leagues to the World Cup stage, Wright highlighted the persistence required to make it 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.

"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."

Thomas-Asante's journey has been built through hard work and patience. After leaving Milton Keynes Dons, he earned a move to Salford City through trials before developing into a key player, later joining West Bromwich Albion and then Coventry City.

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 with Manchester City.

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 Thomas-Asante and Semenyo featured in Ghana's World Cup-opening victory over Panama and are expected to play key roles when the Black Stars face England on Tuesday, June 23, in Boston.

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World Cup 2026: Ian Wright says Thomas-Asante and Semenyo have the same story

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