Neville Recognised With Place in Premier League Hall of Fame

Manchester United icon Gary Neville has secured his place among football’s elite by being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. The former right back becomes the 25th individual to receive the honour, marking another milestone in a distinguished career that continues to influence English football. His induction puts his name firmly alongside the competition’s greatest figures, and the recognition strengthens his legacy for future generations.

Gary Neville spent his entire professional career at Old Trafford from 1992 until 2011. Over that period he made 602 appearances for the club, including 400 in the Premier League . A core member of United’s most successful era, he lifted the Premier League trophy eight times. He also represented England on 85 occasions. Although he stepped away from the pitch at the age of 35, his influence remained strong through his punditry and business roles.

Neville is the first inductee into the Hall of Fame for 2025, following the announcement of 15 nominees last month. Alongside the 50 year old, the shortlist featured Sol Campbell, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, Patrice Evra, Cesc Fabregas, Les Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Eden Hazard, Michael Owen, Teddy Sheringham, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Edwin van der Sar and Nemanja Vidic.

After a public vote, the existing 24 Hall of Fame members selected Neville for the prestigious accolade, with another inductee set to be revealed soon. His achievement will be celebrated at a special event in London on 4 November.

Neville received his Hall of Fame medallion at Old Trafford from former United captain Bryan Robson ahead of the club’s fixture against Brighton. Sharing the moment with a figure he idolised as a youngster clearly resonated with him.

Speaking to Sky Sports Football, Gary Neville said, “It’s a very nice moment and made more special by the fact my hero growing up Bryan Robson, who was the epitome of everything I wanted to be as a kid, presented it to me. And the fact that the 24 previous winners have voted for it, but yeah I played with some incredible footballers under an amazing manager out there at Old Trafford in front of these fans. So my job was made a lot easier every week by the quality that surrounded me.”

Photo: IMAGO

The Hall of Fame currently includes 22 players and two managers, and Neville joins a strong Manchester United contingent already recognised. His fellow inductees include Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Andy Cole, along with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Premier League Hall of Fame was created to recognise individuals with exceptional records and lasting contributions since the league began in 1992. Introduced in 2020, the first inductees arrived in 2021, including Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Dennis Bergkamp, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham.

More icons have followed each year. 2023 saw Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger become the first managerial inductees, reflecting their transformative influence on English football. Recent additions include Rio Ferdinand, Petr Cech, Tony Adams, Ashley Cole, John Terry and Andrew Cole.

Gary Neville now takes his place among them, reinforcing his legacy as not only a serial winner but a key figure in Premier League history. His Hall of Fame recognition ensures that his contribution to the sport will continue to be celebrated by fans and future generations.