Gary Neville, the iconic Manchester United defender, has been honored as the 25th inductee into the prestigious Premier League Hall of Fame.

Throughout his entire professional career, Neville was a dedicated presence at Old Trafford, contributing to Manchester United’s success from 1992 until his retirement in 2011. During this time, he made an impressive 602 appearances for the club, with 400 of those in the Premier League.

Despite hanging up his boots at the relatively young age of 35, Neville transitioned smoothly into a thriving career in punditry and business, further cementing his legacy beyond the field. He also earned 85 caps representing England.

In the race for this distinguished honor, Neville was chosen over notable figures such as 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.

Following a public vote and deliberation among the existing 24 Hall of Fame members, Neville was selected, with another inductee set to be revealed shortly.

Man United legend Gary Neville has been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame

Neville played 400 times in the top flight and won the title on eight separate occasions

The induction of these new members will be formally celebrated during a special event in London on November 4.

Neville, who won the Premier League eight times in his career, was presented with a Hall of Fame medallion by United legend Bryan Robson at Old Trafford ahead of the Red Devils’ clash against Brighton to mark the moment. 

And, speaking shortly after his induction to Sky Sports Football, 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.’

The 24 members of the Hall of Fame, which is made up of 22 players and two managers, understandably already has significant United representation.

This means that Neville will be joining Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Andy Cole, and legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Hall of Fame was set up to recognise and celebrate individuals who have an exceptional record of success, and have shown significant contribution to the Premier League since its formation in 1992.

Neville will join eight other Red Devils legends, including iconic boss Sir Alex Ferguson

It was announced in 2020 and new members have been inducted every year since 2021. 

In 2021, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Dennis Bergkamp, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham become the first to join. 

The following year legends such as Wayne Rooney, Patrick Vieira, Sergio Aguero, Didier Drogba, Vincent Kompany, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes and Ian Wright were inducted.

2023 saw the first managerial inductees through Sir Alex Ferguson and his former foe Arsene Wenger, while Rio Ferdinand, Petr Cech and Tony Adams were also awarded the gong. 

Ashley Cole, John Terry and Andrew Cole were then added last year.