Growing up in the challenging favela of Inferninho in Osasco, São Paulo, Antony Matheus dos Santos spent his childhood playing street football and futsal on concrete courts. Long before starring for the Brazil national team or commanding multi-million-pound transfer fees, his journey was defined by brutal rejection notices and relentless persistence. His path from local youth trials to the global football spotlight reveals a story of grit, tactical reinvention, and personal redemption across Europe and South America.
Understanding Antony's trajectory means looking past the headlines of his marquee transfers to examine the formative years that shaped his trademark left-footed cut-inside style. From the youth academies of São Paulo to the Eredivisie dominance under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, the high-pressure scrutiny at Manchester United, and his career revival in La Liga with Real Betis, this deep dive explores how the Brazilian winger carved out his professional legacy.
Early Life and São Paulo Youth Trials
Long before earning professional contracts, Antony faced severe roadblocks trying to catch the eye of scouts. Growing up in a gritty neighborhood where financial hardships were constant, football served as both an escape and a singular obsession. He bounced between local youth trials, frequently facing rejection because clubs claimed he was too small or lacked physical robustness.
Instead of abandoning his dream, Antony honed his technical flair playing intense street matches and futsal. Futsal taught him close-quarter ball control, rapid decision-making, and the ability to escape tight spaces using minimal touches. When São Paulo finally offered him a youth academy spot, his unique street-ball style immediately separated him from traditional academy prospects.
- The Futsal Foundation: Tight spatial awareness built on concrete pitches.
- Overcoming Rejection: Multiple failed trials before securing his breakthrough at São Paulo.
- Academy Rise: Rapid progression through youth ranks leading to his senior debut in 2018.
Rise at Ajax and European Stardom
After breaking into the senior squad at São Paulo, European scouts quickly noticed his explosive acceleration and creative output. In July 2020, Antony officially transferred to Dutch powerhouse Ajax. Under Erik ten Hag, his game evolved rapidly. He adapted to the tactical rigor of European club football while retaining the audacious flair that defined his upbringing.
During his time in Amsterdam, Antony won two Eredivisie titles and lit up the UEFA Champions League with crucial goals and assists. His ability to isolate defenders on the right wing, shift the ball onto his favored left foot, and curl shots into the far corner terrorized Dutch defenses. That standout form convinced Manchester United to shell out a massive €95 million (£82 million) transfer fee in September 2022, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history.
Premier League Pressure and Manchester United Stardom
Moving to the English Premier League brought intense scrutiny. While Antony scored on his debut against Arsenal and delivered memorable moments—such as his crucial goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals—he struggled for consistent output. Pundits and fans scrutinized his high price tag, arguing that his predictability on the right flank made it easier for Premier League full-backs to shut him down.
Despite the heavy criticism, Antony's work rate and defensive tracking remained key assets. However, as squad rotations shifted and expectations mounted, finding regular minutes grew difficult. This led to a crucial turning point in his club career: a temporary move to Spanish football to regain his confidence and rhythm.
Career Revival at Real Betis
Seeking regular playing time and a chance to revitalize his career, Antony joined La Liga club Real Betis on loan in January 2025. The transition to Spanish football unlocked a new dimension in his play. Tasked with leading the attacking transitions, he immediately made an impact by winning man-of-the-match honors on his debut against Athletic Bilbao.
His creativity and goal contributions propelled Betis toward European qualification, earning widespread praise from Spanish media for engineering a true career resurrection. Impressed by his resurgence, Real Betis secured his services on a permanent transfer, where he signed a long-term contract extending through 2030.
- Immediate Impact: Named man of the match on his Betis debut.
- Tactical Freedom: Greater space in La Liga allowed him to leverage his 1v1 dribbling skills.
- Permanent Settlement: Signed a long-term deal tying him to the Andalusian club.
International Journey with the Brazil National Team
Antony's international ascent mirrors his turbulent club career, featuring shining triumphs and hard-fought comebacks. He was a central figure in Brazil's under-23 squad at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, starting every match and providing the crucial extra-time assist for Malcom's gold-medal-winning goal against Spain.
Following his Olympic success, senior team manager Tite handed him his senior international debut in October 2021, where he scored against Venezuela. He subsequently earned a spot in Brazil's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. After a brief absence from the national setup due to fluctuating club form, his stellar run with Real Betis earned him a recall under manager Carlo Ancelotti for World Cup qualifiers, solidifying his status as an active option for the Seleção.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Antony's preferred position on the pitch?
Antony primarily plays as a right winger. Operating on the right flank allows him to cut inside onto his stronger left foot to unleash shots or deliver crosses into the penalty box.
How much did Manchester United pay for Antony?
Manchester United signed Antony from Ajax in September 2022 for a reported fee of €95 million (£82 million), making him one of the most expensive transfers in the club's history.
When did Antony win the Olympic gold medal?
Antony won the gold medal with the Brazil under-23 team at the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), assisting the winning goal in the final against Spain.
Which club does Antony currently play for?
After an initial loan spell from Manchester United, Antony permanently transferred to La Liga club Real Betis, where his contract runs through June 2030.
How many goals has Antony scored for the Brazil senior national team?
Antony has accumulated 16 international caps and scored 2 goals for the Brazil senior national team since making his debut in October 2021.
