Arriving in La Liga during the last winter transfer window, Antony had little to lose. Sidelined by Rúben Amorim, lacking rhythm and without reference points in Manchester, he needed a new start. Real Betis, seduced by his explosive profile and his confusing technique, offered him this opportunity. From his first appearances, the Brazilian impressed: impactful on his right wing, fast and above all decisive. In the space of 6 months, he rediscovered the joy of playing, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists in all competitions. A fairly remarkable return to grace, confirmed by a key role in Betis’s great epic journey to the final of the UEFA Conference League, finally stopped by Chelsea (1-4). The Andalusian leaders did not hesitate for long: the following summer, they decided to offer Antony for 25 million euros, accompanied by bonuses and a 50% resale clause.
In Seville, the former Ajax player has finally found the ideal setting. Under the orders of Manuel Pellegrini, he plays in a fluid and very offensive team, often in 4-2-3-1, and where his freedom of movement and creativity are valued. The contrast with his time in the Premier League is striking. At Manchester United, Antony never really found his place. His transfer of 95 million euros in 2022 had placed considerable pressure on his shoulders, which he was unable to cope with. The numbers speak for themselves: only 12 goals and 6 assists in 96 games, irregular performances and constant criticism of his effectiveness. Clearly, the Premier League did not suit him. The direct play, physical density and constant tension of English football stifled a player who was more instinctive than powerful. “In Manchester, I no longer felt like myself. It was difficult, I had lost the pleasure of playing. »he confided later, when he arrived at the Verdiblancos.
The return to grace of an injured talent
Antony found this pleasure again in Andalusia. His smile too. “I talked with my mom and my sister, and I was crying tears of joy that I signed here. Because of what happened in Manchester, it was a deliverance”he said, moved, during his official presentation. This psychological renewal was felt on the ground. Sharper, more concerned, he quickly won over the locker room and the supporters. His performances against Villarreal (double in a 2-2 draw) and Mallorca (two goals and an assist) confirmed his rise in power. He also confirmed in the Europa League, again being decisive with a goal against OL (2-0).
But beyond the statistics, it is above all Antony’s attitude that is striking. More peaceful, less demonstrative, he was able to channel his energy and transform his excesses into combativeness on the pitch. Manuel Pellegrini played a key role in this evolution. “ The most important thing is his attitude and his self-criticism. If we spent all these millions on him, it’s because he is a very good player. I told him that he plays calmly and does what he is capable of doing. Do simple things, without trying to show that he is good with the ball, but that he is good for the team “, declared the Chilean coach at a press conference. In an ambitious Betis, currently 5th in the La Liga standings, but without excessive pressure, the Brazilian is fully flourishing. And this does not go unnoticed in Brazil.
The Seleção in the crosshairs
Last May, Carlo Ancelotti, newly appointed head of the Seleção, summoned him for his very first list. A strong signal, however he had not had any playing time. Since then, Antony has not yet been recalled, yet his performances in La Liga make him a serious candidate for 2026. “Wearing the Brazil jersey is a dream, I work every day for it”he confided after the victory against OL in C3. In a context where competition is really tough, with the emergence of Estevão at Chelsea, the presence of Savinho (Manchester City), Rodrygo (Real Madrid) and even Vitor Roque (Palmeiras), the former Mancunian knows that he must maintain a constant level of demand. And for now, he does. Antony embodies in his own way this generation of talents exported to Europe at a very young age, often destabilized by European demands, like Endrick (19 years old) at Real Madrid. In a Seleção in full reconstruction since the disillusionment of the 2022 World Cup, profiles like his, passionate and technically brilliant, could well become valuable again for a competition like the World Cup.
During his return to the selection, Carlo Ancelotti praised the Osasco native at a press conference: “Antony has worked hard to get back to his best level. He is dynamic, creative and brings a new dimension to our attack. He deserves this chance. » At 24, Antony finally seems to have reached the age of reason. He understood his mistakes, learned from his failures and redefined his priorities. Today, he plays with more simplicity and accuracy, without denying his dribbling flair. His objective is now clear: maintain this consistency until the end of the season to secure a place in the Brazil team and complicate Ancelotti’s task when putting together his list. And if the 2026 World Cup were to be the opportunity for his redemption, it would be the greatest possible revenge for a player who, just a year ago, seemed lost in the chaos.
