Antony's life-changing year

Antony rediscovered himself in Spain.

February 2nd, 2026 will mark one year since Antony joined Real Betis. A year is long enough for a loan deal to become a €25 million transfer. For Betis, that's a significant investment. But they believed in the Brazilian player. And now, that belief is paying off.

After 54 appearances for Betis, Antony scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists. His market value increased to approximately 36 million euros. These figures are enough to convince any sporting director. But what Betis received was not just the statistics.

Under Manuel Pellegrini, the Andalusian team maintained stability, qualifying for European competitions for five consecutive seasons. They had the foundation. What was missing was a personality that could make a difference in decisive moments. Antony provided that: speed, boldness, and inspiration from his one-touch finishing.

Few will forget the tumultuous summer of the 25-year-old player. With his future uncertain, Manchester United did not allow him to train with the first team. Antony lived for 40 days in a hotel in Manchester, away from his family, training alone. There were nights he broke down in tears. At times, he felt like giving up.

On the final day of the 2024 winter transfer window, the deal was finalized and Antony returned to Seville. “Coming to Betis was the best decision of my life,” he said repeatedly. It wasn’t just a polite remark. It was a liberation.

At Betis, Antony was welcomed like family. He was quickly placed alongside icons who had shaped the club's identity, such as Joaquin and Denilson. But what earned him respect in the dressing room wasn't just his technique. Antony proactively integrated himself, remembering the names of every team member. He played even when his physical condition wasn't perfect, choosing to repay the trust placed in him with his attitude.

Antony is experiencing a resurgence in form at Real Betis.

Antony's pubic bone problem emerged in December after the match against Getafe. Despite this, he continued to play. This season, he has scored 10 goals and provided 8 assists. His only goal against Atletico Madrid on February 9th secured a crucial victory for Betis.

Since his injury, Antony has still played in 6 La Liga matches, 2 Copa del Rey matches, and 1 Europa League match. Each day, Antony spends about three hours recovering with his personal specialist. The work is repetitive and monotonous, but the goal is very clear.

Antony wants to participate in a second World Cup with the Brazilian national team. He played four matches in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, Antony has not been called up since March 2023. The person he needs to convince is Carlo Ancelotti.

The road isn't easy. But the numbers are in Antony's favor: 10 goals in half a season, more than Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes, Estevao, and Luiz Henrique, level with Gabriel Martinelli, and only behind Raphinha. In return, he excels at creating chances.

At 3 AM on February 16th, Betis will be playing away against Mallorca, a team currently at the bottom of the table. The match won't be easy. But for Antony, every step he takes is another step forward. He has overcome his darkest days in Manchester. Now, in Seville, he is reviving his career in the most convincing way: through football.