Who is Antony Matheus dos Santos?

Early Life and Roots in Brazil

Antony was born on 24 February 2000 in Osasco, a municipality in the São Paulo metropolitan area of Brazil — a part of the sprawling urban landscape where football often serves as both escape and destiny for young talents. Growing up in an area with deep socioeconomic challenges, Antony’s early years were marked by hardship; he has recounted playing football in the gritty streets against all manner of opposition and using the conditions of his upbringing as motivational fuel.

These early experiences shaped more than just his physical skills. They forged resilience and a hunger to rise above circumstances that sidelined many of his peers. Football became not only an outlet but a path toward a future where his skills could be honed and showcased.

From an early age, Antony’s ability with the ball drew attention. He began his formal development in football with local clubs before being integrated into the youth academy systems that would set the stage for his professional career.

Rise to Prominence: São Paulo FC and Ajax

São Paulo FC

Antony’s professional journey started at São Paulo FC, one of Brazil’s storied clubs, where he progressed through the youth ranks and made his mark in senior competition. His performances in Brazil showcased his potential: a quick, skillful winger with an eye for goal and the audacity to take on defenders, drawing scouts from Europe eager for emerging talent.

Ajax Amsterdam — Breakthrough in Europe

In 2020, Antony’s life changed when he transferred to AFC Ajax, a club famous for nurturing young stars. The move to the Netherlands marked his first venture into European football — a crucial step for many South American players seeking global prominence. Ajax signed him from São Paulo and he made an immediate impact.

At Ajax, Antony’s career truly blossomed:

Debut and influence — He debuted for the first team on 13 September 2020, scoring the winning goal against Sparta Rotterdam.
Goals and assists — Across his Ajax tenure, he notched up significant numbers in goals and assists, distinguishing himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Eredivisie.
Honours — With Ajax, he won back-to-back Eredivisie titles (2020–21, 2021–22) and the KNVB Cup in 2020–21, earning individual recognition, such as inclusion in the Eredivisie Team of the Season.

The combination of his speed, dribbling and goalscoring ability made him a standout. While in Amsterdam, Antony developed into a complete wide forward, comfortable cutting inside onto his left foot or using his dribbling to destabilize defenses and create chances.

Major Move to Manchester United

From Ajax to Old Trafford

In September 2022, Antony secured a blockbuster transfer to Manchester United in the English Premier League for a fee reported around €95 million (potentially rising to €100 million with add-ons), making him one of the most expensive players in Ajax history.

This move was testament to his rising stock in European football — with Manchester United, one of the world’s most storied clubs, prioritizing him as a key attacking asset.

Mixed Fortunes in England

Antony’s tenure at Manchester United was a roller-coaster of promise and disappointment:

Trophies — While with the Red Devils, he contributed to winning the FA Cup in 2023–24 and the EFL Cup in 2022–23. He also was part of the team that finished as UEFA Europa League runner-up in 2024–25.
Struggles — Despite flashes of talent, he struggled to consistently influence matches in the Premier League, often criticized for inconsistency and failing to live up to his hefty price tag. Supporters and pundits alike debated his role and impact. His statistics at Manchester United — including a relatively low tally of goals and assists over numerous appearances — contrasted sharply with expectations.

Part of this struggle was navigating tactical changes, shifting managerial decisions and differing demands in England compared with his time in the Netherlands. Nonetheless, United’s investment was significant and would later become a defining part of discussions around his career trajectory and transfer value.

Loan and Permanent Return to Spain: Real Betis

January 2025 Loan

In late January 2025, Antony embarked on a new chapter, joining Real Betis Balompié in La Liga on loan for the remainder of the 2024–25 season. This move proved transformative.

He instantly made an impact:

Debut acclaim — In his Betis debut on 2 February 2025 against Athletic Club, Antony was named Man of the Match for his dynamic performance.
First goal — A week later, he scored his first goal for Betis against Celta Vigo, illustrating his growing confidence and form in Spain.
European breakthrough — He also scored in European competition, helping Betis assert a stronger position in the UEFA Conference League.

Under manager Manuel Pellegrini, Antony rejuvenated his career. Freed from some of the tactical constraints at Manchester United, he thrived in a system that valued his creativity and directness — producing goals, assists and moments that ignited the Betis faithful.

Impact and Recognition

During this loan spell:

Antony was one of Betis’s most influential players, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output. Fans and commentators noted how his form at Betis contrasted with his previous struggles in England.
His performances helped Betis compete for European places and reach the UEFA Conference League final in 2025, even if they ultimately lost to Chelsea in the final.

There were even light-hearted jests from club legends about “kidnapping” him to keep him at Betis — signs of how beloved he had become among supporters.

Permanent Transfer: September 2025

The relationship between player and club culminated in a permanent transfer: on 1 September 2025, Real Betis agreed a deal with Manchester United to sign Antony on a long-term contract running until June 2030. The transfer fee was reported around €25 million, with United retaining 50% of any future sell-on fee.

Betis’s acquisition was widely seen as a bargain relative to Antony’s earlier valuation while at United. It also proved a strategic success for both club and player: Betis secured a talented attacker who had already shown his worth in their system, and Antony gained a stable environment in which he could continue expressing his best football.

Playing Style and On-Field Characteristics

Antony’s playing style is an amalgam of Brazilian flair and modern tactical versatility:

Position and strengths — Primarily a right winger, he excels in cutting inside onto his left foot to shoot or create chances. His dribbling, acceleration and ability to change direction quickly make him a threat in one-on-one situations.
Creativity and chance creation — In the 2025–2026 La Liga season, he’s been among the high percentiles for chances created (key passes) and expected assists, demonstrating his effectiveness as a creator as well as a scorer.
Goal contributions — As of the 2025–2026 season, Antony has contributed multiple goals and assists across competitions, reflecting an offensive impact that aligns with his club’s ambitions.

Antony’s style continues to provoke conversation: some see him as a match-winner capable of moments of brilliance; others point to inconsistencies that can affect his influence across a full season. Regardless, his technical gifts — speed, dribbling, vision — are undeniable.

International Career with Brazil

Antony’s involvement with the Brazil national team has also been shaped by both sporting success and personal controversy:

He made his senior debut for Brazil on 7 October 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela, scoring in added time.
He was included in Brazil’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In September 2023, Antony was dropped from the national team amid allegations of domestic violence — allegations that were later investigated and concluded without indictment by São Paulo police in August 2024.
After a hiatus from international selection, he was recalled by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti in May 2025 for World Cup qualifying matches, marking his return to the national setup.

His trajectory at the international level showcases both his talent and his resilience — a willingness to confront challenges and continue striving for his country’s uniform once again.

Personal Life and Identity

Off the pitch, Antony’s life reflects the interplay of personal values, family and global visibility:

Family — He is married to Rosilene Xavier; together they share children, grounding his professional life with a family dimension that often anchors players amid the pressures of elite sport.
Faith — Antony identifies as a Christian, frequently speaking about faith and gratitude publicly, including mentioning God’s role in sustaining his family through difficult times.
Public persona — Through social media and interviews, he has cultivated a presence that balances humility with professional ambition.

Controversies and Public Scrutiny

Antony’s career hasn’t been without controversy. The 2023 domestic violence allegations significantly impacted his international prospects at the time and brought intense media scrutiny. While investigations concluded without indictment, the episode remains part of his public narrative, illustrating how off-field issues can affect an athlete’s career path and reputation.

Similarly, Antony’s performances — especially at Manchester United — were frequently discussed with polarized views among supporters and pundits. Criticism of his consistency and value relative to his transfer fee became part of the broader debate on player valuation and club investment strategies.

Legacy, Influence and Future Prospects

As of January 2026, Antony Matheus dos Santos stands as a compelling figure in contemporary football: a player whose gifts have sparked admiration, whose journey has been shaped by adversity, and whose resilience continues to define his evolution.

At Real Betis, Antony has found a nurturing context where his creativity and directness can flourish while contributing meaningfully to team success. His permanent signing through 2030 suggests a long-term role in the club’s strategy as Betis competes domestically and in European competitions. His seasonal performances — goals, assists and creative involvement — reflect a player who has matured and adapted his game to different tactical and competitive environments.

Internationally, his recall to the Brazil squad signals trust from national coaching staff and reflects his regained form and fitness. While Brazil’s forward options remain deep and competitive, Antony’s re-entry highlights his enduring quality.

Looking to the near future, Antony’s career remains rich with possibilities:

Club success — Continued leadership and influence at Real Betis could elevate both his personal legacy and the club’s profile domestically and in Europe.
National team contributions — If integrated into Brazil’s plans for continued qualifiers and global tournaments, he could play a part in significant international moments.
Personal growth — Having navigated public controversy and professional challenges, Antony embodies a narrative of redemption and persistence.