Antony Matheus dos Santos is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Real Betis in La Liga, having completed a permanent transfer from Manchester United in September 2025. As of 2026, the 26-year-old winger has successfully revitalized his career in Spain after a challenging three-year stint in the Premier League. Known for his technical skill, signature “Antony Spin,” and clinical left-footed finishing, he has become a cornerstone of Manuel Pellegrini’s attacking system. In the current 2025/26 season, Antony has recorded 7 goals and 5 assists in La Liga, helping Real Betis challenge for a top-four finish. He also remains an active member of the Brazilian national team, having won an Olympic Gold Medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
This comprehensive guide explores Antony’s journey from the favelas of São Paulo to the elite stadiums of Europe, providing a detailed look at his tactical evolution, personal resilience, and statistical performance as of March 2026.
Early Life: The “Inferninho” Roots
Antony’s story begins in Osasco, São Paulo, in a favela known as “Inferninho” (Little Hell). His upbringing was defined by severe poverty and exposure to the harsh realities of life in the slums, including frequent police raids and gun violence. He has famously shared stories of jumping over dead bodies on his way to school, an environment that he credits for his “meanness” and fearlessness on the football pitch.
Playing barefoot on bleeding feet, Antony honed his skills in tight spaces against older, physically imposing opponents. This “futsal-style” education developed the elite agility and close control that would later define his professional career. Despite being small in stature, his technical brilliance caught the eye of São Paulo FC scouts, who brought him into their world-class youth system at the age of ten.
Rise at São Paulo and Move to Ajax
Antony’s progression through the São Paulo academy was rapid, culminating in his senior debut in 2018. He gained widespread acclaim after leading the club to victory in the 2019 “Copinha” (São Paulo Youth Cup), where he was named the tournament’s best player. Even while appearing on national television, Antony remained humble, returning to his home in the favela after matches to stay grounded with his family.
In 2020, Ajax secured his signature for an initial fee of €15.75 million. Under Erik ten Hag, Antony adapted seamlessly to European football, replacing Hakim Ziyech on the right wing. During his two seasons in Amsterdam, he won two Eredivisie titles and established himself as one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe, particularly shining in the UEFA Champions League.
The Manchester United Challenge (2022–2025)
In September 2022, Antony followed Ten Hag to Manchester United for a staggering £82 million (€95 million). His debut was legendary, scoring against Arsenal at Old Trafford and becoming the first player in United history to score in his first three Premier League games. However, the initial hype eventually met with the harsh scrutiny of English football and significant off-field legal distractions.
Tactically, Antony was often criticized for being “one-dimensional,” frequently cutting inside onto his left foot. While his defensive work rate remained high, his offensive output stalled in 2024. Following a temporary leave of absence to address personal legal matters (of which he has not been charged or arrested), Antony found it difficult to regain his starting spot under new management, leading to his eventual departure.
Resurgence at Real Betis (2025–Present)
The move to Real Betis in 2025—initially on loan before a €25 million permanent deal—has served as a career-saving pivot. In the more technical and less physically punishing environment of La Liga, Antony has rediscovered his flair. He has benefited from the freedom granted by manager Manuel Pellegrini, often interchanging with playmakers in central zones.
2025/26 Performance Stats (as of March 2026)
La Liga Goals: 7
La Liga Assists: 5
Europa League Goals: 4
Passing Accuracy: 84%
Successful Dribbles per 90: 3.8
This statistical resurgence has restored his market value and confirmed his status as a top-tier winger. He recently scored a decisive goal against Atlético Madrid in February 2026, a performance widely cited as proof of his return to elite form.
Tactical Analysis: Playing Style and Impact
Antony is the quintessential modern inverted winger. He prefers to hug the touchline to stretch the opposition defense before utilizing explosive acceleration to cut inside. His low center of gravity makes him exceptionally difficult to dispossess in tight spaces, a trait he shares with many former futsal players.
At Real Betis, his game has matured. He has reduced the frequency of the “Antony Spin” in favor of more efficient direct runs and “piercing” passes. His defensive contribution is also elite for an attacker; he averages 1.8 successful tackles per game, a carryover from the high-pressing systems he played under at Ajax and Manchester United.
Personal Life and Resilience
Antony’s personal life has been a story of extreme highs and challenging lows. He became a father at 19 to his son, Lorenzo, whom he credits with turning him “from a teenager into a man.” He is married to Rosilene Xavier and remains deeply connected to his siblings and mother, Cremildra.
Despite the intense pressure of the 2023 legal investigations in both Brazil and England, Antony has maintained his innocence and focused on his mental health. His resilience in moving to a new country and performing at a high level while under global scrutiny has been praised by teammates and coaches alike in the Spanish media.
Practical Information for Fans
How to Follow Antony
Live Matches: Catch him in La Liga on weekends. Real Betis matches are frequently aired on ESPN+ in the US and Viaplay in the UK.
Social Media: Antony is highly active on Instagram (@antony00), where he has over 10 million followers.
Kit: He currently wears the Number 7 shirt for Real Betis.
Tips for Visitors to Seville
If you are planning to watch Antony play live at the Benito Villamarín Stadium:
Booking: Tickets for high-profile matches (vs. Sevilla, Real Madrid, or Barcelona) should be booked 4-6 weeks in advance.
Atmosphere: Arrive 90 minutes early to experience the “Betis Anthem” sung by 60,000 fans.
Transport: The stadium is easily accessible via the T1 tram line or local bus services from the city center.
FAQs
Which club does Antony play for now?
As of March 2026, Antony plays for Real Betis in the Spanish La Liga.
How much did Real Betis pay for Antony?
Real Betis signed him permanently in September 2025 for €25 million (£19 million) plus add-ons.
What is Antony’s current salary in 2026?
While exact figures are private, his contract at Real Betis is estimated to be worth approximately €150,000 per week, significantly lower than his Manchester United wages but reflective of his status as a star player in Spain.
Why was Antony’s time at Manchester United considered a failure?
While he won the FA Cup and EFL Cup, his £82m price tag created immense pressure that his goal output (5 goals in 62 appearances) didn’t match. Off-field issues and tactical predictability also hindered his progress.
Is Antony in the Brazil 2026 World Cup squad?
Antony has been a regular in the qualifiers. His strong form in La Liga makes him a highly likely candidate for the final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How many goals has Antony scored for Real Betis?
Since joining (including his loan spell), he has scored 12 goals in total for the club as of mid-March 2026.
What is Antony’s “spin” move?
The “Antony Spin” involves him standing still or moving slowly and rotating 360 degrees while keeping the ball glued to his left foot.
How tall is Antony dos Santos?
Antony is 1.74m (5 ft 9 in) tall.
Is Antony related to any other famous “dos Santos” players?
No. “dos Santos” is one of the most common surnames in Brazil; he is not related to Neymar or Giovani dos Santos.
Where was Antony born?
He was born in Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil.
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