In the sun-drenched lanes of Seville, Antony is rediscovering the joy of football—and himself.
After a difficult and underwhelming spell at Manchester United, the Brazilian winger found renewed purpose when he arrived in Andalusia on loan in January 2025. Almost immediately, he reminded everyone of his talent, making incisive runs and delivering key contributions. In just a handful of matches, he notched several goals and assists, earning multiple Man of the Match honors and even a Player of the Month nomination in La Liga.
Antony himself credits this resurgence to feeling truly at home again. He says the warmth of Seville—the sun, the food, the friendly faces—has brought a sense of peace that was missing in Manchester. “Every day I wake up smiling and go to sleep smiling,” he shares.
He also highlights the calming influence of manager Manuel Pellegrini, whose belief and encouragement helped Antony rebuild his confidence. Pellegrini’s guidance—emphasizing simplicity, humility, and constant growth—has allowed Antony to express himself naturally on the pitch.
By April, Antony had become a regular spark plug for Betis, contributing to their push for European qualification, especially with hope for a Champions League return—a dream he believes could continue here, if possible.
Meanwhile, the club’s leadership has been working behind the scenes to build something lasting. Betis’ CEO signaled a genuine interest in keeping Antony beyond his initial loan—highlighting the strong chemistry between the player, teammates, and fans.
Even teammate Isco humorously suggested they might need to crowdfund just to keep him around another season.
Fans, too, have rallied behind this narrative of redemption. On forums like r/RealBetis, supporters call the loan move “a genius stroke” and warmly embrace Antony’s newfound love for the game and the club.
Then came the big move: on September 1st, Antony’s status changed from loanee to full-fledged Real Betis player, securing a permanent transfer—with a long-term contract, a substantial fee (around €25 million), and a 50% sell-on clause in United’s favor.
At his presentation in Triana, emotions ran high. Antony shed tears of gratitude as he reflected on the support he felt from the club and its fans. He spoke of how Sevilla quickly became home—not just for him, but for his family too. He promised to fight for the club and affirmed Betis’ potential to challenge on all fronts.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Antony and Betis
Sealing a Fresh Start
The permanent move puts an end to speculation and ensures stability. Antony can focus fully on contributing to Betis’ ambitions without distraction.
Connecting Off and On the Field
With the support of Pellegrini, his teammates, and the local culture, Antony seems poised to thrive both as a player and a person.
European Dreams Revival
Riding on this wave of form and confidence, Betis could soon be back in European competition—perhaps even the Champions League.
A Symbol of Resilience
Antony’s Betis story has become more than just about football—it’s a tale of resurrection, belonging, and letting football be fun again.
