Antony’s Return to the Brazilian National Team
Antony has characterized his inclusion in the Brazilian national team as more significant than his initial selection back in October 2021. This emotional return comes after a challenging period at Manchester United, where the winger faced considerable struggles throughout the season. After not representing Brazil since 2023, he was named in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, reflecting his resurgence following a successful loan stint at Real Betis, where he found his form in the latter stages of the season.
Emotional Reflections
“This is one of the most emotional moments for me,” Antony shared with Brazil’s Football Confederation.
He emphasized that the recent call-up felt even more thrilling due to the challenges he has experienced.
“I’ve hit rock bottom, but with the perseverance I showed—along with the support of my family and faith—I was able to rise again.”
Struggles and Success
Antony’s journey has seen him score just 12 goals in 96 matches for Manchester United since his transfer from Ajax, valued at £85 million ($114.6 million), back in 2022. This season proved particularly tough, as he did not make a single start in the Premier League prior to his loan to Betis. Nonetheless, upon joining Betis, he became a crucial player, netting nine goals over 26 appearances and contributing to the team’s first-ever European final appearance.
Resilience and Growth
Reflecting on his darkest days, Antony said,
“During that difficult time, I held onto the memories of my past experiences. I thought to myself: ‘I haven’t forgotten how to play football; there’s a reason I’ve played in a World Cup and why I made it to the national team.’ This journey has taught me the power of resilience and has been vital for my personal growth.”
Looking Ahead
His final match with Betis ended in a disappointing 4-1 loss to Chelsea in the Conference League final. On May 31, he expressed gratitude for his time with the Spanish club, calling it “one of the most beautiful chapters” in his life. Currently, Antony is contracted with Manchester United until June 2027 and has tallied two goals in 16 appearances for the Brazilian national team.
