Antony’s £81 million move to Manchester United in 2022 promised fireworks, but instead delivered a frustrating display of underperformance. The Brazilian winger, once a star at Ajax, struggled to find his feet in the Premier League, ultimately leading to a loan move to Real Betis in January 2025. This seemingly desperate move, however, has proven to be a turning point in Antony’s career.
The Spanish club, despite initial skepticism, had a plan for the struggling winger. And while their quirky, David Lynch-esque video unveiling Antony was initially met with amusement, it’s now Real Betis who are laughing last. In just 12 games across all competitions, Antony has already notched four goals and four assists, a significant improvement on his Manchester United statistics.
Antony himself has spoken openly about his happiness at Betis, describing the move as the ‘best decision I’ve made’. He’s found not only on-field success but also a renewed sense of self, citing the city of Seville’s resemblance to Brazil and the warmth of the people as key factors in his revitalization. His confidence on the ball, noticeably absent during his time at Old Trafford, has returned.
Real Betis, who were 10th in the league when Antony arrived, have since embarked on a six-game winning streak, propelling them to sixth place and within striking distance of a Champions League spot. This dramatic turnaround is largely attributed to Antony’s impact and his seamless integration into the team.
His teammate, Isco, has humorously suggested crowdfunding to keep Antony at Betis beyond his loan spell. While the club doesn’t have a purchase option, Antony himself is clearly keen to stay, expressing his gratitude to Manchester United while simultaneously focusing on his current success. The Villamarin Stadium could well become his new long-term home.
Antony’s story serves as a compelling reminder that football careers are not always linear. Sometimes, a change of scenery, a new opportunity, is all it takes to reignite a player’s passion and talent. His loan move to Real Betis may just have saved his career.
