Antony’s Resurgence at Real Betis: A Journey of Redemption

Following a difficult period at Manchester United, where Antony struggled to make a significant impact and fell out of favor under Ruben Amorim, his future appeared uncertain. The Brazilian winger joined Old Trafford as one of the club’s highest-priced signings, yet inconsistent performances and challenges in adapting to the Premier League’s physically demanding nature led to a rapid decline in his confidence. This downturn in form mirrored United’s broader attacking struggles, prompting both the player and the club to explore alternative paths.

Real Betis emerged as a promising opportunity, initially securing Antony on loan before completing a permanent transfer for €25 million plus add-ons during the summer window. While he displayed glimpses of his former self during his loan spell, returning to La Liga has been a transformative experience. The Spanish league’s style of play, characterized by a slower tempo and an emphasis on technical interplay, aligns more closely with his strengths and allows for greater risk-taking.

Fans at the Benito Villamarin have embraced Antony as a key player capable of influencing matches through his speed, trickery, and precise finishing. Within the squad, he has garnered respect for his work ethic and mental resilience, contributing significantly to Manuel Pellegrini’s efforts in securing European qualification.

Marc Bartra, a vocal supporter of Antony’s revival, has praised his mentality and Brazilian flair. The former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund defender noted that La Liga provides the ideal platform for Antony to showcase his talents. In an interview with Mundobetis, Bartra explained, “It’s a style of football that suits him very well, that’s why we’re seeing the real Antony again, even improved. The first day I spoke with him, I already saw his mentality, with that quality and that Brazilian talent. I always say he’s a mix between Neymar and Cristiano. He has the same mentality as Cristiano, always striving for more and being very focused on the game.”

Bartra’s insights reflect a growing belief among teammates that Antony has rediscovered both his joy and sharpness in attack, setting a positive tone for the rest of the front line.

Antony’s ascent at Real Betis has been fueled by a notable enhancement in confidence and decision-making compared to his tenure at Manchester. Previously criticized for his predictability, frequently cutting inside onto his favored left foot without creating clear opportunities, defenders learned to contain him, curtailing his impact and willingness to take risks in the final third.

At Betis, Pellegrini’s tactics encourage him to drive at defenders, adopt more fluid positional rotations, and combine rapidly with overlapping full-backs. The winger has demonstrated an enhanced ability to dribble in multiple directions, making him significantly harder to defend against. Additionally, he is generating opportunities through clever passing—skills that seemed absent during his time at Old Trafford.

Antony benefits from being a central figure rather than merely one of several rotating forwards. Betis supporters appreciate both his flair and his determination to deliver tangible results rather than just tricks.

The current challenge for Antony lies in maintaining consistency throughout the season as Betis strives to remain competitive in the European qualification race. The club envisions him not only as a short-term star but as a long-term leader within their project, a viewpoint supported by the considerable transfer fee and ongoing backing from the board. Fans believe he can solidify his status as a club icon if he continues to provide decisive performances in crucial matches.

Antony’s resurgence has not gone unnoticed beyond Spain, raising questions among Premier League observers about whether Manchester United might regret his departure without allowing him more time to adapt to English football.

If this upward trajectory continues, a return to the Brazil national team could also emerge as a realistic ambition, especially as the Selecao prepares for the 2026 World Cup.