Antony Matheus dos Santos (born 24 February 2000), known mononymously as Antony (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈɐ̃tɔni]),[3] is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Premier League club Manchester United and the Brazil national team.
 Antony playing for Manchester United in 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Antony Matheus dos Santos[1] | ||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 24 February 2000[2] | ||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Osasco, Brazil | ||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)[2] | ||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Right winger | ||||||||||||||||
| Team information | |||||||||||||||||
Current team | Manchester United | ||||||||||||||||
| Number | 21 | ||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | |||||||||||||||||
| 2010–2018 | São Paulo | ||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | |||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | ||||||||||||||
| 2018–2020 | São Paulo | 48 | (6) | ||||||||||||||
| 2020–2022 | Ajax | 57 | (18) | ||||||||||||||
| 2022– | Manchester United | 58 | (5) | ||||||||||||||
| International career‡ | |||||||||||||||||
| 2019–2021 | Brazil U23 | 22 | (6) | ||||||||||||||
| 2021– | Brazil | 16 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Medal record
| |||||||||||||||||
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:22, 15 December 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:06, 25 March 2023 (UTC) | |||||||||||||||||
Antony graduated from the São Paulo academy and made his senior debut for the club in 2018. He moved abroad to Ajax in the summer of 2020, where he won two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup during his two seasons. Antony's performances in the Netherlands led to a transfer worth €95 million (£82 million) to Manchester United, the highest sum paid for an Eredivisie player.
Antony won a gold medal with the Brazil under-23 team at the 2020 Summer Olympics. He then made his senior international debut and scored against Venezuela in October 2021, going on to represent Brazil at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Early and personal life
Antony was born in Osasco, São Paulo, and grew up in Inferninho, a favela far from the city centre. Growing up, he would play football wherever he could on the streets or in his house, combining his love of futsal with street football and regularly attending São Paulo matches with his aunt.[4] He is of Portuguese descent.[5]On 16 September 2024 he got engaged to his girlfriend Rosilene Silva.[6]
Club career
São Paulo
Youth
He began playing football at an early age, and he was soon spotted by São Paulo, who offered him a contract in 2010, aged 10, where he was inducted into their youth academy.[7] During his youth years, Antony struggled for game time and was close to being dismissed from the club's youth ranks, but the staff convinced his manager to keep him. While in the youth academy, Antony met Helinho and Igor Gomes, becoming good friends in the process. In September 2018, Antony helped his team win the J-League Challenge tournament in Japan, being named the tournament's best player.[8]
2018: Rise to the first team
Later that month, on 26 September, Antony, alongside Helinho and Igor Gomes, was promoted to the senior team,[9] and he signed a contract until September 2023.[8] On 15 November, he made his first-team debut, coming on as a substitute for Helinho in a 1–1 draw against Grêmio.[10] He was immediately demoted to the club's under-20 team, in order to take part in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, which his team won, scoring in the final against Vasco da Gama, while also being named the tournament's best player, for his 4 goals and 6 assists in 9 games he played in the competition.[11]
2019–20: Campeonato Paulista success and final seasons
Following his impressive displays in the tournament, Antony returned to the first team, and with São Paulo struggling in the Campeonato Paulista, he began receiving more first-team minutes. He scored his first goal on 21 March, in a 1–1 draw against São Caetano, with the Tricolor conceding a goal in stoppage time. He immediately stood out as one of the revelations of the competition, scoring two goals, including one in the final against Corinthians a month later, where his side lost 2–1 on aggregate.[12] On 18 July, he agreed to an extension until 2024.[13][14]
On 5 March 2020, Antony made his debut in the Copa Libertadores, starting in São Paulo's 2–1 loss to Peruvian side Binacional.[15] Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was halted for various months, and as such Antony made his last appearance for the club on 14 March, featuring in the 2–1 victory over rivals Santos in the San-São derby.[16]
Ajax
2020–21: Development and adaptation to the Netherlands
On 23 February 2020, Ajax signed Antony on a five-year deal, effective from 1 July 2020, for an initial £13 million, which could have risen to £18.2 million.[17] He made his debut for the club on 13 September 2020, scoring the only goal of an away win over Sparta Rotterdam.[18] He made his debut in the UEFA Champions League on 27 October, in a 2–2 draw against Atalanta, leaving the field in the 90th minute, following a collision with Ruslan Malinovskyi,[19] before scoring his first goal in the competition on 3 November 2020, in a 2–1 away win over Midtjylland.[20]
During the 2020–21 season, Antony competed with David Neres for a spot in the starting line-up, eventually winning his place, contributing to 46 appearances, and finishing the season with 11 goals and 10 assists, including a goal in the 3–1 defeat of Vitesse in the domestic cup final, helping Ajax win the domestic double of the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup.[21][22]
2021–22: Breakthrough and second Eredivisie title
The following season, despite the signings of Mohamed Daramy and Steven Berghuis, Antony kept his place in the starting line-up, and with his two goals and five assists against Sporting CP and Borussia Dortmund, Ajax became the first Dutch club to win all six Champions League group games in the competition's history.[23] His three goals and one assist earned him the league's Player of the Month and Talent of the Month award for December.[24] On 20 March, Antony scored a dramatic late winner in a 3–2 victory against De Klassieker rivals Feyenoord in Eredivisie, being five minutes into the added time, before being sent off, after receiving a second yellow card seconds later for time wasting.[25]
Nine days later, while on international duty for Brazil national team, during a World Cup qualification match, Antony suffered an ankle injury, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. He ended the campaign with 12 goals and 10 assists, as Ajax retained their Eredivisie title.[26]
August 2022: Desire to leave Ajax
"I was very happy in Amsterdam, I won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I reinforce that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and my dreams. People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation moves me towards happiness."
Following his return from injury against Fortuna Sittard on 6 August, the 2022–23 season was preceded by a dispute over the desire for Antony to leave Ajax. After Ajax rejected the interest expressed by Manchester United for Antony's service, including an €85 million transfer bid, he failed to turn up to training, being left out of the matchdays squads against Sparta Rotterdam and Utrecht.[28] In an interview, Antony revealed that he had wanted to leave in February, but he waited to the end of the summer window for the transfer to proceed, rejecting a contract renewal from Ajax in order to "follow his dreams".[27]
Manchester United
On 30 August 2022, Ajax confirmed they had reached an agreement with Manchester United for Antony's transfer.[29][30] Two days later, Antony signed a five-year contract for a transfer fee of €95 million (£82 million), with a further €5 million (£4.27 million) in add-ons, the third highest transfer fee ever paid by the club after Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku and this was Ajax's and the Eredivisie's biggest transfer ever.[31][32][33] Upon his arrival at the club he was handed the number 21 shirt previously worn by Edinson Cavani, who had recently departed the club.[34]
On 4 September, Antony scored on his debut for the club in a 3–1 home league victory over rivals Arsenal.[35] He scored again in United's next league match, a 6–3 defeat to local rivals Manchester City on 2 October.[36] The next week, he scored for a third successive league game to equalise the score at Everton, as United won 2–1, becoming the first United player to score in their first three consecutive Premier League games.[37][38]
On 23 February 2023, Antony also scored the winner in a 2–1 Europa League playoff match, coming on as a substitute at half-time, over Barcelona, a day before his 23rd birthday.[39] On 26 February, he started in the 2023 EFL Cup final as Manchester United beat Newcastle United 2–0 at Wembley Stadium, winning his first trophy with the club.[40] After not being able to score at Old Trafford for over a year, Antony ended his goal drought on 17 March 2024, scoring in a 4–3 victory against arch rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter finals.[41]
International career
Youth career
On 15 May 2019, he was named in the Brazil under-23 squad for the 2019 Toulon Tournament, helping his team win the competition, scoring two goals, including one in the final against Japan.[42]
On 17 June 2021, Antony was named in the Brazil under-23 squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics.[43] He started in all of Brazil's six games at the tournament.[44] In the final against Spain, he assisted Malcom's winning goal in extra-time as Brazil won the title.[45] He scored six goals in 22 games for the under-23 team.[46]
Senior career
Antony made his debut for the Brazil national football team on 7 October 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. He came on as a substitute in the 77th minute and scored a goal in added time to establish the final score of 3–1 for Brazil.[47] On 7 November 2022, he was named in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[48]
On 4 September 2023, Antony was expelled from Brazil's squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Bolivia and Peru following allegations of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend.[49][50]
Controversies and criticism
Domestic violence allegations
On 4 September 2023, Antony was removed from Brazil's squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Bolivia and Peru following allegations of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend, with Brazilian media outlet Universo Online reporting the existence of photos showing the ex-girlfriend having injuries to her head and her hand as the Greater Manchester Police begin to investigate the case.[49] Amidst two other women also stepping up to accuse Antony of assault, he went on to firmly deny the allegations on Brazilian network SBT on 9 September, claiming that he will "provide the proof and people will understand".[51] On 10 September, Manchester United issued a club statement acknowledging the allegations and announcing that an agreement with Antony was in place to grant him an extended leave of absence following the international break as he dealt with the situation.[52] Antony returned to Manchester United training on 29 September.[53]
Criticism
Antony's poor form, on-field antics and celebrations, combined with hefty pricetag, has sparked numerous internet memes. On 27 October 2022, he was taken off the pitch after performing a spin move against Sheriff Tiraspol. The move received heavy commendation, with pundits and former players alike criticizing it as "showboating".[54][55] Having only scored a few goals in nearly two years of playing for United, he began receiving backlash for his poor performances.[56] On 12 May 2024, as Antony was brought onto the pitch against Arsenal in the 70th minute, he was pictured raising his eyebrows on the touchline in a dramatic manner.[57] Across social media, users made posts and videos satirizing and ridiculing the pose, sarcastically using the acronym GOAT to describe him. After defeating Coventry City in the 2024 FA Cup semi-finals, Antony celebrated by cupping his ears at the Coventry players, which was also met with backlash.[58] Many fans have touted Antony as one of the worst signings in United's history.[59]
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 19 December 2024[44]
| Club | Season | League | State league[a] | National cup[b] | League cup[c] | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| São Paulo | 2018 | Série A | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2019 | Série A | 29 | 4 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | 1[d] | 0 | — | 45 | 6 | |||
| 2020 | Série A | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2[d] | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | |||
| Total | 32 | 4 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | — | 52 | 6 | ||||
| Ajax | 2020–21 | Eredivisie | 32 | 9 | — | 4 | 1 | — | 10[e] | 1 | — | 46 | 11 | |||
| 2021–22 | Eredivisie | 23 | 8 | — | 3 | 2 | — | 7[f] | 2 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 12 | |||
| 2022–23 | Eredivisie | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1[g] | 1 | 3 | 2 | |||||
| Total | 57 | 18 | — | 7 | 3 | — | 17 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 82 | 25 | ||||
| Manchester United | 2022–23 | Premier League | 25 | 4 | — | 5 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 9[h] | 2 | — | 44 | 8 | ||
| 2023–24 | Premier League | 29 | 1 | — | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4[f] | 0 | — | 38 | 3 | |||
| 2024–25 | Premier League | 4 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4[h] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | ||
| Total | 58 | 5 | — | 9 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 92 | 12 | |||
| Career total | 147 | 27 | 16 | 2 | 17 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 37 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 226 | 43 | ||
- ^ Includes Campeonato Paulista
- ^ Includes Copa do Brasil, KNVB Cup, FA Cup
- ^ Includes EFL Cup
- ^ a b Appearance(s) in Copa Libertadores
- ^ Four appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League, six appearances in UEFA Europa League
- ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ Appearance in Johan Cruyff Shield
- ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League
International
- As of match played 25 March 2023[60]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 2021 | 5 | 1 |
| 2022 | 10 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 16 | 2 | |
- Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Antony goal.[60]
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 October 2021 | Estadio Olímpico de la UCV, Caracas, Venezuela | 1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 2 | 1 February 2022 | Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil | 7 | 3–0 | 4–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
Honours
Ajax
Manchester United
Brazil U23
Individual
- Eredivisie Player of the Month: December 2020[24]
- Eredivisie Talent of the Month: December 2021[24]
- Manchester United Goal of the Season: 2022–23[64]
References
- ^ "2024/25 Premier League squad lists". Premier League. 13 September 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Antony: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
- ^ Team, Forvo. "Antony Matheus dos Santos". Forvo.com.
- ^ Daily Dose of Football. The Rise Of Antony - From 3-Time Reject to 100,000,000$ Player. YouTube. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
- ^ Oh My Goal. 7 Things You Didn't Know About Antony, Man United's Newest Star. YouTube. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
- ^ "Man Utd winger Antony announces engagement to girlfriend Rosilene Silva after elaborate rose-themed proposal". Goal.com. 16 September 2024.
- ^ "Antony is inspired by Lucas, remembers Choque-Rei from 2010 and dreams of repeating it" (in Brazilian Portuguese).
- ^ a b Ana Luiza Rosa (17 September 2018). "U-17 is champion of the J League Challenge Cup". São Paulo.
- ^ "Garotos da base são promovidos e treinam no São Paulo; Everton corre de novo no gramado" [Base boys are promoted and trained in São Paulo; Everton runs back on the lawn] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 26 September 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ "Com apoio de Lucas Moura, Antony celebra estreia pelo São Paulo" [With support from Lucas Moura, Antony celebrates his debut for São Paulo] (in Brazilian Portuguese). Gazeta Esportiva. 17 November 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
- ^ "Assistance, goal and cup: Antony is the star of São Paulo and Copinha" (in Brazilian Portuguese). 25 January 2019.
- ^ João Prata (21 April 2019). "Vagner Love scores in the end, Corinthians beats São Paulo and is three-time champion of São Paulo". Estadão. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
- ^ "São Paulo announces renewal of Antony's contract until June 2024". Globoesporte.globo.com. 18 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
- ^ "Manchester City, European siege and money: Antony decides to renew and becomes an example in São Paulo". Globoesporte.globo.com. 19 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
- ^ "Binacional 2 x 1 São Paulo - Copa Libertadores round 1 - Real Time - Globo Esporte". ge.globo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 24 July 2021.
- ^ "São Paulo 2 x 1 Santos - Campeonato Paulista round 10 - Real Time - Globo Esporte". ge.globo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 24 July 2021.
- ^ "Ajax sign Brazil U23 winger Antony Matheus dos Santos for £13m from Sao Paulo". BBC Sport. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
- ^ "Sparta Rotterdam 0–1 Ajax Amsterdam". ESPN. 13 September 2020.
- ^ "Atalanta 2–2 Ajax". BBC Sport. 27 October 2020.
- ^ "Midtjylland 1–2 Ajax". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 3 November 2020.
- ^ a b "Ajax strike late to down Vitesse and lift their 20th KNVB Cup". Football Oranje. 18 April 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ^ a b "Ajax crowned Dutch champions after thumping win over Emmen". ESPN. 2 May 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
- ^ "Sporting Lisbon 1–5 Ajax". BBC Sport. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ a b c "Antony named Eredivisie player of the month". eredivisie.nl. 7 January 2021. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
- ^ "Throwback to when Antony got sent off for time wasting after being grabbed by Dusan Tadic". tribuna.com. 22 March 2022.
- ^ Coombs, Dan (27 July 2022). "Antony thrilled to make return after four months battling injury". United in Focus.
- ^ a b "Man Utd confirm record Antony transfer as Erik ten Hag raids Ajax again". Daily Mirror. 30 August 2022.
- ^ Metro Transfer News Reporter (21 August 2022). "Antony tries to force through Man Utd move by refusing to play for Ajax". Metro.
- ^ "United reach agreement for Antony transfer". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- ^ "Ajax and Manchester United reach agreement on Antony". Ajax.nl. AFC Ajax. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- ^ Stone, Simon (30 August 2022). "Antony: Manchester United agree to sign Ajax winger for £81.3m". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- ^ "Antony completes transfer from Ajax to United". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 1 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ "Man Utd transfer news: Antony signs from Ajax for £82m". BBC Sport. 1 September 2022. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
- ^ Bostock, Adam (3 September 2022). "Antony and Dubravka shirt numbers revealed". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
- ^ Stone, Simon (3 September 2022). "Manchester United 3-1 Arsenal: Antony scores on his debut to end Arsenal's winning run". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (2 October 2022). "Man City 6–3 Man Utd: Haaland and Foden hat-tricks as hosts hit six". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
- ^ Stone, Simon (9 October 2022). "Everton 1-2 Man Utd: Cristiano Ronaldo scores 700th club goal as visitors come from behind to win". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ "Antony fez história pelo Manchester United (vídeo)". A Bola. 9 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ Bate, Adam (23 February 2023). "Man Utd 2-1 Barcelona (Agg:4-3): Antony off the bench to win Europa League play-off on big night for Erik ten Hag". Sky Sports. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
- ^ a b McNulty, Phil (26 February 2023). "Manchester United 2–0 Newcastle United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
- ^ Dawson, Rob (18 March 2024). "Subpar Antony 'needed' goal against Liverpool". ESPN. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ "Jardine summons the Olympic team for the Toulon Tournament with two from Rio" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Eu Portal. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
- ^ "Seleção Olímpica é convocada para os Jogos Olímpicos de Tóquio 2020". Confederação Brasileira de Futebol. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
- ^ a b Antony at Soccerway. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
- ^ a b "Brazil edge Spain in men's Olympic football final thanks to Malcom's magic". The Guardian. 7 August 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "Antony". ogol.com.br. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ^ "Venezuela v Brazil game report". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 7 October 2021.
- ^ "Seleção Brasileira está convocada para a Copa do Mundo FIFA Qatar 2022" (in Portuguese). CBF. 7 November 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
- ^ a b "Brazil drop Man Utd's Antony after abuse claims". BBC Sport. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
- ^ Cesarini, Beatriz; Lopes, Pedro (4 September 2023). "Fotos e áudios inéditos revelam agressões de Antony contra ex-namorada". Universo Online (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 4 September 2023. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
- ^ "Antony: Man Utd winger denies assault allegations in Brazilian TV interview". Sky Sports. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
- ^ "Club statement on Antony". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
- ^ "Antony: Manchester United confirm Brazilian winger is to return to training". BBC. 29 September 2023.
- ^ "Antony Slammed By Former Man United Players For 'Embarrassing' 720° Spin In Europa League". Fannation Futbol. 28 October 2022. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ Hogan, Dominic (27 October 2022). "Scholes labels Antony a 'CLOWN' for showboating in United's win". Mail Online. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ Sheldon, Dan; Harris, Thom. "Manchester United's Antony vows to silence critics after ending Premier League goal drought". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ "Arsenal 1-0 Man United (May 12, 2024) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ Keith, Felix (23 April 2024). "Antony breaks silence after being slammed for post-match antics against Coventry". The Mirror. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ "Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, & Man Utd's worst signings of the Glazer era - ranked | Goal.com US". www.goal.com. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ a b "Antony". national-football-teams.com (in German). Retrieved 30 March 2023.
- ^ "Manchester City 1–2 Manchester United: Line-ups". BBC Sport. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
- ^ McNulty, Phill (3 June 2023). "Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
- ^ "Festival International Espoirs Football Tournoi Maurice Revello Toulon".
- ^ "Antony wins Goal of the Season award". Manchester United. 29 May 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.