Antony Matheus dos Santos, commonly known as Antony, is one of the brightest young talents emerging from Brazil’s rich footballing heritage. With his flair, creativity, and skillful dribbling, Antony has quickly made a name for himself both in the Brazilian league and in Europe. His dynamic playstyle and electrifying performances have captured the attention of football fans across the world, and his rise to prominence is just beginning.

Born on February 24, 2000, in São Paulo, Brazil, Antony’s journey through the world of football has been one filled with determination, hard work, and success. Whether it is his exploits at Ajax Amsterdam or his recent moves to the Premier League with Manchester United, Antony’s career continues to inspire both young footballers and fans alike. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the life and career of Antony dos Santos. We’ll explore his early years, his rise through Brazilian football, his breakthrough at Ajax, his current stint at Manchester United, and what the future holds for this Brazilian sensation.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Antony was born in São Paulo, Brazil, a city known for its passion for football. Growing up in the football-crazy country, Antony was exposed to the sport at a young age, and his early experiences would shape the player he would become. He joined the local football scene and began playing for the youth team of São Paulo FC, one of Brazil’s most prestigious football clubs.

Joining São Paulo FC Youth System

Antony’s journey into professional football started in the youth academy of São Paulo FC, one of Brazil’s traditional powerhouses. He joined their academy at the age of 10, where he started to develop his technical skills and footballing intelligence. Known for his quick feet, dribbling skills, and vision, Antony quickly stood out as a talented prospect.

As a young player, Antony’s flair on the ball and his creativity made him one to watch. It wasn’t long before he made his way up the ranks at São Paulo FC, moving from the youth teams to the senior squad. His strong performances in youth competitions earned him a place in the senior team, where he would make his professional debut.

Rise to Prominence at São Paulo FC

Antony made his first appearance for São Paulo FC in 2018 at just 18 years old. Despite his youth, Antony showcased his immense potential in the Brazilian top division, known as the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. He became known for his speed, skill, and ability to take on defenders with ease, making him a standout player in Brazil’s domestic league.

Breakthrough at São Paulo

In his first few seasons with the senior squad, Antony’s performances began to gain recognition both within Brazil and abroad. His ability to deliver in crucial moments, score important goals, and provide assists made him one of the most exciting young players in Brazilian football. Antony’s dribbling and quick pace made him a nightmare for defenders, and his flair for creating scoring opportunities for his teammates earned him a reputation as one of the country’s top talents.

Antony’s time at São Paulo FC was marked by his consistency and rapid development. His ability to create space for himself and his teammates, combined with his flair and fearless approach to one-on-one situations, made him a key player in São Paulo’s attacking setup. This would eventually lead to his transfer to Europe, where he would continue to grow as a player and compete on the world’s biggest stages.

The Move to Europe: Joining Ajax Amsterdam

In 2020, Antony made the big leap to Europe when he signed with Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam. The move came after his impressive performances in Brazil, and Ajax saw in him a player who could develop into a star on the European stage. The transfer was a significant one for Antony, marking the beginning of his European career.

Transition to the Eredivisie

Antony’s transition to the Eredivisie, the top-tier league in the Netherlands, was a smooth one. Ajax’s reputation for developing young talent, combined with the club’s attacking style of play, was the perfect fit for Antony’s skill set. He quickly adapted to the demands of the league and impressed with his performances in both domestic competitions and European tournaments.

In his first season with Ajax, Antony made an immediate impact. His dribbling ability, vision, and composure in front of goal were evident from the outset. He became a key figure in Ajax’s attacking setup, creating goals and scoring himself. His performances in the Eredivisie helped Ajax maintain their dominance in the league, and his displays in the UEFA Champions League caught the attention of top European clubs.

UEFA Champions League Debut

One of the most exciting parts of Antony’s time at Ajax was his involvement in the UEFA Champions League. The Champions League provides the stage for players to showcase their skills against the best teams in Europe, and Antony rose to the occasion. His performances against top-tier opposition, including the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and others, showed that Antony was capable of playing at the highest level.

In the 2020-2021 season, Antony contributed significantly to Ajax’s strong run in the Champions League. His dazzling dribbles, creativity, and ability to produce key passes allowed Ajax to go deep into the competition, reaffirming his status as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.

Playing Style: The Attributes That Define Antony dos Santos

Antony is often described as an explosive winger with exceptional technical skills, and his playing style reflects this. Below are some of the key attributes that define Antony’s style of play:

Dribbling and Flair: One of Antony’s most defining features is his exceptional dribbling ability. He is renowned for his skillful one-on-one play, using quick footwork and close control to beat defenders. Antony’s ability to glide past opponents and make dangerous runs is one of his strongest attributes. He often uses tricks, feints, and rapid direction changes to leave defenders in his wake.

Speed and Agility: Antony’s pace is another key part of his game. His rapid acceleration allows him to burst past defenders with ease, and his agility ensures he can change direction quickly when attacking. His speed makes him a dangerous outlet for counter-attacks, and he frequently uses it to stretch defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities.

Creativity and Vision: Antony is not just a goal-scorer; he is also a creative playmaker. His vision allows him to spot runs from teammates, and he is capable of producing excellent passes and crosses into dangerous areas. His ability to pick out teammates with precise deliveries makes him a valuable asset in both goal-scoring and creating chances for others.

Finishing and Composure: While Antony is best known for his dribbling and creativity, he also possesses a strong eye for goal. His ability to finish with both feet and his calmness in front of goal make him a constant threat. Whether it’s cutting inside from the wing to curl one into the far corner or finishing off a counter-attack, Antony is composed and lethal when it comes to finishing chances.

Work Rate and Defending: Although Antony is primarily an attacking player, he is also committed to his defensive responsibilities. He works hard off the ball, pressing defenders and tracking back to help his team defensively. This work rate allows him to contribute at both ends of the pitch and ensures he remains a well-rounded player.

Antony’s Impact at Manchester United

In 2022, Antony made a high-profile move to the Premier League, signing with Manchester United under manager Erik ten Hag. The transfer was a significant step in Antony’s career, as the Premier League is one of the most competitive and high-profile leagues in the world.

Adjusting to Life in the Premier League: Antony’s transition to the Premier League was relatively smooth. Playing under his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, Antony was already familiar with the tactical setup and philosophy at Manchester United. His performances early on in the Premier League demonstrated his ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of English football.

Key Performances at Manchester United: Antony quickly became a key player for Manchester United, contributing with goals, assists, and valuable attacking play. His ability to take on defenders, create chances, and provide width to United’s attack made him an integral part of the team. His early performances in key matches showcased his potential to be a star player in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. In his first season at Manchester United, Antony scored several important goals, including a memorable strike in his debut match against Arsenal, which further endeared him to the United faithful.

International Career: Representing Brazil

Antony’s impressive club performances earned him a call-up to the Brazilian national team. He made his debut for Brazil in 2019 and has since been involved in numerous international fixtures.

Copa América Glory: In 2021, Antony was part of Brazil’s squad for the Copa América, a prestigious international tournament in South America. Though Brazil was defeated by Argentina in the final, Antony’s performances in the tournament earned him praise for his contributions in the attacking third.

2022 FIFA World Cup and Beyond: With his impressive club form continuing into 2022, Antony was expected to play an important role in Brazil’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign. His pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances make him a crucial asset for Brazil in major international competitions, and his future with the national team looks incredibly promising.

Future Prospects: The Sky’s the Limit for Antony

At just 25 years old (as of 2025), Antony is still in the early stages of his career, and his future looks incredibly bright. As one of the top young wingers in the world, he has the potential to continue developing into a superstar. His move to Manchester United has placed him on one of the biggest football stages in the world, and with continued growth and success, Antony could become one of the most exciting players in global football. Antony’s attributes make him a highly sought-after player, and there is no doubt that he will continue to contribute to both club and country for many years to come.

Antony dos Santos – A Brazilian Talent to Watch

Antony dos Santos is one of the most exciting young talents in world football. From his humble beginnings in São Paulo to his rise through the ranks of Ajax and his current prominence at Manchester United, Antony has shown that he is a player capable of making a difference on the biggest stages. His flair, creativity, speed, and goal-scoring ability make him a player to watch, and his future in football is incredibly promising.

As his career continues to evolve, Antony will undoubtedly leave his mark on the footballing world. Whether at Manchester United or with Brazil on the international stage, the sky is the limit for this young Brazilian sensation. Football fans around the globe will continue to watch eagerly as Antony dos Santos grows into one of the most exciting wingers of his generation.

FAQs

Who is Antony dos Santos?

Antony Matheus dos Santos, commonly known as Antony, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger. Born on February 24, 2000, in São Paulo, Brazil, Antony is known for his speed, technical ability, and flair on the ball. He is currently playing for Manchester United in the English Premier League, having transferred from Ajax in 2022.

What position does Antony dos Santos play?

Antony primarily plays as a right-winger, though he can also operate on the left side or as an attacking midfielder. His ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot while maintaining great dribbling and crossing skills makes him a potent attacking threat.

What are Antony dos Santos’ key stats for the 2024/2025 season?

As of the latest available data for the 2024/2025 season, Antony has shown impressive performances for Manchester United. His stats include a significant number of goals, assists, and dribbles completed, along with high passing accuracy and key passes. His contributions in both domestic and European competitions are continuously improving, showcasing his ability to make an impact in crucial moments.

How many goals has Antony scored for Manchester United?

Antony has scored several goals since joining Manchester United in 2022. By the end of 2024, he has consistently contributed to the team’s attacking efforts in both the Premier League and European competitions. His tally includes match-winning goals and vital contributions during key moments.

How many assists has Antony provided for Manchester United?

In addition to his goal-scoring ability, Antony has also contributed a significant number of assists. He is known for his creativity in the final third, often setting up his teammates with key passes, crosses, and through balls. His assist total reflects his importance in creating scoring opportunities for the team.

In Summary

Antony dos Santos is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young wingers in world football today. With his exceptional dribbling, creativity, and ability to impact matches, he has quickly established himself as a key player for both Manchester United and the Brazil national team. While his career continues to evolve, his stats reflect his undeniable talent and potential to become one of the best in his position. As he refines his game, especially in terms of consistency and goal-scoring, Antony’s future looks incredibly bright. Fans and analysts alike will continue to follow his journey closely as he grows into one of football’s most dynamic and influential players.

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