Antony is riding a wave of acclaim for his performances for Betis where he appears a different player to that at Manchester United.
The Brazilian winger has seized this opportunity to showcase his finest form, captivating fans and pundits with his sensational performances in La Liga.
His breathtaking goal against Espanyol, which sealed a comeback victory in the season’s early stages, has become a global talking point, cementing his status as a star reborn.
The strike, a moment of brilliance reserved for the elite, has sparked widespread admiration, with teammates, football luminaries, and fans showering him with praise.
The goal’s impact was immediate, its audacity leaving Betis players like Isco, Ez Abde, and Cédric Bakambu in disbelief during the celebrations, hands on heads in awe. Social media erupted with tributes, many of which Antony proudly shared on his Instagram, amplifying the buzz around his resurgence.
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Among the flood of congratulations, one message stood out, both for its emotional weight and its implications for Antony’s future at Betis. Denílson de Oliveira, a Brazilian legend and the club’s record signing at €31 million in 1998, couldn’t resist lauding Antony’s masterpiece.
In a heartfelt Instagram story, Denílson wrote, “Congratulations on everything you’re doing, son. What a goal!” Accompanied by an illustration of the two shaking hands in Betis kits, the post carried a deeper plea: “May you stay at Betis for a long time.”
Antony’s decision to share this message on his own stories has ignited hope among Betis fans that his loan from Manchester United could extend beyond its June 2025 expiration.
Antony’s journey to this moment has been turbulent. After a £85 million move to Manchester United in 2022, the 24-year-old struggled to justify his price tag, managing just 11 goals and five assists in 82 appearances.
His lack of consistency and off-field issues led to a loan move to Betis in January 2025, a move initially met with skepticism. However, under Manuel Pellegrini’s guidance, Antony has rediscovered his Ajax-era flair, blending dazzling dribbles with newfound maturity.
His Espanyol goal—a curling, long-range rocket—epitomized this transformation, earning comparisons to his standout performances under Erik ten Hag at Ajax. The strike not only clinched three points but also signaled Antony’s intent to rewrite his career narrative.
The football world has taken notice. Posts on X have hailed Antony as “unrecognizable” from his United days, with fans and analysts praising his work rate and attacking output.
Teammates have echoed this sentiment, with Isco reportedly describing him as “a game-changer” in the dressing room. Denílson’s endorsement carries particular weight, given his status as a Betis icon despite his own challenges at the club.
His public call for Antony to stay reflects the growing sentiment in Seville, where the winger has become a fan favorite. The electric atmosphere at Cornellà-El Prat, where dozens of Betis supporters mobbed Antony after the Espanyol win, underscored his burgeoning connection with the Verdiblancos faithful.
Yet, securing Antony’s long-term future at Betis is fraught with challenges. His loan deal includes no purchase option, and Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, will reassess his role in the summer.
United’s financial pressures, driven by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) after £600 million in recent spending, could make a permanent transfer feasible, with Betis potentially negotiating a fee around €30-40 million.
However, Antony’s stellar form has attracted interest from wealthier clubs, including Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, and even a potential return to Ajax. These suitors, coupled with United’s high valuation, complicate Betis’ ambitions, especially as the club operates on a tighter budget than its rivals.
Antony’s willingness to stay could be the deciding factor. His decision to highlight Denílson’s message suggests an emotional attachment to Betis, where he has found stability and adoration.
The club’s passionate fanbase, vibrant culture, and Pellegrini’s trust have revitalized him, offering a stark contrast to the scrutiny he faced at Old Trafford. After the Espanyol match, Antony’s embrace with supporters in the stands spoke volumes, a moment of unity that has fueled dreams of a prolonged stay at the Benito Villamarín.
Betis’ leadership, led by president Ángel Haro, is reportedly exploring ways to finance a permanent deal, potentially through player sales or external investment.
The road ahead is uncertain but promising. Antony’s performances, including three goals and four assists in 12 La Liga starts, have made him indispensable to Betis’ European push. His ability to combine flair with defensive diligence fits Pellegrini’s balanced system, earning him a regular starting spot alongside Abde and Giovani Lo Celso.
Off the pitch, Antony has immersed himself in Seville’s culture, learning Spanish and engaging with fans, further endearing himself to the Betis community. His Instagram activity, filled with Betis-themed posts and interactions with supporters, reflects a player at ease in his new home.
Denílson’s words carry historical resonance, evoking memories of Betis’ bold transfer moves. While his own stint was marred by inconsistency, his legacy as a trailblazer for Brazilian talent at the club endures.
By backing Antony, Denílson is not only celebrating a compatriot’s success but also advocating for Betis to secure a modern star. The illustrated handshake in his story symbolizes a passing of the torch, with Antony poised to carve out his own legend in green and white.
For now, Antony’s focus is on maintaining his form as Betis chase a Champions League spot, currently sitting fourth in La Liga. Upcoming matches, including a crucial clash with Barcelona, will test his mettle and could sway United’s stance on his future.
If Betis can sustain their momentum and Antony continues to shine, the dream of a permanent move may inch closer to reality. Fans, buoyed by his Espanyol heroics and Denílson’s rallying cry, are daring to hope that their Brazilian star will remain a Bético for years to come, delivering more moments of magic at the Villamarín.
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