Antony has described his decision to stay at Real Betis after leaving Manchester United F.C. as “one of the best decisions” of his life, with the Brazilian now enjoying the strongest form of his career in Spain.
After a difficult spell at Old Trafford, Antony has rebuilt his confidence in La Liga and become one of Betis’ most productive attacking players this season.
His resurgence comes at a crucial moment, too, with Brazil’s World Cup plans taking shape and places still to be won under Carlo Ancelotti.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Antony admitted the move gave him both footballing clarity and personal stability, two things that were missing during his final months in England.
Antony’s Real Betis form explains Manchester United exit
Manchester United’s decision to move Antony on now looks easier to understand when viewed alongside his current output.
At Betis, the Brazilian has delivered 13 goals and nine assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
In La Liga alone, he has contributed seven goals and five assists in 26 matches, numbers that far exceed his most effective periods in England.
The underlying data tells a similar story.
| Stat (2025/26) | Antony |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 40 |
| Goals | 13 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Goal involvements per 90 | 0.54 |
| Key passes per match | 2.04 |
| Pass accuracy | 81.61% |
source: sofascore match data – 25 April 2026
His involvement in Betis’ attacking structure is far greater than it was at United, where his role often felt limited and inconsistent.
From the games covered this season, Betis have clearly built around Antony’s strengths, allowing him to operate with more freedom in the final third.
However, it remains too early to say whether that level could have been replicated in the Premier League.
Antony calls Betis move one of his best career decisions
The Brazilian made it clear his decision was not purely about football.
Family played a major role.
“It was one of the best decisions of my life to stay at Betis. I am very happy. My family weighed heavily in the decision. Seeing them happy is important.” — Antony, via ESPN Brazil
He added that having a stable home environment has made a direct impact on his performances.
“It makes things lighter on the pitch when the family is well.” — Antony, via ESPN Brazil
That honesty offers insight into how much off-pitch conditions can affect form.
For Antony, the move to Spain appears to have reset both his career and mentality.
World Cup return now firmly in Antony’s sights
Antony was part of Brazil’s squad at the last World Cup under Tite, but his opportunities under Ancelotti have been limited.
That has not changed his ambition.
“My biggest dream is to play in the World Cup, but I have to do my part, my work, the national team is a consequence.” — Antony, via ESPN Brazil
He followed that with a direct statement about his goals.
“I really want to return, to play in my second World Cup. It is always my objective to wear the national team shirt.” — Antony, via ESPN Brazil
With his current form and output, that ambition feels realistic again.
Much will depend on Brazil’s attacking competition over the coming months.
Key insights
- Antony says staying at Betis was one of his best life decisions
- His production in Spain has sharply improved compared to Manchester United
- Family stability played a key role in his decision
- Antony is pushing to return to Brazil’s World Cup squad
- Betis have provided the tactical role he needed
What’s next?
Antony’s focus now shifts towards maintaining consistency through the final weeks of the season.
That form could become decisive as Brazil finalise their World Cup squad plans.
At club level, Betis will also be assessing whether to build longer-term around him, especially if his performances continue at this level.
For Manchester United, the chapter appears firmly closed, but Antony’s revival will still be watched closely.
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