Overview
Antony Matheus dos Santos, commonly known as Antony, is a Brazilian professional footballer who has garnered significant attention for his performances as a forward. Born on 8 September 2001, Antony primarily plays as a right-winger, leveraging his left foot to cut inside and create scoring opportunities or deliver crosses. His career trajectory has seen him rise from the youth ranks in Brazil to playing in top European leagues, representing both his club and the Brazil national team on the international stage.
Position
Antony’s primary position is that of a right-sided forward or winger. In this role, he typically operates on the touchline, aiming to receive the ball wide and then drive towards the opposition's penalty area. His strong left foot is a key asset, allowing him to either shoot from distance, attempt intricate passes, or deliver inswinging crosses into the box. While predominantly a right winger, Antony has also been deployed on the left flank or as an attacking midfielder in certain tactical setups, showcasing his versatility in the final third.
Identity
Antony’s footballing identity is defined by his technical skill, close control, and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. He is often described as a 'flair player' due to his propensity for audacious dribbles and tricks, which are a hallmark of Brazilian attacking players. This blend of individual brilliance and tactical discipline makes him a dynamic presence on the wing, capable of unlocking defences and contributing to goal-scoring actions. His speed and agility further enhance his effectiveness in transitions and counter-attacking scenarios.
Career path
Antony's football journey began in Brazil, progressing through the youth system before making a significant move to European football. His development has been marked by a series of high-profile transfers, each contributing to his growth as a professional.
São Paulo FC
Antony joined the youth academy of São Paulo FC in 2010 at the age of nine. He quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his talent in various youth competitions. His senior professional debut for São Paulo came on 15 November 2018, as a substitute in a Série A match against Grêmio (Wikipedia). He established himself as a regular starter during the 2019 season, contributing with goals and assists and attracting attention from European scouts. His performances earned him a reputation as one of the most promising young talents in Brazilian football.
Ajax
In February 2020, Antony completed a transfer to Dutch Eredivisie club Ajax for a reported fee of €15.75 million (Transfermarkt). He officially joined the club in July 2020. At Ajax, Antony quickly adapted to European football, becoming a key player under manager Erik ten Hag. He made an immediate impact, contributing to Ajax's domestic success. During his tenure, he played a significant role in winning Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup, showcasing his dribbling ability and goal-scoring prowess in both domestic and UEFA Champions League competitions (UEFA Champions League). His time in the Netherlands further enhanced his profile, making him a sought-after talent.
Playing style
Antony's playing style is characterised by his technical proficiency, agility, and flair, making him a dynamic threat on the right wing. As a left-footed player operating predominantly on the right, his primary instinct is to cut inside onto his stronger foot, creating shooting angles or opportunities to play intricate passes.
Dribbling and Ball Control: One of Antony's most prominent attributes is his exceptional close control and dribbling ability. He frequently attempts to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, often employing step-overs, feints, and quick changes of direction. According to data from FBref, Antony typically ranks highly among wingers for successful dribbles per 90 minutes (FBref). This skill allows him to create space in tight areas and progress the ball into dangerous positions.
Pace and Agility: Antony possesses good acceleration and agility, which are crucial for his role as a wide attacker. His ability to burst past defenders and change direction quickly helps him to evade challenges and maintain possession. This speed is also valuable in defensive transitions, allowing him to track back and support his full-back.
Crossing and Passing: While known for cutting inside, Antony also demonstrates an ability to deliver crosses from the right flank, particularly inswinging deliveries with his left foot. His passing range includes short, incisive passes in the final third and longer diagonal balls to switch play. His vision allows him to spot teammates' runs and execute through balls, contributing to his team's creative output.
Defensive Work Rate: Despite his attacking focus, Antony is not averse to contributing defensively. He often tracks back to help his full-back, pressing opposition defenders and attempting to win back possession. This work rate is an important aspect of his overall contribution, particularly in systems that demand high pressing from wide players.
Comparatively, Antony's style has drawn parallels with other left-footed right-wingers known for their dribbling and flair, such as Riyad Mahrez or even a younger Arjen Robben in his tendency to cut inside.
Achievements & honours
Antony has accumulated several team trophies and individual accolades throughout his career, reflecting his impact at both club and international level.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ajax | Eredivisie | 2020–21 |
| Ajax | Eredivisie | 2021–22 |
| Ajax | KNVB Cup | 2020–21 |
International Honours
Antony has also achieved success with the Brazilian national team, particularly at youth level.
| Team | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil U23 | Summer Olympics Gold Medal | 2020 (held in 2021) (Wikipedia) |
Individual Awards
His performances have also been recognised with individual honours, highlighting his talent and contribution to his teams.
- Eredivisie Player of the Month: December 2020 (Wikipedia)
International career
Antony has represented Brazil at various youth levels before making his senior debut, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
Youth International
His international journey began with Brazil's youth teams. He was a key member of the Brazil U23 squad that won the gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (held in 2021) (FIFA). Antony played a significant role in the tournament, contributing to Brazil's success with his attacking prowess and creativity from the wing. This experience provided him with valuable exposure to high-stakes international competition.
Senior National Team
Antony received his first call-up to the senior Brazil national team in October 2021 for FIFA World Cup qualifiers (FIFA). He made his senior debut on 7 October 2021, coming on as a substitute and scoring his first international goal in a 3–1 victory over Venezuela. Since then, he has been a regular fixture in the Brazil squad, accumulating approximately 20 caps and scoring 2 goals as of May 2026.
He was part of the Brazil squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar (FIFA), where he featured in several matches, primarily as an impact substitute. His role for the national team typically involves providing width, directness, and an attacking threat from the right wing, often being deployed to exploit tired defences or change the dynamic of a game. His continued presence in the squad underscores his importance to Brazil's attacking options.
What makes Antony stand out
Antony's standout qualities revolve around his distinctive blend of Brazilian flair and tactical discipline. His ability to perform intricate dribbles and tricks, often referred to as 'ginga', makes him a captivating player to watch. This isn't merely for show; these moves are frequently employed to create space, beat defenders, and advance play in critical areas of the pitch. His left-footed curl from the right wing is another signature move, allowing him to score spectacular goals or deliver dangerous crosses.
Furthermore, his adaptability to different tactical systems, from the Eredivisie's attacking philosophy to the more demanding physical and tactical requirements of top-tier European leagues, highlights his intelligence and willingness to evolve his game. He combines individual brilliance with a commitment to team play, including defensive contributions, which elevates his overall value beyond just his attacking output.
"Antony's ability to create something out of nothing, coupled with his defensive work rate, makes him a very complete winger."