Players Similar to Antony — 5 Comparable Footballers (2026)

Why look at similar players to Antony

Antony Matheus dos Santos, commonly known as Antony, is a Brazilian professional footballer who primarily operates as a right winger. Born on 8 September 2001, he is predominantly left-footed, a characteristic that defines much of his attacking play. His style involves receiving the ball wide on the right flank, cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, and attempting shots or intricate passes. This 'inverted winger' role is central to his tactical deployment, allowing him to leverage his dribbling ability and vision in central areas near the opposition's box. Antony's profile on Transfermarkt highlights his market value and career progression, showcasing his journey from São Paulo FC to Manchester United via AFC Ajax.

Fans and scouts often seek comparable players to Antony to understand his potential ceiling, evaluate his current performance, or identify alternative talents with similar attributes. Key traits that define Antony's game include his exceptional close control, ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, and a penchant for elaborate skill moves. His pace and acceleration contribute to his effectiveness in transition, while his defensive work rate, though sometimes inconsistent, is a developing aspect of his game. When looking for similar players, the focus is typically on wingers who are comfortable playing on the 'wrong' side, possess strong dribbling skills, and have a significant attacking output through goals or assists. The ability to create chances from wide areas and contribute to build-up play are also crucial considerations, making comparisons multifaceted rather than solely based on position.

Similar players ranked

1. 1. Raphinha — Brazilian flair from the right wing

   Raphinha, born on 14 December 1996, is a Brazilian international who plays as a right winger for Barcelona. Like Antony, Raphinha is predominantly left-footed and thrives on the right flank, often cutting inside to shoot or deliver crosses. His style is characterized by direct dribbling, quick changes of pace, and a strong work ethic. Raphinha's Transfermarkt profile shows his journey through European leagues, showcasing consistent performance. Both players share a Brazilian flair for individual skill and creativity in tight spaces. Raphinha, however, often exhibits a more direct approach to goal, with a higher volume of shots and a greater willingness to take on defenders with speed. Antony, while also direct, sometimes prioritizes intricate dribbling and hold-up play more than Raphinha, who tends to be more of a pure goal threat and crosser.

2. 2. Rodrygo Goes — Versatile Brazilian forward with technical skill

   Rodrygo Silva de Goes, born on 9 January 2001, is a Brazilian forward for Real Madrid. While Rodrygo is more versatile, capable of playing across the front line including as a false nine or on the left wing, he often features on the right, mirroring Antony's primary position. Rodrygo's FBref statistics demonstrate his strong offensive contributions. Both players possess excellent close control, dribbling ability, and an eye for goal. They share a similar Brazilian footballing education, emphasizing technical proficiency and individual brilliance. A key difference lies in Rodrygo's positional flexibility and his arguably more refined finishing ability. Rodrygo also tends to make more intelligent runs off the ball and participates more in link-up play through the center, whereas Antony is more fixed to his wide right role, focusing on isolating defenders and cutting inside.

3. 3. Jarrod Bowen — Direct, right-sided attacker with goal threat

   Jarrod Bowen, born on 11 December 1996, is an English international who plays as a right winger for West Ham United. Bowen, while right-footed, operates in a similar inverted role, often drifting centrally to find shooting opportunities. His game is built on relentless energy, intelligent movement into goal-scoring positions, and clinical finishing. Sofascore's data for Jarrod Bowen illustrates his consistent goal contributions in the Premier League. Both Antony and Bowen are key attacking outlets for their respective teams from the right flank. However, Bowen's style is generally less focused on elaborate dribbling and more on directness, off-the-ball movement, and exploiting spaces to get shots away. Antony's flair and ability to beat multiple defenders with skill are more prominent, while Bowen's strength lies in his work rate and knack for being in the right place at the right time to score.

4. 4. Jadon Sancho — Talented winger with dribbling and creativity

   Jadon Sancho, born on 25 March 2000, is an English winger who can play on either flank, though he has often featured on the right. His game is defined by exceptional dribbling, vision, and the ability to create chances for teammates. Sancho's Transfermarkt profile reflects his significant transfer value and his impact in both the Bundesliga and Premier League. Both Antony and Sancho are wingers who excel in one-on-one situations and possess a high level of technical skill. They both enjoy taking on defenders and delivering dangerous balls into the box. The primary difference lies in Sancho's ambidexterity and his superior passing range and vision, which allow him to operate as a more traditional playmaker from the wing. Antony, while capable of passing, is more singularly focused on cutting inside to shoot or dribble, often using his left foot exclusively.

5. 5. Bukayo Saka — Versatile, inverted winger with high output

   Bukayo Saka, born on 5 September 2001, is an English international who primarily plays as an inverted right winger for Arsenal. Like Antony, Saka is left-footed and thrives on the right side, using his dribbling and pace to create opportunities. Saka's FBref statistics highlight his consistent goal and assist output. Both players are integral to their team's attacking structure, providing width and a direct goal threat. Saka, however, demonstrates greater consistency in his end product and a more balanced contribution to both goal-scoring and chance creation. He also exhibits a more robust physical presence and a higher volume of defensive contributions compared to Antony. Antony's individual flair and audacious skill moves are arguably more pronounced, while Saka's effectiveness often comes from his intelligent movement and powerful driving runs.

Side-by-side comparison

How to pick the right comparison

Selecting the most appropriate comparison for a player like Antony depends heavily on the specific attributes one prioritizes. If the primary focus is on a player's ability to beat defenders with intricate dribbling and flair from the right wing, coupled with a strong left foot, then Raphinha emerges as a very strong candidate. Both Brazilians share a similar approach to attacking the opposition's defense, often looking to cut inside and create. However, if the emphasis shifts to positional versatility and a more refined finishing touch from a young Brazilian talent, Rodrygo Goes becomes a compelling comparison. Rodrygo's capacity to play across the front line offers a broader offensive profile.

For those who value direct goal threat and relentless energy from a right-sided attacker, Jarrod Bowen provides a different but equally valid comparison. While less focused on the elaborate dribbling of Antony, Bowen's knack for intelligent movement and clinical finishing makes him a high-output winger. If the desire is to find a winger with exceptional creative vision and the ability to operate effectively on either flank, Jadon Sancho presents a strong case. Sancho's passing range and playmaking capabilities distinguish him. Finally, if consistency in end product, robust physical presence, and high work rate from an inverted right winger are key, then Bukayo Saka is an excellent benchmark. Saka's all-around game and consistent output at a high level offer a comprehensive comparison for a modern winger. Each comparison offers insights into different facets of Antony's game, allowing for a nuanced understanding of his strengths and areas for development by contrasting him with peers who excel in particular aspects.

Why Antony comparisons matter

Player comparisons serve multiple vital functions within football, extending beyond mere fan debate. For scouts and analysts, comparing Antony to similar players helps in identifying potential transfer targets, evaluating player market value, and understanding how a player might fit into different tactical systems. By examining players like Raphinha or Rodrygo, clubs can benchmark Antony's performance against established talents or rising stars, assessing his strengths and weaknesses in a competitive context. This analytical approach informs recruitment strategies and player development plans.

Journalists and commentators use comparisons to frame narratives, explain player styles to audiences, and provide context for performance. When Antony is likened to other inverted wingers, it helps the audience quickly grasp his role and expected contributions. For fans, these comparisons enrich the viewing experience, fostering discussions about player potential, career trajectories, and the nuances of individual skill sets. They allow for a deeper appreciation of a player's unique attributes by contrasting them with those who share similar roles but execute them differently. Ultimately, these comparisons contribute to the broader discourse around player evaluation and tactical understanding in modern football.

"Player comparisons help us understand the landscape of talent, not just who is good, but how they are good and what makes them unique within their position." – Opta Analyst, 2023 The Athletic