Antony dos Santos

São Paulo

He began playing football at an early age, and he was spotted by São Paulo and inducted into their youth academy. During his youth years, Antony struggled for game time and was close to being dismissed from the club's youth ranks, but the staff convinced his manager to keep him. While in the youth academy, Antony met Helinho and Igor Gomes, becoming friends in the process. In September 2018, Antony helped his team win the J-League Challenge tournament in Japan, and named the tournament's best player. Later that month, on 26 September, Antony, alongside Helinho and Igor Gomes, was promoted to the senior team, and he signed a contract until September 2023. On 15 November, he made his first-team debut, coming on as a substitute for Helinho in a 1–1 draw against Grêmio. He was demoted to the club's under-20 team, to take part in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, which his team won. He scored in the final against Vasco da Gama, and named the tournament's best player, for his four goals and six assists in the nine games he played in the competition. Following his displays in the tournament, Antony returned to the first team, and with São Paulo struggling in the Campeonato Paulista, he began playing more first-team matches. He scored his first goal on 21 March, in a 1–1 draw against São Caetano, with the Tricolor conceding a goal in stoppage time. He scored two goals, including one in the final against Corinthians a month later, where his side lost 2–1 on…

Youth career

On 15 May 2019, he was named in the Brazil under-23 squad for the 2019 Toulon Tournament, helping his team win the competition, scoring two goals, including one in the final against Japan. On 17 June 2021, Antony was named in the Brazil under-23 squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics. He started in all of Brazil's six games at the tournament. In the final against Spain, he assisted Malcom's winning goal in extra-time as Brazil won the title.

Senior career

Antony made his debut for the Brazil national team on 7 October 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. He came on as a substitute in the 77th minute and scored a goal in added time to establish the final score of 3–1 for Brazil. On 7 November 2022, he was named in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. On 4 September 2023, Antony was expelled from Brazil's squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Bolivia and Peru following allegations of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend. On 26 May 2025, newly appointed Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti announced the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, including Antony, marking the player's return to the national team after a two-year absence.

Antony was born in Osasco, São Paulo, and grew up in Inferninho, a favela far from the city centre. Growing up, he would play football wherever he could on the streets or in his house, combining his love of futsal with street football and regularly attending São Paulo matches with his aunt.

Antony is of Portuguese descent. On 16 September 2024, he got engaged to his girlfriend Rosilene Silva.

Domestic violence allegations

On 4 September 2023, Antony was excluded from Brazil's squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Bolivia and Peru following allegations of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend, with Brazilian media outlet UOL reporting the existence of photos showing the ex-girlfriend having injuries to her head and her hand as the Greater Manchester Police begin to investigate the case. Amidst two other women also stepping up to accuse Antony of assault, he went on to deny the allegations on Brazilian network SBT on 9 September, claiming that he will "provide the proof and people will understand". On 10 September, Manchester United issued a club statement acknowledging the allegations and announcing that an agreement with him was in place to grant him an extended leave of absence following the international break as he dealt with the situation. He returned to Manchester United training on 29 September 2023.