From Favelas to Fame: The Unbelievable Journey Behind Europe’s Most Shocking Final

Life throws curveballs, and how we swing back – well, that’s where the story gets real. Antony Matheus dos Santos, or simply Antony, is a tale of grit wrapped in unpredictability. From the unforgiving streets of São Paulo’s Inferninho neighborhood – which, by the way, is no light-hearted nickname – to becoming an internet spectacle, and then, against all odds, finding his spotlight in a European final, his journey is nothing short of cinematic. Picture this: a kid who, at just ten, caught the eye of São Paulo FC despite living amidst the shadows of violence and loss, where even a walk to school could turn into a chilling encounter. Soccer wasn’t just a game for Antony; it was the beacon that led him out of darkness. Later, his leap to Europe, the challenges at Manchester United, and an almost improbable rescue by Real Betis paint a portrait of a man continually battling to reclaim his narrative. It’s messy, it’s inspiring, and it’s utterly human. Dive into this rollercoaster ride that captures the essence of fighting back – no matter what life throws your way. LEARN MORE

Life is full of highs and lows, and the challenge lies in how we respond to each one. That’s the story of Antony Matheus dos Santos—known simply as Antony—who went from surviving the favelas of São Paulo to becoming a viral meme, before finding redemption in a European final.

Antony was born in São Paulo and raised in a neighborhood known as Inferninho—or “Little Hell.” The name was no exaggeration. In a powerful 2022 essay for The Players’ Tribune, he opened up about the harsh realities of his childhood, where violence and trauma were a part of daily life.

“Fifteen steps from our front door, there were always drug dealers doing their business, passing stuff hand-to-hand. The smell was constantly outside our window… On my walk to school one morning, when I was maybe 8 or 9 years old, I came across a man lying in the alley. He was not moving. When I got closer, I realized he was dead,” Antony recalled.

In that darkness, soccer became Antony’s only source of light. His talent in street soccer caught the attention of São Paulo FC, who brought him into their youth academy in 2010 when he was just 10 years old.

Despite early concerns about his behavior, the coaching staff stood by Antony. He made his first-team debut in September 2018 and soon starred in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, where he was named the tournament’s MVP.

Antony’s jump to Europe

While still breaking into São Paulo’s senior squad, Dutch giants Ajax made their move—paying €15.75 million to sign the then-20-year-old forward. Antony continued to evolve, helping Brazil win gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.

Erik ten Hag was the coach that convinced Ajax to make an investment for Antony, and the forward, not only lived up to the expectations, but exceeded them. The Brazilian became a regular starter, known for his flair, skill, and consistency.

By 22, he had earned a call-up to Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad, appearing in four of five matches. In the Netherlands, he claimed two Eredivisie titles and a Dutch Cup, while finishing runner-up in another.

A rocky transition to Manchester United

In 2022-23, Ten Hag brought Antony to Manchester United in a blockbuster €95 million deal, with €5 million in add-ons—making him the club’s third-most expensive signing ever. The pressure was immense for a player still developing his game.

Antony started well, scoring in his Premier League debut against Arsenal, then in back-to-back matches versus Manchester City and Everton—becoming the first United player ever to score in his first three Premier League appearances. But personal turmoil would soon derail that momentum.

In May 2023, Antony’s ex-partner Gabriela Cavallin accused him of verbal abuse, physical assault, and threats. The São Paulo police opened an extended investigation, leading Manchester United to “delay Antony’s return” from international duty in September.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo, more than a year after the complaint was filed, police did not find sufficient evidence of any crime committed by Antony and have concluded their investigation. Still, the episode marked a major turning point in Antony’s United tenure.

Following a month-long absence, Antony returned—but never reclaimed his starting role. Though United won the EFL Cup in 2022-23, the off-field drama appeared to affect his form.

In his second season, he averaged just 50 minutes per game across 38 appearances, scoring only twice with two assists. Once a prized prospect, Antony became the butt of online jokes—his trademark spin move earning him the nickname “the fidget spinner,” and ironically, “the GOAT.”

As United stumbled through one of their worst Premier League campaigns, Ten Hag was sacked midway through 2024-25 and replaced by Ruben Amorim. The new manager made it clear Antony was not in his plans—essentially showing him the door.

Antony and an ‘impossible’ deal with Real Betis

In the 2025 winter window, Real Betis made a surprise move for Antony. Though they couldn’t afford a permanent deal or his €20M-per-year wages, they made a deadline-day loan possible after selling Assane Diao for €12 million. Betis agreed to cover most—but not all—of Antony’s salary.

At the time, Betis were mid-table in La Liga and had tough challenges ahead in the UEFA Conference League. But with manager Manuel Pellegrini at the helm, a resurgent Isco, and Antony slotted into the starting XI, the club’s fortunes turned dramatically.

Antony made an instant impact, scoring three goals and earning three MVP honors in his first four La Liga games. Since his arrival, Betis became the fourth-best team in La Liga by points—surpassing Atlético Madrid and Athletic Bilbao.

Quickly, he became a fan favorite. “When the opportunity arose to come to Betis, my head was already here. I love the club, the city, everything. The sunshine, the people, the food—it reminds me of Brazil. And most importantly, I’ve found myself. I wasn’t playing much (at United). I needed to be happy in myself,” Antony told Betis TV.

Antony and the European dream

From irrelevance at United to stardom in Spain, Antony’s career came full circle with a shot at European glory. In the Conference League semifinals against Fiorentina, he scored and provided an extra-time assist to send Betis to their first European final, and once the qualification to the final was sealed, Antony broke in the middle of the pitch.

“They were tears of joy, but of relief too,” he said in a postgame interview with Movistar TV. “I’ve been through a very difficult moment in my life. Only my family and I know what happened. I’ve cried a lot—with my mother, my wife, my sister. Now I’m living this dream, this incredible moment. I’m very happy.”

Set to face Chelsea in the final, Betis struck first, but couldn’t hold the lead as the Blues’ depth overwhelmed them in the second half with multiple substitutions and quality from the bench, ending the dream with a categoric 4-1 defeat. Though the trophy slipped away, Antony’s personal redemption was complete.

His return to Manchester United appears imminent—but interest from Bayer Leverkusen, now coached by Ten Hag, could open another door. Betis are also reportedly working on a plan to bring him back on loan. The future is uncertain, but if there’s one thing Antony has proven, it’s that he knows how to fight back—just as he did growing up in the favelas.