Antony Matheus dos Santos, commonly known as Antony, is a professional Brazilian football (soccer) player who plays as a winger. He has become known for his incredible skills, pace, and dribbling ability, making him one of the most promising young footballers in the world. Antony has represented both his club and his country at the highest levels of football and has become a fan favorite due to his exciting style of play.
Born on February 24, 2000, in Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil, Antony’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a global football star is a remarkable journey. He has played for some of the top football clubs in Europe and is recognized as one of Brazil’s next big talents in the sport.
Full Name | Antony Matheus dos Santos |
Date of Birth | February 24, 2000 |
Place of Birth | Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil |
Nationality | Brazilian |
Height | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) |
Position | Winger |
Current Club | Manchester United (since 2022) |
Jersey Number | 21 (Manchester United), 11 (Brazil National Team) |
Youth Career | São Paulo FC (2010–2018) |
Senior Career | – São Paulo FC (2018–2020) – AFC Ajax (2020–2022) – Manchester United (2022–present) |
International Career | Brazil U-23 (2019–2021), Brazil Senior Team (2021–present) |
Notable Achievements | – Eredivisie titles (2021, 2022) – KNVB Cup (2021) – Campeonato Paulista (2021) – Olympic Gold Medal with Brazil U-23 (2020 Tokyo Olympics) |
Net Worth | Estimated at $20 million (as of 2024) |
Main Sources of Income | – Football contracts (Manchester United, Ajax, São Paulo FC) – Sponsorships (Nike endorsement) – Performance-related bonuses – Image rights |
Salary at Manchester United | Approx. £200,000 per week |
Personal Life | – Partner: Rosilene Silva – Son: Lorenzo |
Social Media | Active on platforms like Instagram where he shares personal and professional updates. |
Playing Style | Fast winger with excellent dribbling, technical ability, and creativity. |
Career Goals | To win major trophies with Manchester United and Brazil, including the FIFA World Cup. |
Early Life
Antony grew up in a challenging environment in the favelas of Osasco, a poor neighborhood in the state of São Paulo. From a young age, he loved football, and despite the financial hardships his family faced, he was determined to pursue a career in the sport. His family, especially his parents, supported his dream despite the struggles they went through. Antony has often spoken about how playing football was not just a sport for him but also an escape from the difficulties of life.
He joined São Paulo FC’s youth academy when he was just 10 years old, where he began to develop his skills. His talent was evident early on, and coaches saw potential in his speed, creativity, and technical ability. Antony worked hard, balancing his education and football training, which eventually paid off as he progressed through the ranks of the youth teams.
Professional Career
São Paulo FC: Antony began his professional career at São Paulo FC, one of Brazil’s most famous football clubs. After excelling in the youth teams, he made his debut for the senior team in 2018 at the age of 18. In his first season, Antony impressed fans and coaches with his dribbling skills, quick footwork, and ability to score important goals. His performances for São Paulo caught the attention of many European clubs.
Ajax: In 2020, Antony moved to AFC Ajax, a top club in the Netherlands, for a transfer fee of around €15 million. This was a significant step in his career as Ajax is known for developing young talents. Antony quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the Dutch league. He helped Ajax win the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup. His performance in European competitions, especially the UEFA Champions League, further boosted his reputation.
Manchester United: In 2022, Antony made another big move, this time to the English Premier League, joining Manchester United for a reported fee of €95 million, making him one of the most expensive transfers in football history. At Manchester United, Antony reunited with his former Ajax coach, Erik ten Hag. The club hoped that his skills and flair would make a difference in their attack. His journey to Manchester United established him as one of the rising stars of world football.
Antony Net Worth and Sources of Income
As of 2024, Antony Matheus’ net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. His wealth comes from several sources:
- Football Contracts: Antony’s primary source of income comes from his contracts with football clubs. His Manchester United contract reportedly pays him a significant salary, estimated to be around £200,000 per week. This contract has played a huge role in increasing his net worth.
- Bonuses: Football players often receive performance-related bonuses. Antony, being a key player for both his club and country, has earned bonuses for goals scored, assists, and winning important matches. These bonuses can be substantial, especially for winning trophies or qualifying for major competitions like the UEFA Champions League.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements: As a high-profile football player, Antony has also signed deals with major brands. He is known to have an endorsement deal with Nike, one of the biggest sports brands in the world. Endorsements from such brands bring in a significant amount of income for athletes like Antony.
- Image Rights: Antony, like many football players, earns money from his image rights. This means that companies and brands pay to use his image in marketing campaigns, merchandise, and other promotional activities. This is a common source of income for top athletes.
- Investments: As his wealth grows, Antony is likely to invest in various businesses or properties. Though details of his investments are not publicly known, many football players invest their money to secure their financial future beyond their playing careers.
Personal Life
Antony’s personal life is relatively private, but there are a few details that fans know about him. He is known to be in a relationship with Rosilene Silva, and the couple has a son named Lorenzo. Antony often shares pictures of his family on social media, showing how much he values spending time with his loved ones.
Despite his fame and fortune, Antony remains humble and often reflects on his upbringing in the favelas. He has mentioned in interviews how important it is for him to give back to his community and help those in need. He has been involved in charity work, particularly in Brazil, helping underprivileged children gain access to sports facilities and education.
Achievements
Antony has had several achievements in his young career, both at the club and international levels:
- Club Achievements:
- São Paulo FC: Antony won the Campeonato Paulista with São Paulo in 2021.
- Ajax: During his time at Ajax, Antony won the Eredivisie (Dutch League) twice, in 2021 and 2022, and also lifted the KNVB Cup in 2021.
- Manchester United: Antony’s journey at Manchester United has just begun, but he has already played in important matches, including in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
- International Career:
- Antony has represented Brazil at different youth levels and was part of the Brazilian U-23 team that won the Olympic Gold Medal in football at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This was one of his proudest achievements as he contributed to his nation’s success on the global stage.
- He made his debut for the Brazil senior national team in 2021 and has since been an important player for Brazil, participating in competitions such as the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Playing Style
Antony is known for his incredible dribbling skills, speed, and creativity on the field. As a winger, he is most dangerous when attacking down the right side of the pitch, cutting inside on his stronger left foot to create goal-scoring opportunities. His agility and ability to change direction quickly make him a nightmare for defenders to mark.
One of Antony’s standout qualities is his technical ability. He is excellent at keeping the ball close to his feet, making it difficult for opponents to dispossess him. His flair and confidence with the ball have made him a fan favorite, as he often attempts entertaining tricks and moves that leave spectators in awe.
Challenges and Growth
Like many young footballers, Antony has faced challenges throughout his career. Moving from Brazil to Europe at a young age was not easy, but he has adapted well to different playing styles and cultures. His move to Manchester United also came with high expectations due to his massive transfer fee, but Antony has handled the pressure admirably.
He has spoken about how important mental strength is for athletes and how he has worked hard to stay focused despite setbacks and criticisms. Antony’s determination to keep improving has made him a key player for both his club and country.
Future Prospects
At just 24 years old, Antony has a bright future ahead of him. He is expected to continue developing his game and potentially become one of the best wingers in the world. His journey from the favelas of Brazil to the top levels of European football is an inspiring story, and many young players look up to him as a role model.
As he gains more experience, Antony will likely play an even bigger role for both Manchester United and the Brazilian national team. His dream is to win major trophies, including the FIFA World Cup for Brazil, and with his talent, this could be within reach.
Conclusion
Antony Matheus is a rising football star with an impressive career so far. His journey from humble beginnings in Brazil to playing for some of the biggest football clubs in the world is a testament to his talent and determination. With a net worth of $20 million and growing, Antony’s success on the field is matched by his financial success off it.