In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Brazilian winger Antony has gone from a Manchester United misfit to the heartbeat of Real Betis’ sensational La Liga campaign, sparking what fans are calling “The Antony Effect.”
A viral X post by Troll Football (@TrollFootball) on March 31, 2025, at 11:31 UTC, showcased Betis’ recent string of victories, and the internet is buzzing with one name: Antony.
Antony’s Stunning Revival
The post, which has racked up thousands of likes and retweets, highlights Real Betis’ impressive run in the 2024-25 La Liga season. The team secured wins against Gent (3-0), Real Sociedad (3-0), Getafe (2-1), Real Madrid (2-1), Las Palmas (1-0), Vitoria Guimaraes (4-0), Leganés (3-2) and Sevilla (2-1).
Accompanying the match results is an image of a sharply dressed player—believed to be Antony—adjusting his tie, symbolizing his newfound swagger and confidence. The caption? A bold declaration: “THE ANTONY EFFECT!!”
Antony’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After joining Manchester United from Ajax in September 2022 for a staggering £86 million, the 25-year-old struggled to find his footing, managing just 12 goals in 96 appearances and failing to start a single Premier League match this season under manager Ruben Amorim. Critics labeled him a flop, and his confidence seemed shattered—until Real Betis came calling.
In January 2025, Betis secured Antony on a loan deal, with Manchester United covering 84% of his salary but offering no option to buy. The move, initially seen as a gamble, has paid off spectacularly.
Under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini, Antony has rediscovered his flair, racking up three goals and an assist in his first four appearances for Los Verdiblancos.
His impact was immediate: a precise strike against Gent in the UEFA Conference League playoff round and an assist in a 3-0 rout showcased his potential, while his performances in La Liga earned him a nomination for the February 2025 La Liga Player of the Month award alongside stars like Kylian Mbappé and Pedri.
Fans on X are losing their minds over Antony’s transformation. Replies to Troll Football’s post are filled with praise, with users like @Kaneiesta, @InvestorSlimzzy, and @Manchester96622 dubbing him the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time).
@juniorkayyy summed up the sentiment perfectly: “Bro left hell and came to heaven.” Another user, @Update1page, shared an image of Antony celebrating with a teammate, lamenting how “Man Utd ruined players,” while @NeduGodExtra posted a triumphant photo of Antony with the caption “Goat.”
Antony’s resurgence has not only lifted Real Betis to eighth in La Liga—just three points shy of a European qualification spot—but has also reignited debates about his potential. Once written off, the Brazilian is now being touted as a Ballon d’Or contender by some, with @lordmosthigh402 declaring his performances “Ballon d’Or worthy.”
As Real Betis prepare for their next challenge, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Antony sustain this meteoric rise? With his contract at Manchester United running until 2027 (with an option for an additional year), his future remains uncertain.
But for now, the green-and-white half of Seville is basking in the glow of their new star—a player who’s proving that sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to rewrite your story.
Will Antony lead Real Betis to European glory? Or is this just a flash in the pan? Stay tuned for more on this electrifying saga!