Manchester United’s Antony has openly shared the challenges he faced in transitioning from a difficult upbringing in Brazil to becoming a Premier League footballer. Despite the heavy criticism he has received for his performances since his move to Old Trafford from Ajax for a hefty sum of £85 million in 2022, the 24-year-old has expressed his struggles with the drastic shift in his life. Antony emphasized that while he does not seek to make excuses for his performance on the field, the journey from growing up in a favela to living as a multi-millionaire footballer has been incredibly tough for him.
Antony revealed the harsh realities of his upbringing in Inferninho, a favela outside São Paulo, where he faced scarcity in basic necessities like food and proper living conditions. Recalling his early days, he mentioned not having a bedroom and having to sleep on a sofa in the living room. Living in a place where his house would flood during heavy rains, Antony’s childhood was far from luxurious. Despite these challenges, the young forward joined São Paulo at the age of 10 in 2010 and made his senior debut as a teenager in 2018. Just after one full season with São Paulo’s first team, he moved to Ajax in 2020 and later landed at Manchester United in 2022.
Staying Grounded in Roots
Antony’s roots in the favela have shaped his perspective on life and success. He admitted that his humble beginnings have a profound impact on him, leading him to remember the struggles he faced and the friends he lost along the way. With deep respect for his upbringing, Antony even has a tattoo of the favela where he grew up across his back as a constant reminder of his journey. He shared that witnessing his friends make unfortunate choices and some losing their lives made him value his own path to success even more.
Despite facing off-field issues, including accusations of domestic abuse in Brazil and the UK which led to an extended break from the sport, Antony expressed his readiness to bounce back. He acknowledged that the personal challenges did affect his performance on the field but assured that he has grown and matured from the experience. With a renewed mindset and a focus on setting objectives for himself, Antony is determined to make a mark in the upcoming season. Writing down his goals, including increasing goal participations and assists, Antony emphasized the importance of constantly striving for improvement.
Looking Towards the Future
As Antony navigates the challenges of balancing his past with his present circumstances, he remains focused on the future. With a strong sense of self-awareness and a drive to succeed, Antony is determined not to let external voices dictate his narrative. He is committed to taking control of his story and using his background as a source of motivation rather than a limitation. By staying true to his values and goals, Antony is poised to overcome the hurdles and continue his journey as a professional footballer.