Antony’s fresh start at Real Betis is off to a promising beginning, as the former Manchester United winger earned the MVP award in his debut against Athletic Bilbao.
The Brazilian, who struggled to justify his hefty £82m transfer fee at Old Trafford, joined the La Liga side on loan for the remainder of the season. His time in England saw him make 96 appearances and score 12 goals, but he had fallen out of favor and seized the opportunity for a change.
In his first outing for Betis, Antony made an immediate impact. He started the match and played a key role in the opening goal, with his saved shot setting up Isco to score. Despite Betis leading twice, they were ultimately held to a 2-2 draw.
Still, it was a strong individual performance for Antony, who was recognized as the game’s standout player. Taking to Instagram after the match, he shared his excitement, writing: “Let’s go for more! Happy to be elected MVP!!!”
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini praised the 24-year-old’s debut, highlighting his quality while advising him to keep his play efficient. “A great player doesn’t need to show off his skills constantly,” Pellegrini noted.
“He should focus on making a few decisive contributions—whether it’s a goal, an assist, or a key pass. Today, he was very involved and will be an important player for us.”
Antony played 72 minutes before being substituted, but his performance suggests he could be a key figure in Betis’ push for success this season.