Brazilian winger Antony has opened up about his challenging past, insisting that true pressure came from his upbringing in the favelas of Brazil, not from setbacks in his club career.

Currently reviving his form at Real Betis after struggling to establish himself at Manchester United, Antony dismissed the idea that professional football presents the biggest challenges in life.

“What Pressure?” – Antony’s Reality Check

Speaking via DAZN, the 25-year-old reflected on his early life, where playing football barefoot and going hungry were part of his daily struggles.

“When I’m asked about pressure, I say, ‘What pressure?’ I faced pressure in the favela when I didn’t have shoes to play. I played against drug traffickers and everything. That was real pressure.”

“When I left in the morning to go to school, I often didn’t eat. So when I go through difficult moments, I always think about the challenges I overcame in the past.”

These words highlight the stark contrast between the privileged world of elite football and the harsh realities many young players endure before making it to the top.

From São Paulo to Europe: Antony’s Journey

Antony’s rise in football began when he moved to Ajax from São Paulo in 2020. He played a key role in the Dutch club’s back-to-back Eredivisie titles, scoring 24 goals and providing 22 assists in 82 appearances.

His impressive performances earned him an £85 million transfer to Manchester United in 2022, making him one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history.

A Rocky Spell at Manchester United

Despite high expectations, Antony struggled under Erik ten Hag, failing to live up to his price tag. With Rúben Amorim’s arrival, he was loaned out to Real Betis, where he now hopes to regain his confidence and prove his doubters wrong.

Opinion: A Lesson in Perspective

Antony’s story is a reminder that football, as intense as it is, pales in comparison to real-life struggles. His words offer a lesson in perspective—while fans and analysts dissect performances, for some players, the hardest battles were already fought long before they stepped onto the big stage.

Now, the question remains: Can Antony reclaim his career and justify the faith United once had in him? Only time will tell.