Honestly, if you told a Manchester United fan back in 2023 that Antony would be the main man at the Benito Villamarín by 2026, they’d have probably laughed you out of the room. But football is weird. Sometimes a player just needs a different set of colors and a manager who actually gets them. Right now, the Antony jersey Real Betis fans are wearing isn't just a piece of merch; it’s a symbol of one of the most unlikely career resurrections in recent La Liga history.
He’s not the "86-million-pound flop" here. In Seville, they call him "Antonio de Triana."
The Story Behind the Number 7 Shirt
When Antony first arrived in Spain on that initial loan deal in early 2025, there was a lot of skepticism. People wondered if his confidence was permanently shot after a nightmare spell at Old Trafford. But something clicked under Manuel Pellegrini. He didn't just play well; he dominated. By the time the move was made permanent in September 2025 for roughly €25 million, there was no question about which shirt he’d be wearing.
He took the number 7.
It was a bold move. The 7 carries weight at any club, but at Betis, it signaled that Antony was ready to be the focal point. During his successful loan stint, he wore the 7 and racked up nine goals and six assists in just 26 matches. That’s more goal involvements than he managed in nearly 100 appearances for United. The fans didn't just accept him; they embraced the flair that the Premier League media often mocked.
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Why the Change of Scenery Worked
It wasn't just about the weather or the food. Rúben Amorim had made it pretty clear at United that Antony didn't fit the new tactical rigors of his system. Pellegrini, on the other hand, gave him the freedom to be, well, Antony.
- He’s playing on the right wing with a license to cut inside.
- The "Antony spin" is actually drawing cheers instead of eyerolls.
- He’s found a "homecoming" vibe 8,000 kilometers away from his birthplace in Osasco.
The permanent contract he signed runs until June 2030. That’s a massive commitment from a club like Betis, especially considering the financial hurdles they had to jump over to get the deal done with United.
Breaking Down the Antony Jersey Real Betis Demand
If you try to find an Antony jersey Real Betis edition in the local shops around the Seville city center right now, you might have a hard time. Since his permanent signing was announced with that viral "Antonio has changed Triana" social media campaign, the Puma kits have been flying off the shelves.
The home kit—those classic green and white vertical stripes—is the obvious favorite. However, the away kits have seen a massive spike too. Seeing the name "ANTONY" paired with the "7" in that sleek La Liga font has become a common sight at the stadium. It’s a complete 180 from his time wearing the number 21 in Manchester.
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Performance by the Numbers
You can't talk about the shirt without talking about the stats that earned it. As of early 2026, his numbers for the 25/26 campaign are genuinely impressive:
- La Liga: 5 goals and 3 assists in 14 appearances.
- Europa League: 3 goals in 5 matches.
- Copa del Rey: A key contributor in the early rounds, including the 2-1 win over Elche.
He’s averaging a goal contribution almost every other game. For a guy who looked lost a year ago, that is an insane turnaround.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Transfer
There’s a common misconception that United just "dumped" him. In reality, the negotiations were a total slog. Betis actually withdrew their offer at one point in August 2025 because they couldn't balance the transfer fee with Antony's massive United wages.
It took a significant sacrifice from the player himself—basically taking a pay cut to escape the bench—and a clever 50% sell-on clause for United to get the deal across the line. United wanted a permanent exit to clear the books, and Antony wanted Betis. He even reportedly turned down interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid because his heart was set on returning to Pellegrini’s side.
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The Road to the 2026 World Cup
Everything Antony is doing right now is focused on one thing: the World Cup. He’s explicitly stated in interviews with FIFA that he’s "living his best life" in Seville to earn back his spot in the Brazil squad.
Under Carlo Ancelotti (the current Brazil boss), the competition for those wing spots is fierce. But playing regularly in a top-four contending La Liga side is exactly what he needed. The "New Antony" seems more mature, less frustrated by the media, and significantly more efficient with the ball.
If you're looking to grab a piece of this comeback story, getting an official shirt is the way to go. Just make sure you’re looking for the 2025/26 Puma kits with the LFP sleeve patch.
Actionable Tips for Fans and Collectors
If you're planning to buy an Antony jersey Real Betis edition, keep these points in mind:
- Check the Branding: Real Betis kits are currently manufactured by Puma. Any "New" jersey with a different brand logo is a fake.
- Sizing Matters: Puma’s "Authentic" player-issue shirts are very slim-fit. If you aren't an elite athlete, the "Replica" version is usually much more comfortable for daily wear.
- The Number 7: Ensure the font used is the official La Liga typeface. Since 2017, all La Liga teams use a standardized font for player names and numbers.
- Official Stores: The safest bet is the official Real Betis online store or the flagship shop at the Benito Villamarín stadium. International shipping is available, though it can be pricey.
Watching Antony's journey from a criticized "flop" to a "local hero" in Triana is a reminder of how much the right environment matters in sports. The green and white stripes just seem to suit him. Whether he makes the Brazil squad for the summer or not, he’s already won over the hearts of the Béticos, and that number 7 shirt is going to be a staple in Seville for a long time.
Next Steps: To verify the authenticity of a jersey before purchasing, check the internal product code on the small tag near the hem or neck. For 2025/26 Puma kits, this code should match the official listings on the Puma global catalog. If you are buying a used kit, ensure the "7" is centered correctly, as many third-party printing services often misalign the larger numbers on the back of the Betis stripes.