Antony dos Santos’ resurgence with Real Betis in LaLiga was not enough to secure a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s final Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Even so, the Brazilian winger responded to the disappointment with an emotional and measured message on social media.

“Of course the sadness remains after missing out on another World Cup with the national team. But I’m calm and proud of everything I’ve achieved so far.

“Now it’s time to support the friends who will represent Brazil in the fight for the Hexa. I’ll be cheering for all of them from here. I’ll continue working the way I always have, because this dream is still alive,” the São Paulo-born forward wrote on Instagram Stories after Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced the final squad, with Neymar Jr. among the headline inclusions.

Antony turns disappointment into motivation

While being excluded from football’s biggest stage was a major blow, Antony showed he has no intention of giving up on the Seleção.

The former Manchester United winger is enjoying the best spell of his European career in Spain and remains determined to force his way back into Brazil’s plans. For now, he will support the national team from afar as the five-time world champions look to end a 24-year wait for another World Cup title, dating back to Korea-Japan 2002.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup — set to be hosted partly in Spain, the country where Antony has rediscovered his top form — could become his next major target. The Brazilian remains under club contract until 2030.

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Ancelotti, the first foreign manager in Brazil’s history, to guide the Canarinha back to the top of world football. Although Brazil always enters a World Cup surrounded by expectations, this current squad is not viewed as the tournament favorite. Could Antony’s time still come in the future?

The Olympic gold medalist at Tokyo 2020 had been called up by Ancelotti for Brazil’s 2025 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, but remained on the bench in both matches. Prior to that, Antony had not featured regularly for Brazil since 2023 following domestic violence allegations that sidelined him from the national team setup.

Why Antony’s absence sparked debate?

Antony, who represented Brazil at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, rebuilt his career at Betis after a difficult and inconsistent spell at Manchester United between 2022 and 2025.

His performances in Seville have been impossible to ignore. During the 2025-26 campaign, the 26-year-old registered 14 goals and 10 assists, becoming one of the standout attacking players in Spanish football.

Under Manuel Pellegrini, Betis are also pushing for a UEFA Champions League berth after climbing into fifth place in LaLiga.

Antony quickly became a fan favorite at the Benito Villamarín thanks to his flair, creativity and end product, with many supporters and analysts arguing he deserved a spot over several attacking names included in the squad. 

Statistically and in terms of impact, he outperformed fellow Brazilians such as Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Luiz Henrique, Rayan Vitor, Matheus Cunha and even Neymar throughout the season.

That is precisely why Antony’s omission — along with João Pedro, Richarlison, Éder Militão and teammate Natan — generated significant controversy ahead of the World Cup.

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