Antony Bio
Antony Alves Santos (born 8 September 2001), commonly known as Antony, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers. Standing at 178 cm, he has built his reputation through pace, direct dribbling, and an eye for decisive contributions in the final third. After developing in southern Brazil and Portugal, he took the next step in his career by moving to Major League Soccer in 2023.
Born and raised in Curitiba, Paraná, Antony began his football journey in the youth setups of his home region before taking his first steps into senior football. His journey from a teenager at Joinville to a senior international at Portland Timbers reflects a steady rise through Brazilian and Portuguese football. Known for his willingness to take on defenders and his preference for cutting onto his favored foot, he has earned minutes at every club on his path.
Early Life and Background
Antony Alves Santos was born on 8 September 2001 in Curitiba, the capital of the Brazilian state of Paraná. Curitiba is a well-known city for producing footballers, and Antony grew up surrounded by a strong local football culture that shaped his early ambition to play professionally. From a young age, he was drawn to the sport, spending his childhood playing on local pitches and joining organized youth setups in the region.
He began his youth career at Coritiba, one of the most traditional clubs in Curitiba, where he received his earliest structured football education. After his time at Coritiba, he also spent a period at Associação Esportiva Renovicente, further broadening his early development. These formative experiences in Paraná laid the technical foundation for the player he would later become, helping him adapt to competitive environments before making the jump to senior football.
Path to Soccer
Antony’s progression into senior football began when he joined the youth sides of Joinville, based in the state of Santa Catarina. He made his first-team debut on 16 January 2019, coming on as a second-half substitute for goalscorer Rafael Grampola in a 1–1 Campeonato Catarinense away draw against Brusque. That appearance marked the start of his senior career at just 17 years old, and he went on to make 11 first-team appearances for JEC, signaling that a bigger move was on the horizon.
In July 2019, after a promising introduction to senior football, Antony moved on loan to Corinthians, one of Brazil’s most decorated clubs. He was initially a member of the under-20 team, where he continued his development against top young talent in the country. His first-team debut with Timão came on 3 March 2021, in a 2–2 Campeonato Paulista tie with Palmeiras, a high-profile fixture that underlined his growing reputation.
In July 2021, after three first-team appearances, Antony returned to Joinville as Corinthians opted not to exercise his buyout clause. Shortly afterward, on 3 August 2021, he moved abroad for the first time in his career and was announced at Portuguese Primeira Liga side Arouca. This transfer marked the beginning of his European chapter and set the stage for his emergence as a regular contributor at the senior international level.
Antony Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Antony’s early senior career was split between Joinville and Corinthians, where he alternated between reserve and first-team duties. At Joinville, he quickly became a regular in the Campeonato Catarinense, providing energy and creativity on the wing during the 2019 season. His 11 first-team appearances at JEC were enough to attract the attention of larger Brazilian clubs, leading to his loan move to Corinthians in mid-2019.
At Corinthians, Antony worked primarily with the under-20 squad before being promoted to the senior group in early 2021. His Campeonato Paulista debut against Palmeiras was a significant moment, showcasing his ability to perform on a big stage. Although his time in the senior setup at Timão was brief, the experience helped him refine his game and prepared him for his transition to European football later that same year.
Arouca Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Antony joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side Arouca on 3 August 2021, making his club debut on 27 November 2021. He entered the match as a substitute for Arsénio Nunes and scored a last-minute winner in a 2–1 home success over Boavista, immediately announcing himself to Portuguese football with a dramatic contribution. The goal gave an early indication of the impact he could have as a substitute capable of changing games in tight moments.
His performances during his initial loan spell convinced Arouca to secure his services on a permanent basis. On 1 November 2022, Arouca announced that they had activated Antony’s buyout clause, with the player signing a contract until 2026. This commitment from the Portuguese club reflected the steady growth in his role and importance, and over the course of the 2022–2023 season he continued to feature prominently as a winger for the side.
The Portuguese Primeira Liga provided Antony with a higher level of weekly competition, sharpening his decision-making in the final third. Playing against experienced international defenders and in varied tactical systems helped him evolve from a promising youth player into a more complete attacker. His time at Arouca cemented his reputation as a reliable, game-changing wide player.
Portland Timbers Era (2023–Present)
On 2 August 2023, Antony signed a deal with Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers, with the agreement running until the end of the 2026 season. The move marked his return to the Americas and a new chapter in a league known for its attacking style and passionate fanbases. Joining the Timbers provided him with an opportunity to feature consistently as a starter and contribute to a club with playoff ambitions.
At Portland, Antony operates primarily as a left-sided winger, often cutting inside onto his stronger foot to create shooting opportunities and link-up combinations. His arrival added pace, directness, and unpredictability to the Timbers’ frontline, complementing the team’s existing creative players. The length of his contract suggests that the club viewed him as a long-term project rather than a short-term addition.
Throughout his time in MLS, Antony has been tasked with providing width and end product in equal measure. His knack for arriving in decisive moments, first highlighted at Arouca, has remained a feature of his game in North America. As he continues to settle into the league, his role within the Portland Timbers setup is expected to expand further.
Driving Style and Strengths
Antony is best characterized as a direct, attack-minded winger who thrives in one-on-one situations. He is comfortable receiving the ball to feet and driving at defenders with quick combinations, while also offering an outlet in behind defensive lines with well-timed runs. His preference for cutting inside from wide areas allows him to combine with central attackers and generate shooting opportunities, making him a versatile attacking option for his teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining early moments of Antony’s senior career came on 27 November 2021, when he scored a last-minute winner against Boavista on his Arouca debut. That goal remains a signature introduction to European football and set the tone for his time in Portugal. Another milestone arrived on 2 August 2023, when he signed with Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers through 2026, completing his transition from Brazilian and Portuguese football to the North American game.
Antony Career Wins
Across his time at Joinville, Corinthians, Arouca, and Portland Timbers, Antony has accumulated senior experience in both Brazilian state football and top-flight Portuguese and American competitions. His debut goal for Arouca stands out as a particularly memorable contribution, while his longer spells at Joinville and Arouca gave him consistent minutes to develop his game. Although comprehensive career statistics are not fully available in the verified inputs, the verified highlights below outline his most notable performances.
Arouca Highlights
Antony’s spell at Arouca began with a bang, as his late winner against Boavista on debut established him as a player capable of decisive moments. Across his time with the Portuguese club, he featured regularly in the Primeira Liga and grew into an important part of the squad. The activation of his buyout clause and his contract extension to 2026 confirmed his standing as a key part of Arouca’s plans before his departure.
Other Wins & Performances
Before his move to Europe, Antony made his senior debut for Joinville in the Campeonato Catarinense in January 2019 and went on to register 11 first-team appearances for the club. He also featured in the Campeonato Paulista with Corinthians during the 2021 season, making three first-team appearances in the historic rivalry fixture against Palmeiras. These appearances in Brazil’s top regional competitions provided the platform for his subsequent move abroad.
Antony Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Antony was born and raised in Curitiba, Paraná, where he grew up immersed in the city’s vibrant football scene. While specific details about his parents and siblings are not publicly documented in the verified inputs, his upbringing in a region with a strong tradition of producing professional footballers clearly influenced his career path. His early moves between Coritiba, Associação Esportiva Renovicente, and Joinville reflect a supportive environment that allowed him to pursue football at a competitive level.
Personal Life
Antony maintains a public profile primarily through his professional career and his social media presence, where he connects with supporters and shares updates from his football journey. Born and raised in Brazil, he later spent time in Portugal before relocating to the United States to join Portland Timbers. Information regarding marital status, spouse, or children has not been publicly verified in the available sources.
2025 Season Performance
As of the 2025 season, Antony continues his tenure with Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers under a contract that runs through the end of 2026. His role within the team remains centered on providing creativity and directness from the wide areas, with the club counting on his pace and ability to take on defenders in key moments. The 2025 campaign represents an opportunity for him to build on his adaptation to the league and deliver more consistent end product.
Throughout the early portion of the season, Antony has been integrated into the Timbers’ attacking rotations, with the coaching staff utilizing his ability to cut inside from wide positions. His prior experience in the Portuguese Primeira Liga has helped him adjust to the tactical demands of MLS, where space and tempo differ from European football. Continued strong performances are expected to solidify his starting role heading into the latter stages of the season.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season outlook for Antony is closely tied to Portland’s overall trajectory and the development of chemistry with his teammates. With the contract running through 2026, both player and club have a shared long-term interest in building momentum and pushing for playoff contention. If he maintains his fitness and form, Antony is well positioned to remain a central figure in the Timbers’ plans for the remainder of the year.