FORMER Manchester United star Antony silenced his critics with a brace last night and celebrated like Cristiano Ronaldo after smashing home a dramatic equaliser for Real Betis against Villarreal.
The Brazilian winger, once ridiculed as an £80million‑plus flop and frozen out of the squad at United, reminded the world exactly what he’s capable of with a stunning late performance that had fans stunned and social media in meltdown.
Antony struck twice to rescue a point for Betis in a fiery La Liga clash in Spain, including a last‑gasp leveller deep into stoppage time that surprised many of his doubters.
His first goal came midway through the second half a neat finish after cutting in from the right, showing flashes of the flair Betis signed him for.
But it was his second, an instinctive finish in the 94th minute that will live long in the memory, not just for the goal but the celebration too.
He sprinted to the fans and did the ‘calma’ celebration, mimicking Ronaldo’s trademark “calma” moment in front of the stunned Villarreal fans.
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Just months ago, the same Antony was training with the so‑called “bomb squad” at Old Trafford, sidelined and waiting for his next move as frustration and criticism piled on his shoulders.
Once branded a “fraud” by some harsh United supporters after a string of poor displays, his defiant celebration last night felt like a message, not just to the fans who doubted him but to the entire football world.
Social media erupted within seconds. Fans who once questioned his value were now applauding a player reborn.
One post read: “They called him a fraud. He just pulled a Ronaldo and saved the game. Respect.”
Another said: “Bomb squad to baller. What a turnaround from Antony.”
Others added: “That Ronaldo celebration after the 94th minute goal. cheeky, but deserved. Unreal scenes.”
For Betis, this kind of moment matters. The club took a gamble by bringing in a high‑priced winger who had faltered in England, hoping that a change of scene would bring the spark. And last night, he provided exactly that.
He was instrumental on loan last season when he helped them reach the Europa Conference League final before a defeat to Chelsea.
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