The 25-year-old, who was left out of Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for the tournament despite a productive season in Seville hampered by a pubic issue, spoke at length about each chapter of a career that has taken unexpected turns.
On the speed of his Ajax decision, Antony told Brazilian podcast Podpah:
"The decision to go to Ajax was taken in 15 minutes. I prayed to have peace in my heart and accepted. Football in Europe is different — the pass seems like a shot. It is much more intelligent and tactical."
He described his move to Manchester United as driven by his relationship with Erik ten Hag.
"I went to Manchester United because of Erik ten Hag, who sent me messages saying he wanted me there."
Once at Old Trafford, Cristiano Ronaldo became a significant presence. Antony recalled specific advice from the Portugal captain before his Premier League debut against Arsenal.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is an incredible person, very jokey and polite. He told me that the day I stop feeling butterflies in my stomach, I need to be careful. Before my debut against Arsenal he calmed me down, telling me to make the first touches easy and that I already knew how to do the rest."
The period in England nonetheless became difficult. United's results deteriorated and Antony found himself targeted by sections of the British media in a way he had not experienced before.
"The press in England is a bit heavy. There were moments when I even doubted myself, but my family reminded me that a bad moment does not define my history. I needed to go to Spain to find myself again and be happy. In the Premier League the intensity is extreme in attack and defence, but in Spain there is more space for one-on-one."
Real Betis paid €25m to sign him permanently after an initial loan. His integration at the Seville club has been transformative.
"I identified with Betis because it is a club of the people. Qualifying for the Champions League after 21 years was special — seeing employees and team-mates like Isco, who has won five Champions Leagues, crying with joy, moved me deeply. I am very happy in Seville with my family."
He also reflected on Brazil's 2022 World Cup quarter-final exit against Croatia — a defeat that devastated the squad.
"The Copa del Mundo is something surreal. In the match against Croatia there was not a single culprit — we lacked cunning. We had everything in our hands after Neymar's goal but we lost against ourselves. The dressing room afterwards felt like a tragedy."