Antony saw his strong start to the season rewarded with his first call-up to the Brazil national team. At the beginning of October, the 21-year-old Ajax winger can make his debut on behalf of the Divine Canaries in the World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. One of the players who congratulated him on his election to the Selecao was Richarlison, the Everton striker with whom he already played in the Olympics.
Antony initially returned to Ajax with a role as a reserve player after his participation in the Olympic Games in Japan, but quickly managed to fight back in the team of trainer Erik ten Hag. The Brazilian usually fills in the right winger position and does so properly this season, including a starring role in the Champions League against Sporting Portugal. Reason enough for Tite to call up the dribbler for the national team for the first time. The squad consists of 25 players in total.
The Brazilian squad was announced last Friday. Antony had known for a few days that he would be called up. I heard it from Erik ten Hag. For me it is one of the most special moments of my career,” says Antony in conversation with The Telegraph. Like Richarlison, he can report to the national team at the beginning of October. The two had a good click at the Olympics, when Brazil won gold. “We are very good friends and he immediately texted me to congratulate me. During the Olympics he already said that I Selecao hear.”
Antony was already in the corridors associated with various clubs last summer, including Bayern Munich. Looking at his excellent form, it is not inconceivable that he will appear on the radar of several top European clubs. “I don’t know how long I will stay with Ajax. But as long as I’m here, I want to enjoy this game every day. It is an honor to play for Ajax and to wear the shirt. I am very grateful for that,” said Antony, whose contract with Ajax continues until the summer of 2025.
Brazil is currently leading the World Cup qualifying group and will meet Venezuela (October 8), Colombia (October 10) and Uruguay (October 15) in the coming international match. Tite’s team has taken the full loot so far and is in the lead with 24 points from 8 games. The presentation of the selection and the technical staff is planned in Bogotá on October 4, a day after Ajax’s league match against FC Utrecht. In the Brazilian city, the national coach then completes three training sessions with his team.
Full squad Brazil:
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras)
Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Emerson (Tottenham Hotspur), Alex Sandro (Juventus),
Guilherme Arana (Atlético Mineiro), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Lucas Verissimo (Benfica)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fabinho (Liverpool), Gerson (Olympique Marseille), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fred (Manchester United), Lucas Paqueta (Olympique Lyon), Edenilson (Internacional)
Attackers: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Antony (Ajax), Raphinha (Leeds United), Gabi (Flamengo), Matheus Cunha (Atletico Madrid), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)