Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence at Al-Nassr has been undeniable, but even his pull was not enough to persuade Brazilian winger Antony to join the Saudi Pro League. Reports in Spain suggest that Ronaldo personally pushed the club to secure Antony’s signature, pressuring Al-Nassr’s hierarchy to present a huge financial offer.
The Saudi side indeed came forward with a lucrative proposal that would have made Antony one of the best-paid players in the league. However, the 24-year-old winger ultimately rejected the approach, choosing instead to return to Spain and commit his future to Real Betis until 2030.
Antony’s decision was driven by more than money. After struggling at Manchester United and facing heavy criticism, the Brazilian found happiness during his earlier spell in La Liga, particularly at Sevilla. He flourished under Manuel Pellegrini’s system, rediscovering the confidence and freedom that first brought him international recognition.
That past experience weighed heavily in his decision, as did his long-term ambitions with the Brazilian national team. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Antony believed that remaining in a competitive European league was crucial to maintaining his place in the squad. A switch to the Saudi Pro League, despite its growing reputation, was seen as potentially complicating his international prospects.
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The winger also agreed to a significant salary reduction compared to what Al-Nassr had offered. While the Saudi bid promised financial security beyond measure, Antony’s priority was footballing relevance, exposure in Europe, and the chance to refine his game under Pellegrini once more.
For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, the rejection comes as a rare setback in their aggressive recruitment drive. Since his arrival, the Portuguese legend has been central to the club’s ambition of attracting top-tier talent from across the globe. While many stars — from Sadio Mané to Aymeric Laporte — have embraced the Saudi project, Antony’s choice serves as a reminder that money cannot always outweigh career ambitions.
As Antony prepares for his new chapter with Betis, his focus is clear: regain form, help the club challenge in La Liga, and cement his spot in Brazil’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.
