The Brazilian during the match in an uncomfortable cry; his compatriot from ridicule to heroism

In football, the paths of talented players often intertwine and diverging in unpredictable ways. The story of Brazilian football players Lucasa Paquetá and Antony They have been a pronounced example of this lately. Both came to Europe with high expectations, and their careers are currently marked by completely different challenges and circumstances. While Paquetá at West Ham plays a serious investigation and in fear of consequences, Antony at Real Betis experiences a rebirth after he was considered one of the greatest disappointments in Manchester.

Lucas Paquetá is without a doubt one of the most technically talented midfielder playing in the highest English league. Its elegance, overview of play and the ability to play are undisputed. But dark clouds have been floured over his career since the summer of 2023. At that time, the English Football Federation (FA) initiated an official investigation on suspicion of violating rules related to sports betting. They specifically investigate the suspicion that Paquetá is expected to deliberately receive a yellow card in certain matches in previous seasons (media mentioned against Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth). The suspicion was aroused by an unusually high number of betting on this event, and according to British media reports, it is expected to lead to Brazil, even to the island of the island where the footballer grew up.

These accusations are extremely serious and could, if proven, be a multi -year ban on playing. However, they had an immediate, devastating influence: it was precisely the disclosure of the investigation that was supposed to be the main reason that his already practically agreed, extremely lucrative transfer to the then Manchester City champions. Since then, Paquetá has been playing under constant pressure. Each misdemeanor, each card is under additional scrutiny.

In Sunday’s race of the English Football League between West Ham and Tottenham (it ended with 1: 1) in the 73th minute there was an emotional outbreak of Paquet. After a misdemeanor over Mikey Mooreby which he stopped a counterattack, he was a judge Michael Oliver showed a yellow card. The cameras were then captured by the 27-year-old Brazilian how he wipes his tears with his jersey. As reported Daily Mailwas visibly upset, waving his hands in protest and at first he did not want to approach the judge. The teammates had to calm him before approaching Oliver. He was a coach shortly after Graham Potter replaced.

Investigation on suspicion of violating betting rules – a concrete alleged deliberate receipt of yellow cardboard in certain matches – has been dragging on for a long time. As reported last month Mail Sportthe hearing began on 17 March. It did not end within three weeks. Due to the extent of the evidence, it is now interrupted and should not continue before June. According to sources, this long -term uncertainty and threat of a possible lifetime ban, if found guilty, have a severe psychic tax, according to sources. Paquetá always insists he is innocent.

Photo: Isabel Infantes/Reuters

His wife Duda Fournier She wrote on Instagram on Sunday night: “We have been living this nightmare for two years and my husband is always strong. I just want people to respect him. People are wicked and unfair without knowing anything! « 

Coach Potter tried to reduce the importance of the event: « No, I wouldn’t say (that the event was something special) … Sometimes players are a little upset when things do not go for them … No problem. »

Antony: from dear meme to the lover of Andalusia

A completely different atmosphere is surrounded by Antory. His arrival at Manchester United from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for a stunning £ 86 million attracted a lot of eyes, but did not meet expectations. His performances were often ineffective. He was accused of over -reliance on attractive but unproductive play; Its characteristic plant by 360 degrees, often executed far from the opponent’s goal (and the defenders) and without a real continuation of the campaign, has become an extended website – synonymous with a style without content and a symbol of his failure on Old Trafford.

Antony’s performances were often ineffective in the red devil jersey. Photo: Carl Recine/Reuters

Critics also flew to its predictability, as he persistently sought a position for a shot with the left, and poor decisions in the conclusions of the attacks. He became the target of many jokes and comparisons that emphasized a huge discrepancy between dizzying price and actual contribution on the pitch. In 96 games, he only collected 12 goals and 5 assists. He later admitted that his form was also influenced by personal problems.

January loan in Spanish Real Betis, however, proved to be redeeming. Away from the headlamps and pressure in Manchester is a 25-year-old Brazilian led by an experienced Manuela Pellegrini found new confidence. His performances are much better, as shown by statistics (7 goals, 4 assists).

More importantly, it achieves decisive and spectacular hits. It was unforgettable to his water against Fiorentina in the semi -finals of the conference league, which put the Spanish team in a good position before the return game in Florence.

At the end of the week, with a master -wrapped shot with the left in the last minute, Betis brought a key victory against Espanyol in the fight for European cities.

His performances were impressed by Real Betis fans, who quickly loved him. Instead of the ridicule he has received in England, he now receives praise and even humorous affection in Spain. Legendary club captain Joaquin he joked that it would be worth « abducting » to stay. Antony himself says he is happy in Betis and that he « found himself », emphasizing good cooperation with the coach.

Instead of the ridicule he has received in England, he now receives praise and even humorous affection in Spain. Photo: Marcelo POS/Reuters

His rebirth also attracted the interest of other clubs. While Betis wants to hold it, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are mentioned primarily as a possible stake for a permanent transfer. Manchester United is expected to sell between € 40 and € 50 million. According to some English media, there are some other European football giants.