Brazilian winger Antony furious after home burgled during Betis’ Champions League match

Antony, who started the match at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium, said the impact on his family’s sense of security was more upsetting than the loss of possessions. — AFP pic

First Published: Friday, 16 Oct 2026 9:36 AM MYT

MADRID, Oct 16 — Brazilian international Antony said his home was burgled while he was playing for Real Betis in their 3-2 Champions League win over Porto on Wednesday.

“A night that had everything to be brilliant ended in anger and frustration. My home was burgled,” the 26-year-old winger wrote on Instagram yesterday, calling it a “very sad and infuriating situation”.

Antony, who started the match at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium, said the impact on his family’s sense of security was more upsetting than the loss of possessions.

“What angers me most is not just the material loss, but the feeling of insecurity inside the place where we should feel most protected,” he wrote.

“There is no material possession in the world more valuable than my family’s life and well-being.”

The winger, who grew up in poverty in a favela on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, joined Betis from Manchester United in 2025.

Footballers in Spain have previously been targeted by burglars while playing matches.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema’s home was burgled during games in 2019 and 2022.

Burglars attempted to break into the Barcelona-area home of Spain and Barca forward Lamine Yamal in July shortly after he played in the country’s World Cup semi-final win over France.

Europol said in 2019 that a suspected gang had monitored footballers’ activities to identify opportunities to burgle their homes. — AFP