A new young talent is emerging at Santos FC, and his name is Anthony. Just 9 years old, the attacking prodigy from the club’s under-9 squad is making waves after an unforgettable moment with Brazilian President and football legend Neymar Jr. and his son, Davi Lucca. During Neymar’s official return to Santos, as he greeted fans and players at Vila Belmiro, Davi Lucca turned to his father and, pointing to Anthony, said, “He’s the next you.” Since then, Anthony has been living up to the praise.
Anthony was a standout performer for Santos at the prestigious IberCup held in São Paulo last week. Despite Santos being eliminated in the semifinals by rivals Palmeiras, Anthony scored nine goals in seven matches, leading the team as its top scorer. His performance added weight to the compliment from Davi Lucca and drew attention to his rising potential within the club’s famed youth development system.
Reflecting on the experience, Anthony acknowledged that the comparison to Neymar brings expectations, but he views it as motivation. “That comparison by Davi might add some pressure, but I’m okay with it. I’m still really young and want to build my own path in football,” he said. “Meeting my idol was very special. Neymar is one of the best players I’ve ever seen—if not the best—so it was an unforgettable moment for me.”
While Anthony trains like a young professional, alternating between field football and futsal, his life off the pitch remains rooted in childhood. He enjoys riding bikes, playing hide-and-seek, tag, and street games like “mother of the street,” a traditional Brazilian game. He’s been with Santos for nearly three years and continues to balance football with school, where his favorite subject is math.
At the IberCup, Anthony proudly wore the number 10 jersey—Neymar’s iconic number—and showed flair and skill that reminded many of the club legend. His Instagram account, which is managed by his family, already has over 40,000 followers. It features updates on his training, goals, and partnerships with sports brands and youth athlete agencies. “Sometimes people stop me in the street and ask for photos. It’s still a bit new, but I handle it well with my family’s help,” Anthony shared.
When asked about the similarities with Neymar, Anthony highlighted his love for dribbling and said he spends time watching clips of Neymar’s best moves, trying to emulate them in matches. “I try to learn a lot by watching his videos and his plays so I can use them on the field.”
Despite his young age, Anthony already dreams big. “My biggest dream is to win a World Cup for Brazil. I want to become a professional first, but I really dream of winning a World Cup with the national team,” he said.
For now, the boy who once received a heartfelt compliment from Neymar’s son is letting his feet do the talking. And if early signs are anything to go by, Anthony might just be one of the brightest gems in Santos’ next generation of football legends.
