The 2025 season marked a clear turning point for Antony Alves at Portland Timbers. In his third year with the club, the Brazilian forward enjoyed his most consistent campaign since arriving in MLS, taking on a more central role in the team’s attacking structure and establishing himself as one of the squad’s primary technical references.
Antony appeared in 34 matches across the season, registering seven goals and seven assists. Beyond the raw numbers, his influence was evident in Portland’s collective play, linking midfield and attack while assuming greater responsibility in decisive moments. Since joining the Timbers in 2023, the forward has made 80 appearances, scoring 15 goals and recording 11 assists across all competitions — a trajectory that reflects steady, sustained development.
That rise in prominence came amid an offensive reshuffle in Portland, particularly following Evander's departure, which opened the door for new on-field leaders. Antony responded immediately, delivering performances marked by confidence, consistency, and increased trust from the coaching staff led by Phil Neville.
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Portland’s 2025 campaign
As a team, the Timbers finished the regular season in eighth place in the Western Conference, securing a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. In the opening round, Portland pushed San Diego FC, the West’s top seed, to a decisive third match in the best-of-three series. The run ended with a 4–0 loss away from home, closing the series at 2–1, but the campaign was still viewed internally as a step forward in competitiveness and maturity.
Antony on his season, adaptation to MLS, and ambitions for 2026
Below are excerpts from Antony’s full interview with Território MLS, in which he reflected on his evolution, the challenges of MLS, and his outlook moving forward.
How do you evaluate your last season, individually and collectively?
“I see the season in a positive way. Individually, I was consistent and helped the team with goals, assists, and overall participation. Collectively, we showed growth, reached the playoffs, and competed at a high level, which shows the group is on the right path.”
Watch our Interview with Antony from the Portland Timbers early in the year (Territorio MLS)
You seemed to take on a bigger role last season. Did you feel that as well?
“Yes. That comes from the trust of the club, the coaching staff, and my teammates. With more time to adapt, I was able to take on more responsibility and be more decisive in important moments.”
After two and a half years in the league, do you feel fully adapted to soccer in the United States?
“I’m 100% adapted. At the beginning, it’s more difficult due to changes in the country, culture, and playing style. But the club helped me a lot. MLS is very different from Portuguese and Brazilian soccer — travel, logistics, and even playing conditions all have an impact.”
What was missing to go further in the playoffs?
“Small details. In the playoffs, every mistake matters. Maybe a bit more efficiency in key moments could have changed the outcome, but we fought until the end, and now we have to grow and come back stronger in 2026.”
What has it been like working under Phil Neville?
All-Star energy from Antony 🔋
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) June 11, 2025
Final day to vote: https://t.co/VzJBNEGsVP 🗳️ pic.twitter.com/vBCFFlx9JA
“It’s been a very good experience. He has a lot of European experience, and that shows in how he reads the game and manages the squad. I’ve learned a lot from him.”
Your name is often linked with a return to Brazilian soccer. Is that on your radar?
“Speculation is normal. I left Brazil early, and I still follow Brazilian soccer closely. But right now, my focus is fully on Portland. I leave future decisions to my staff.”
What are your goals for 2026?
“To keep evolving, be even more decisive, help Portland fight for titles, and maintain a high level throughout the season. I want to keep growing as a player and as a leader within the group.”With a breakout year behind him and a clearer leadership role within the squad, Antony enters 2026 positioned as a central figure in Portland’s project — and as one of the Brazilian players to watch in MLS’s next chapter.
