Anthony Milani, aged 7, beats retinoblastoma and gets a prosthesis with a Santos shield to meet Neymar
Anthony Milani, aged 7, diagnosed with retinoblastoma in December 2020, in Barra Bonita (SP), underwent removal of his right eye after complications during treatment. Retinoblastoma, a rare cancer that affects the retina, led to enucleation to avoid greater risks, such as a severe asthma attack during chemotherapy sessions. The family, fans of Santos FC, moved to Santos when the boy was one year old, due to his father’s job opportunity.
The mother, Geise Milani, aged 29, noticed a white reflection in her son’s eye on Christmas Eve 2020, which accelerated the diagnosis. Anthony, a fan of the club since he was a baby, kept his passion intact during the medical process. The president of Santos, Marcelo Teixeira, heard about the story and extended a special invitation for the boy to travel with the delegation in March 2025.
The family, including the 3-year-old sister, boarded the same flight as the team heading to Curitiba, where Santos faced Coritiba in a friendly. Staying at the official hotel, Anthony lived the routine of an athlete and watched the 4-1 victory from a box.
Invitation details for child fans
The invitation came after the announcement of Anthony’s personalized ocular prosthesis, which incorporates the Santos shield in the iris. The club’s initiative took place on March 16, 2025, in line with proximity actions with fans. Geise Milani reported her son’s enthusiasm upon receiving the news.
Anthony entered the field hand in hand with goalkeeper João Paulo for the national anthem, a moment recorded by official cameras. He received a signed shirt from defender Gil and posed for photos with other players.
Diagnosis and treatment trajectory
Retinoblastoma affects around 1 in 15 thousand children in Brazil, according to data from the National Cancer Institute. Anthony started chemotherapy shortly after his diagnosis, but one session caused his chest to become stiff, simulating cardiac arrest due to asthma. Doctors opted for surgery in January 2021.
The family followed the process in hospitals in Santos, with multidisciplinary support. After enucleation, the acrylic prosthesis was adjusted by ocular specialists. Anthony adapted quickly, using the accessory as a mark of identity.
The complete treatment lasted six months, with annual follow-up appointments. The mother highlighted the importance of early detection, ccommon in pediatric cases.
Remarkable meeting with Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr., a 33-year-old Santos idol, approached Anthony at the hotel in Curitiba. The attacker, recovering from a thigh injury, spoke to the boy and took photos. The moment occurred before the game, without interfering with the player’s medical schedule.
Anthony expressed admiration for Pelé’s former teammate at the club. Neymar, who returned to Santos in 2025, praised the fan’s dedication. The interaction lasted about 10 minutes.
The gesture strengthened ties between the cast and young fans. Photos of the meeting were circulated on the team’s official profiles.
Routine lived as a Santos athlete
The trip included breakfast with the cast and a tour of the locker room. Anthony observed warm-ups and light training. He gained access to restricted areas, such as the team bus.
At the Couto Pereira stadium, the boy was thrilled with goals from well-known players. The family returned to Santos the next day, with memories recorded on videos.
What is retinoblastoma and treatment options
Retinoblastoma appears in the retina and can be hereditary in 40% of cases. Symptoms include white pupil and strabismus.
- Early diagnosis via annual eye exam for children up to 5 years old.
- Treatments range from laser to systemic chemotherapy.
- In advanced stages, enucleation preserves life in 95% of patients.
- Ocular prostheses improve aesthetics and self-esteem.
Advances in gene therapies have reduced removals by 20% in recent years. In Brazil, SUS covers comprehensive procedures.
Family passion for Santos since birth
Geise and her husband, from Barra Bonita, passed on their love for Alvinegro to their son. The family had been watching games at home since Anthony was born.
They visit Vila Belmiro regularly. The move to Santos made it easier to follow matches.
The younger sister also shows an early interest in football.
Moment on the field and crowd reactions
Anthony walked onto the pitch to applause, wearing official uniform. The audience at the stadium noticed the prosthetic and applauded.
Fans shared images on social networks, increasing the visibility of the story. The club plans similar actions for other fans.
A 4-1 victory crowned the day, with Anthony celebrating every goal.
Luís Henrique Costa é jornalista formado pela FMU, editor-chefe e fundador do Mix Vale, portal de notícias em atividade desde 2013. Responde pela direção editorial do veículo, que cobre Brasil e mundo em economia, benefícios sociais, esportes, tecnologia, ciência e entretenimento. Atua na área há mais de 15 anos e lidera uma equipe de cerca de 15 colaboradores.
