Even though this trophy is a blip, it still meant something to me. It is my first trophy. I have never won anything in my past life. To have a trophy that I could point to and say that I won it? That feeling was priceless. And to top it off, I was the best player of the tournament. I was the top scorer. Top assist provider.
After coming back to my home, I couldn't sleep. I kept touching my medals and the shield. In my mind I knew that this was just the beginning, but I did not want to take them off. I achieved something. I didn't do it alone. I had my family to thank. They put in their blood, sweat and tears to see me through all this. The effort they put in, that means the most to me. My teammates, who worked extra hard in sessions realising that we had a decent chance, the coaches despite their tactical flaws who have stood by us and wanted nothing more than the best for us, never put us in any kind of pressure or in a negative space, and most importantly the system.
I realised that even going forward, these are the things that will help me become the GOAT. My family and friends who keep me grounded, teammates who will go to war with me, coaches who would trust me and let me be ME, and the System. I would also like to have a partner who would enjoy football and be there for me. That's all that matters. I got lucky!
Two missions completed.
Win a trophy with the youth team.
Reward: One minor injury protection card.
Be the top scorer of the cup tournament (Paulista).
Reward: One minor injury protection card.
One hidden mission completed.
Be the best player of a tournament at the youth level and win the golden ball.
Reward: One minor injury protection card.
User can check the system interface in cards to see the available cards. Once you select a card, you will see the option to equip it or in the case of some other cards, to use them.
Congratulations!
What a wonderful message to wake up to.
I got three cards! Three injury protection cards. That's big. I was a bit bummed out that the reward for the hidden mission is also an injury protection card, but that's fine. This is a youth level competition. The system cannot handover major cards for stuff like this.
I didn't win any stat points and there is no point in equipping and using the cards now. So, I didn't even go into the system.
Today there is a celebration at the club. We have a party. Parents are also invited. So, it would be an official party.
Both the senior and youth teams have won the Paulista in 1998. The club was happy. Players were happy that we could go into the break as winners. We have a long break coming up. The season starts at the end of July and it is only the end of May now. I have two months of time to put on some muscle and become stronger. With no matches and no running 20km a day between training, practice and matches, I could atleast put on 2 or 3 kilos in the next 2 months. I have surprise vacation planned for my family as well. Last time my father took us to the carribbean, this time it is my turn to return the favour.
I have spent a lot of money for this vacation. I used the money I saved for the car I didn't buy. I did ask my father's permission to use the money, and since it was a joint account, I didn't need his express permission for every cheque. My signature was valid for it. It helped that I also turned 16.
I am taking them to France. Why France? Why not Italy? Well you see, the world cup is happening in France. And I spent a small fortune in tickets for the first semifinals. A little bird told me that Brazil is going to be playing in the semifinals. I tried to get the tickets for the finals as well, but they were way too costly for four people and I also didn't want to go to a final I knew we lost. Actual tickets went on sale last year, but I asked for help from my coaches and they arranged for these tickets via shady means. I didn't care. I get to watch Brazil play in the world cup!
You cannot google information in this time. So, I had to prepare a list of questions. About the travel arrangements, about the stay, about the commute, about the guides, about food, about safety, about absolutely everything. My biggest question was, does France even allow Brazilians without a visa? The answer turned out to be Yes. A Schengen visa for 90 days doesn't need a prior application. Perfect.
I had to trust the travel agents for booking the best hotels for us to stay in, arrange transport, arrange a guide, someone whom we could trust. I hated that part. I am essentially putting all my trust into this travel agency to handle everything for me. I couldn't look for reviews.
But I did my research. I wanted to give this to my family. My mom absolutely loves the Brazil National team and this is an experience I wanted to have with my parents when I am not a part of the team. I had all the expenses covered. My wages along with all the bonuses would more than cover for a luxurious trip for the four of us.
I have never been to France either. So, this would be a first for me. I love the culture. I love the language. I love the food. I love their art. It was a 7 day trip. We will get to travel to the touristy spots later on, but right now it was to experience the culture and watch the world cup!
We got ready in the evening. I wore a sharp looking suit that my mom got for me recently. I told her not to get one because I am still growing, but she said that it is necessary.
I am wearing a black suit with a black shirt, a grey color tie,black leather shoes and a red pocket square. I finished it off with my Tag Heuer watch! I looked really good. Even by modern standards, I looked good. My mom could officially be my stylist. She chose well.
The invite did mention our dress code as well, so I chose to follow tradition, else I would have worn a casual outfit. My mom wore a red dress. She looked stunning. My father wore a dark blue suit. And Digão chose to follow my father. I didn't know that they all shopped for these clothes. When asked, they said that they knew things like this were bound to happen, with the way I was performing. So, they didn't want to be caught off guard, so they went for a set of clothes for formal occasions. How thoughtful!
We didn't want to reach too early, but we didn't want to be late either, so we timed it about 15 minutes before the event started. That gave us enough time to mingle and talk to others, before the event officially began.
By the time we reached, we saw that the parking lot was almost full, and it looked like everyone else had arrived early. I didn't mind it at all.
We didn't need an invite because the guards knew us players, but also because the coaching staff were there at the front receiving people. Nice!
When we reached the entrance, there was a big smile on the face of Mario. He was an assistant to coach Alfonso who helps us with our passing drills.
"Kaká! The golden boy. We thought of sending a rescue party to your home to bring you here. You're the last to arrive. Come in, come in"
"Excuse us Mario, we didn't think everyone would come in that early"
"It isn't a big deal Kaká! There's still a lot of time. E everyone is inside. Let us go. Go talk to other players and families and us coaches will meet you all later. Have fun first"
As we went in, the atmosphere was electric. Music was playing in the background. All the first team players and their partners were also there. Along with all the youth team players, their families, mingling and talking.
Our interactions with the first team players at this point in time were basically us watching them train. They never bothered to come over and chat or anything like that. And they weren't inviting us kids. Some of the older players in the youth team have actually approached some of them for tips and stuff like that, but the newcomers haven't done anything like that.
I spotted Diego as soon as I walked in and we beelined to him. We exchanged pleasantries and quickly left our parents to talk to the adults and we grouped up with other players.
We wanted to talk to the first team players. We had Rogerio Ceni! One of the greatest goal scoring keepers. There's Edmilson. There's Dodo. There's Franca. There's Denilson.
Some of them would go on to have great careers winning trophies. Denilson was already a brilliant player. Our team had some really good players.
We went around, introduced ourselves and basically just acted like fanboys.
I remembered what my mom always used to say. Do not be afraid to talk to people. Introduce yourself, say something nice about them and see how they respond. So, I took a shot. This is my first time meeting a big player in a private setting like this.
"Hi, Mr.Denilson. I am Kaká!I love your dribbling. The goal you scored against Santos was spectacular!" I said, with a hint of nervous energy.
"Hah! Thanks kid! You've got good taste." He was sipping on some alcohol already. He was loose.
"And I heard your name pop up. You're the big shot eh!? You've got to come train with us sometime. We shall see and decide for ourselves" this time he was serious when talking to me. And he gave me a once over. He looked me up from top to bottom, to size me up.
"That would be wonderful Mr. Denilson. I asked my coaches multiple times if we could join in on your sessions, even if only to just provide passes for finishing or some passing drills. I hope we earned our right, after the cup win"
"You definitely did. I didn't get to watch you guys play, but the last two matches, some of the others watched. That's where your name popped up. They liked your performance. Keep it up and soon you'll play with the first team."
"I watched your dribble against Palmeiras last March. You took on 4 players and cut inside. That was brilliant. I wish the shot from Franca went in. That would have been a good assist"
"I see that you actually watch the games. That run was indeed brilliant. I wish he scored too"
He then loudly called to Franca, who came over,
"I was just talking to the kid and he said that you should have scored against Palmeiras and that you were the reason why my run was not rewarded."
This fucking guy!
"Hi Mr. Franca, I didn't say that. I just said that had you scored, it would have been a brilliant assist" I said nervously. I didn't want to offend these people. I didn't know their personality. I didn't know who would take offense to what.
"Yeah same thing kid, same thing. He always misses. The header against Bota Fogo? Again, denied me and assist" Denilson was taking the piss out of Franca.
Luckily, Franca was a cool dude and he paid no attention to what Denilson was saying.
"You're Kaká! Nice to meet you. I have seen your performances. You're very good on your feet. A few more years and you would do very well at the top. Ignore this lump. Always whining about others missing, he doesn't look at his own stats. Barely scored any goals."
I remembered that Franca scored 12 goals in the Paulista. And Denilson scored 6 or 7.
And they kept bickering amongst themselves about who was more important and which goal was more important in the winning run. A few others had joined them by that time. I could tell that it was all in fun. They had a good chemistry. There were others who didn't mingle. Some of them were spending time with their partners or club officials.
I immediately understood that this group were the players who wanted to win things and be bigger. And these were team players. Who had developed chemistry and who went well together. I was quietly observing the dynamics.
I didn't want to leave immediately but I was totally left out, so I just stayed there awkwardly. A few minutes later, Franca noticed me again and asked me
"So, tell me, wonder boy. Some of us have watched your performances, you looked very sharp. What do you think?"
Shit! I wasn't paying attention to the conversation fully. I put on my thinking face to cover up the fact that I wasn't really attentive to the conversation. I had to think quickly on my feet.
Luckily I was saved by Denilson, who was a bit tipsy.
"Don't be nervous about it kid, just tell them that the midfielders were at fault for the goals. At both Vasco and Gremio."
Thank you dear drunk Denilson. He gave me a rope. I remembered what they were talking about.
"I do not think it is solely the midfield's fault. For the goal against Gremio, I agree, the ball should have been stopped way before. But, against Vasco, it was a bad series of events. Firstly, the pass was off, Dodo wasn't anywhere near where the pass went, that was the first issue to lose possession like that, then no one tracked back to win back the possession and just let them counter freely. Someone should have fouled them at half way line, and when that didn't happen, the defense should have dropped back, and held the line. Instead, they were in a disarray and lost sight of two runners."
So lost was I in my excitement that I didn't realise that I was talking to the actual players. I gave my honest answer. And I didn't look at any of them. I was trying to remember the play and the goal and I remember watching it and thinking the same thing. The whole team had a lapse in concentration, conceded and lost the match and the copa.
There was silence for a few seconds. That's when it came to me. Where I was and who I was talking to. My eyes widened in horror as realisation dawned upon me.
"Really? So you think I should have taken a yellow card for tackling someone then?" Said someone.
"He also said that I was nowhere near the pass. So he is questioning my movement, isn't he?" That was Dodo!
I'm fucked. Before I could apologise, a new voice spoke
"Is the kid wrong though?"
I looked up and saw the first team coach Nelsinho Baptista, standing there. He was here as well? FUCK!
I closed my eyes and cursed my luck.
Again, there was silence. No one said anything. Then the coach said "I agree with the kid. For the Vasco goal, it was a team fuck up. Everyone was involved. Not just the midfield or the defense. Attack shouldn't have given the possession away at that moment. Midfielders should have stopped the attack way too early, and defense should not have panicked. Isn't that what we discussed?"
"Don't worry kid, no one will take offense to that. That goal is a sore spot.
Nice to meet you. I'm Baptista. Good performance against Corinthians. I like the way you operate. I have talked to Alfonso. Once the break is over, you're going to join us for the pre-season. If you can keep up, you can practice with the first team and we'll see if we can include you in the squad. Good job though. I get regular reports on your progress. But, watching you in the stadium was nice. I would like to see more, but you definitely made an impression. Tell these guys about your stats.
Enjoy the party!"
And he left.
My brain rebooted. What just happened? Did I just get invited to the pre-season training with the first team, like this?
Franca then turned to me and said "Hmm. So you are going to join us in training. We'll see if you can back your analysis up. Don't keep us in suspense. What stats is he talking about?"
I was still dazed, happy, confused from the interaction before, so I just have a robotic answer "Oh! In the Paulista, I scored 21 and assisted 28 in 14 matches"
The conversation around me stopped and they looked at me eyebrows raised. Then came the questions.
"How old are you?"
"I just turned 16"
"And you're playing for the U20. And those numbers? In the Paulista?"
"Yes. I scored 7 and assisted 9 in the Copa as well. But we lost that."
"Where do you play?"
"I play in the midfield. Either on the right or central. I would like to be a 10, but for now I am playing on the right."
"You had those stats from the wing? Hear that Denilson? How many did you score from your left wing?" Franca taunted.
"Now we are interested, we shall see you in practice, kid. The event is about to start. Go join your family. We will talk later"
I slowly walked away from them. Still unsure of what happened. I lost myself a bit, didn't realise what I was saying, criticised the team, had the coach agree with me and invite me to join preseason. And now some of the big names in the team are looking at me.
This is HUGE!
What a great turn of events.
I finally allowed myself to smile.
Let the party begin!
Author's Notes:
Please let me know your feedback. Whether you like the direction the story is going in or not.
Like some of you asked, I reworked stuff a bit and increased the pace for the upcoming chapters.
I cannot cut the whole Sao Paulo arc into 20 odd chapters, but it will be fast paced.
Things that are coming up
1. National camp for youth world cup.
2. Trip to France, 1998 world cup.
3. First team arc.
4. World youth championship.
5. First romance.
6. Olympics.
7. Time skips to first team trophy.
I hope it meets the expectations.
Thank you for the support.