From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Folala.....!!”

All members of the France team gathered once more around their most revered young captain, even the substitute players warming up on the sidelines ran over. They formed a circle, laughing and celebrating their lead.

”We’re in the top 8!”

”Advancing as group leaders!”

”Come on.....!!”

Everyone shouted and screamed, reaching out their arms to rub Ma’el’s head, a subconscious action under such excitement.

”How many goals is that now?!”

Sagna looked at the number 6, Yohan Cabaye, next to him, who was a data enthusiast and had recently mentioned Ma’el’s goal tally.

”Tenth goal!” Yohan Cabaye said, rubbing Ma’el’s head with a smile, turning his head and saying, ”Broke ten! It’s definitely a big day for him today, and hopefully for us too!”

Sagna felt genuinely happy for his friend, nodding and laughing, ”It definitely is! We’re going to win, just like last round!”

The group then lined up, stepping into a dance, with some leading and others following, smiling as they sang the new Song of Ma’el, ”Charming young man, miraculous feet.....!”

They hoped this song would bring them good luck, helping them win in the end!

Ma’el closed his eyes to listen to his song and the cheers from the fans, feeling that the air of the European Cup stadium was all the sweeter, everything he loved.

Of course.....when he could perform beyond his own and the outside world’s expectations in the desired arena, carrying every match!

He naturally fell in love with this place, immersing himself in this beauty!

Reflecting on over two years of tough training, painstakingly leveling dozens of Level 4 skills, and his first Level 5 skill, all blooming in this tournament, he felt immensely satisfied.

Perhaps this was the moment he had been waiting for, the reason and motivation for enduring loneliness and isolation!

Every drop of sweat shed, the determination to reclaim control of his body when laziness seeped into his mind, gritting his teeth through continued training, the sacrifices of countless social and daily joys all repaid on the field!

This was his choice, and he would resolutely continue, honing more Level 5 skills for even greater dominance on the pitch.

Until he reached his imagined goal—to become the Ball God!

Behind the players of the France team, the host Ukraine players hadn’t reacted yet, standing in place and occasionally glancing at the goal, then at the celebrating crowd.

Clearly, they needed time to digest the shock and disappointment of being scored on with such a super world-class goal.

”Boom!”

”Clap, clap, clap...!”

Shevchenko ran back from the front, silently picking up the ball from within the goal and kicking it towards the midfield, then clapping to try to wake them up.

Finally, the others realized.....at their own home, they needed to do something.

Ukraine players hurried to the center circle area, adjusting their mindset and waiting to restart play.

Although Shevchenko showed a captain’s demeanor at this moment, once he turned around, his face revealed his sadness, and his occasional glances at Ma’el were blank.

Putting it nicely, it was his lamentation over luck and fate’s unfairness as he saw a young man with better talent and skills than he had back in the day.

Why is the other so happy, seemingly never facing setbacks or regrets, able to continue the joy endlessly?

Winning the championship in the lower league, rising to Arsenal, ending his first season with a Double Crown at Arsenal, now commanding waves with the France team.

This young player’s journey was too smooth; it seemed that since his birth, fate had laid no major obstacles, destined to make him the envy of all players.

He always encountered good opportunities, a team of excellent players and coaches who liked him, earning many honors at a young age.

In harsh terms, Shevchenko was unconvinced.....Once a prodigy and Mr. Golden Ball of 2004, he didn’t want to admit that Ma’el was better than he was then, but that was public opinion.

He felt his bad luck through many setbacks and detours.

Many times he endured years of pain from wrong choices, leaving lifelong regrets for missing critical goals!

These things never happened to Ma’el; his choices seemed always right, and he never missed a crucial goal.

Shevchenko’s eyes held jealousy, thinking if he walked Ma’el’s path, he could’ve achieved these accomplishments young and had an even smoother career.

”Clap, clap.....” Suddenly, he felt his back patted twice, turning to see Ma’el smiling kindly on his way back.

Shevchenko also returned a polite smile, looking at the vibrant Ma’el, questioning if he was just getting old, complaining idly before retiring after the European Cup.

He couldn’t be sure, only able to bury it in his heart and slowly verify.

”Beep!”

The referee’s whistle blew, and the game quickly restarted, soon followed by the whistle for the end of the first half.

The players returned to the locker room for a 15-minute break, made some tactical adjustments, and returned to the field to continue the match.

”A good opportunity for Ukraine! Shevchenko.....side hook shot!! Missed! He looks disappointed, a great chance to equalize.”