Just A Kid [ 500 Thanks to readers.]

He touched his chest. Pointed at the badge. Raised a fist.

PSG players approached him.

Some offered tired nods, others a hand.

Marquinhos tapped his back and said something in French that made Izan smile faintly.

Hakimi walked past without a word while Donnarumma gave him a thumbs-up and received a brief, respectful handshake in return.

Then UEFA officials intercepted him, flanked by two stewards.

"Player of the Match," one said.

Izan barely reacted—his face was still focused, eyes distant, maybe still seeing that third goal being wiped away in his mind.

But he followed slowly.

As he neared the tunnel, a reporter stepped forward with a camera crew behind her.

She smiled, holding a mic with the UEFA Champions League emblem shining silver under the stadium lights.

"Izan," she began, "we're live. Congratulations on a magnificent performance tonight.

Before we present you with the Man of the Match award…"