Chapter 5

Today is Saturday, and, as on every Saturday, I’m at home. The best thing that ever existed in the world is Saturday and Sunday; they are the only days I can stay home peacefully since there’s no school.

I’m watching this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, since I don’t have anything else to do.

As they announce the Player of the Year, my phone vibrates. I pick it up and see a message from Isaac.

“Hey! Let’s create the championship group already. We can discuss here who we should invite to the team.”

That’s what the message said.

“Sounds good.”

I reply.

After sending the message, I put my phone aside and turn my attention back to the TV. The player I’ve admired since I was a kid is being announced as the winner of the Ballon d’Or. Watching these moments always gives me a strange feeling; it’s like I’m seeing a dream I want to achieve, but it still feels distant.

My phone vibrates again. It’s Isaac, quick as always.

“So, I thought we could start the group with a few people I’m sure we both agree on, like Anderson, Yago for goalkeeper, and Vinícius, that tall guy with curly hair. What do you think?”

I smile as I read the message. Isaac is really excited about this idea of forming a team for the championship, and, to be honest, so am I. The possibility of us playing together and being champions of this championship truly makes me happy. After this championship, we’ll challenge the school team, but it all depends on this championship.

“Good idea! Yago is great on defense, and Anderson has a good kick and is good at holding the game.”

I reply enthusiastically.

After a few seconds, he sends me another text.

“Perfect! I’ll create the group now and add everyone. Then we can start defining positions and training.”

As we exchange messages, I begin to imagine what the training sessions and competitions in the championship will be like. The idea of competing alongside the guys I usually study with at school is exciting, and I feel that if we dedicate ourselves, we can really do something great. I imagine how our conversations in class will be the next day after the game. I really want to experience this.

The group is created quickly. Soon, the first messages from Isaac and the others arrive.

Isaac: “Hey, everyone! We’re gathering the team for the championship, and the idea is for each of us to choose the position we feel most comfortable in. Who’s in?”

Anderson is the first to respond: “I’m in! Count on me. I’ll play forward and score some goals for us.”

Yago, always enthusiastic, quickly adds: “Leave the defense to me! I’ll secure the goal, no one’s getting past.”

Vinícius sends a message with his laid-back style: “Alright, guys. I’ll handle the marking in the back; just don’t kick the ball behind this tall guy here, okay?”

Laughing at the messages, I write: “That’s it, everyone. If we play together and dedicate ourselves in training, no one will stop us.”

As the messages come in, the excitement grows. We start discussing details about training and even plan a meeting to discuss strategies. This idea of training like a real team makes everything feel more professional and challenging, and I realize everyone is taking the championship seriously.

At the end of the day, Isaac sends one last message before signing off.

Isaac: “Alright, everyone! Tomorrow afternoon, we’ll meet at the field to train and test our teamwork. I want to see everyone there!”

I turn off my phone and spend some time looking at the ceiling, thinking about tomorrow. Tomorrow will be our first training, the first step toward winning the championship. I’m excited to see where this journey will take us.

I turn off the TV and head toward my room. I open the door and step inside. My room has many elements of the Brazilian national team; after all, this is my country. I’ve been following the national team since I was born, basically.

In the room, I see the national team jerseys hanging on the wall, some flags, and even a poster of my favorite player, who just won the Ballon d’Or. Every detail of that space reminds me how much football has always been a part of my life and how I love this sport completely.

I throw myself onto the bed and stare at the poster for a moment. Tomorrow, we’ll finally start training as a team. I imagine how it would feel to play in a real stadium one day, with a crowd cheering with every play. I sigh, knowing there’s still a long way to go, but with my friends by my side and our team formed, it seems we’re a little closer to that dream.

I close my eyes for a moment, letting my thoughts flow. The feeling of being on the field, hearing the crowd’s cheers, and feeling the adrenaline of an important match takes over me. I picture the ball coming to my feet, the perfect dribble, the accurate kick, and the goal. Just thinking about it makes my heart race.

However, I know that dreaming isn’t enough. We need to work hard, train, and learn to play as a team. Tomorrow will be the first test, and I know it won’t be easy. But at the same time, I feel confident. With Isaac, Anderson, Yago, and Vinícius by my side, I’m sure we can face any challenge.

I open my eyes and gaze at the poster once more, letting the determined look of my favorite player inspire me. If he reached where he is today, it’s because he never gave up, trained tirelessly, and gave it his all. This thought makes me promise myself that I will also strive to the maximum. Tomorrow will just be the beginning.

This dream of mine is yours too, Dad! My father passed away when I was still a child. He used to play football with his friends, but one day, he didn’t come home like he always did.

He would leave at 6 PM to play and return around 9 PM. He always participated in games with his friends, wearing that red and black jersey from the carioca club.

It’s no wonder I’m wearing the same jersey he always wore. Much of what I understand about football is because of him. He was my inspiration for being who I am today, and it’s a shame he’s no longer with me.

Unfortunately, he died of a heart attack. My father loved playing football, but his heart was weak. While playing, his heart couldn’t handle it.

I miss you, Dad. But I’ll carry your dream with me!

I close my eyes and just wait for sleep to come. I’m really tired today; I woke up early and helped my mom. After that, I started doing schoolwork, and well... Now it’s getting late, and I’m going to sleep now... Happy that he won the Ballon d’Or.

Well, tomorrow will be our first training; I hope it arrives soon. I can’t wait any longer.