MATCH DAY

Alonso stared at the phone screen, his tired eyes scanning the message.

Valeria: Feliz cumpleaños, Alonso! I hope today was special for you. Keep smiling and never give up. You're amazing.

A small smile tugged at his lips. Valeria had always been kind to him, and while they weren't the closest, he appreciated the message. He started typing a response but hesitated.

What could he say? That he wasn't in the starting eleven? That his birthday felt more like a reminder of failure? Instead, he settled for a simple reply.

Alonso: Gracias, Valeria. It means a lot.

Setting his phone aside, he laid back on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

The noise of his family still celebrating in the other room slowly faded as his thoughts consumed him. He imagined himself on the field, playing against Gustavo Academy, proving his worth.

But no matter how much he envisioned it, reality remained unchanged. He wasn't on the list.

Sleep didn't come easily that night.

His mind replayed Coach Herrera's words, the lineup, and the disappointment that came with it. But amid his frustration, his father's and Uncle Pedro's words echoed in his head—You fight for it.

The next morning, Alonso woke up feeling groggy. The sun was barely peeking through his window, and the sounds of the city waking up drifted through the thin apartment walls.

He got up, moving through his usual routine with little energy.

Breakfast was quiet. His parents were already up, Papa sitting at the table drinking coffee while Mama packed Lucia's lunch.

"Buenos días, mi amor," Mama greeted him softly, offering a warm smile.

"Buenos días," he mumbled in return, taking a piece of bread and some juice.

Papa studied him for a moment. "How are you feeling today?"

Alonso shrugged. "Fine."

Papa didn't press further. He simply nodded. "You go to school, do your best, and remember—nothing is over until you decide it is."

Alonso nodded, appreciating the words even if they didn't erase his frustration. He grabbed his bag, took his new football boots he had won and, stepped outside, heading to school.

From the moment he stepped through the school gates, he knew today wasn't just any ordinary day. The entire school buzzed with energy. Students were talking excitedly in groups, the air filled with chatter and laughter.

Posters and banners lined the hallways, all reading the same thing—

BILBAO CENTRAL VS. GUSTAVO ACADEMY!

Teachers struggled to keep students focused, but the excitement was too great.

Everyone knew Gustavo Academy was one of the strongest teams in the region. They had players already being scouted for professional clubs, and their reputation was undeniable.

For many, this match was the highlight of the school year.

Alonso walked through the hallway, feeling out of place. He wasn't in the starting lineup. He wasn't part of the anticipation.

Yet, he couldn't ignore the electric atmosphere around him.

Javi and Miguel found him near his locker. "Bro, did you see outside? Gustavo Academy just arrived!" Miguel exclaimed, his voice full of excitement.

"They're already here?" Alonso asked, trying to mask his disappointment.

"Yeah, man. Their bus just pulled up. Everyone's rushing to the field to see them warm up before the match," Javi added.

Alonso glanced toward the window. The entire school seemed to be gravitating toward the field. He clenched his fist. Even if he wasn't playing, he couldn't deny the rush of adrenaline in his veins.

"Come on, let's go check them out," Miguel nudged him.

Alonso hesitated for a moment before following them. As they stepped outside, the air was thick with anticipation.

Students crowded along the fences, watching as the players from Gustavo Academy stepped off their bus, their uniforms crisp, their movements filled with confidence.

Alonso's eyes scanned the group until they landed on one player in particular. A tall figure with sharp eyes, his aura exuding dominance.

Everyone whispered his name—

"Santiago Valverde."

The star of Gustavo Academy. A player already rumored to have offers from some of the top clubs in Spain.

Alonso's heart pounded. This was the level he wanted to reach.

And yet, he wasn't even in the lineup.

As he stood there, watching his potential rivals walk onto his school's field, he felt something deep within him ignite.

A determination stronger than ever before.

One day… they'll see me on that field.

One day… they won't be able to ignore me.

Javi nudged him. "Look at the way they walk, like they already own the place.

Santiago doesn't even have to say anything. Just his presence is enough."

Miguel nodded in agreement. "They've got a winning mentality. That's what makes them different. You can see it in the way they warm up.

Every touch, every pass—it's precise, like they already know they're going to dominate."

Alonso remained silent, watching as Santiago exchanged words with his teammates, his confidence unwavering.

It wasn't arrogance—it was belief. A belief in his own ability, in the work he had put in to reach this point.

A voice from behind startled Alonso. "Quite a sight, huh?" It was Coach Herrera, hands in his pockets, observing the Gustavo Academy players with a knowing expression.

Alonso hesitated before responding. "Yeah. They look… unbeatable."

Coach Herrera turned his gaze to Alonso, studying him carefully. "They're good. But they're not invincible. The real question is—what are you going to do about it?"

Alonso looked up, caught off guard by the question.

"Are you going to stand here and admire them? Or are you going to make sure that next time, you're the one people are watching?" Coach Herrera's voice was calm, but the message hit deep.

Before Alonso could reply, the school bell rang, signaling the start of classes. Coach Herrera gave him one last look before walking away.

Alonso exhaled slowly. He had a long way to go.

But one thing was certain—he wasn't going to let this feeling fade. He wasn't just going to sit back and accept being on the sidelines.

Someday, it would be his name that others murmured. And that moment would arrive sooner than anyone anticipated.