Weight of the Crest

Tobi's assist against Betis had silenced the critics — for now. But football had no rearview mirror. The moment he stepped off the plane back in Valencia, the grind resumed.

His phone buzzed constantly.Clara had just renegotiated his contract—new image rights clause, improved salary, stricter performance bonuses. It made headlines.

"Tobi Oliveira becomes one of Valencia's highest-paid under-20s."

That should've felt like a victory.

But to Tobi, it felt like an invisible crown — shiny, heavy, and sharp-edged.

Monday morning, Coach Moreno gathered the squad in the film room. The lights dimmed. A grainy clip played: Valencia's last Champions League group match. Mistakes highlighted. Positional errors circled. And one moment replayed four times — Tobi giving away possession in the midfield, leading to a counterattack.

No commentary. Just the pause on his face right after the turnover.