After finishing the meal, Eric spent a good amount of time speaking with Franck, his words filled with fatherly concern and advice. Given the physical distance between them due to their separation, Eric seldom had the opportunity to engage deeply in Franck's life, so he seized this moment to offer guidance on various aspects—both in football and in life. It was his way of showing his love, even if their time together had been limited over the years.
In between conversations with Franck, Eric also took the opportunity to ask Lena several questions. He had always admired Lena for her well-mannered, intelligent nature, and it was clear to him that she had a positive influence on his son. In his heart, Eric had already come to see Lena as a future daughter-in-law, though he never openly voiced it. He simply smiled approvingly whenever Franck and Lena shared a moment, his subtle endorsement evident.
After the meal, Eric prepared to leave first. Though Franck offered to accompany him, Eric declined, explaining that since he had just arrived in Dortmund, he needed to settle into his new role and take care of work-related matters over the weekend. Before leaving, Eric didn't miss the chance to remind Franck: "Don't worry about me, son. Spend time with Lena, and don't forget what I just told you."
Franck nodded, his father's words lingering in his mind. He felt a deep sense of responsibility, touched by the concern Eric had shown. As he glanced at Lena, who smiled warmly back at him, Franck's thoughts drifted to his own family situation. The cracks in his parents' relationship had affected him deeply, and seeing the contrast between his father's past and his present relationship with Lena, Franck felt a renewed determination rise within him.
That smile—Lena's smile—was something he knew he had to protect. He couldn't let his relationship fall into the same patterns that had once fractured his family.
To secure that future, Franck realized he needed to aim higher in his football career. It wasn't just about making it into the professional leagues—it was about standing out on a platform that would give him the recognition and opportunities he needed to become a top-level player. The stakes were too high to settle for anything less.
His immediate goal, however, remained crystal clear: winning the upcoming National Finals. That victory would not only secure his place as a standout player at the university level but also serve as the launchpad for his professional career.
Franck clenched his fists slightly, feeling the weight of his ambition. The path forward wouldn't be easy, but with his determination burning brighter than ever, he knew that he could rise to the challenge.
...
That weekend, Franck took the opportunity to rest and prepare while the winner of the other semi-final was decided. In a tightly contested match, the University of Hannover defeated Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 2-0, securing their spot in the final. This set the stage for a showdown between Hannover and Westphalian University of Applied Sciences in the National University League Finals.
As fate would have it, the final was scheduled to take place at none other than Westphalian University of Applied Sciences itself. For Franck, this meant that his first appearance in the National Finals would be on his home turf—a rare occurrence that could offer his team a significant advantage.
However, this wasn't due to any favoritism. The German Football Association had predetermined the venue for the final before the season began, and it just so happened that Westphalian University had performed beyond expectations, reaching the finals for the first time in its history. This year's final would break the tradition of playing at a neutral site, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
While playing at home seemed like a considerable advantage for Westphalian, Coach Norbert Elgert understood the risks all too well. The weight of expectation from a home crowd can be a double-edged sword. With thousands of supporters watching, there was the potential for nerves to set in, leading to over-eagerness or costly mistakes. The pressure to win quickly could prove overwhelming for a team comprised of young, college-level players who lacked the experience of professional football.
For Elgert, the mental preparation of his players became the top priority in the week leading up to the final. He knew that for college athletes, emotions could run high, and nerves could derail even the best-laid plans. So, instead of intense tactical drills and pressure-filled scrimmages, he opted for a lighter approach, introducing fun mini-games designed to relax the players and ease any tension building before the match.
This method had little effect on Franck, who was mentally sharper and more focused than many of his teammates. His goals were crystal clear: win the final and continue his path toward professional football. However, the relaxed atmosphere proved beneficial for the team as a whole. The players' anxiety slowly dissipated, and by the time the final approached, the mood had shifted from tense to excited.
On the day of the final, the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences campus was buzzing with anticipation. Nearly the entire student body, along with faculty and staff, were present, eager to witness history in the making. Important guests arrived early, including several high-profile officials from the German Football Association who were responsible for overseeing youth football. They would be presenting the awards to the winners. Reporters, too, gathered in droves, setting up their equipment to broadcast the event live on ZDF, Germany's national sports channel, underscoring the significance of grassroots football.
The university's modest stadium, with a capacity of 3,000, was packed to the brim. Even in the divisional final against their fierce rivals, Technical University Dortmund, the turnout hadn't been this large. With no tickets required for entry, those who arrived late found themselves scouring the grounds for any available spot to catch a glimpse of the action. Some stood on the surrounding hills, while others perched on makeshift platforms, determined not to miss this monumental event.
Inside the locker room, the players couldn't hear the roar of the crowd, thanks to the soundproof walls, but the energy was palpable. The weight of the occasion hung in the air, and everyone was acutely aware of what was at stake. Coach Elgert had already gone over the tactical game plan in previous training sessions. The team had never faced the University of Hannover before, so the focus was on maximizing Westphalian's strengths, particularly their lethal counter-attacking game.
However, the true concern wasn't the tactics; it was the mindset of the players. Coach Elgert knew that if they kept their composure, the talent gap would carry them to victory.
In a rare departure from his usual stern and methodical approach, Coach Elgert delivered an impassioned pre-match pep talk. Standing in front of his players, he smiled—a rarity in itself. "I've never praised you before a game," he began with a twinkle in his eye. "I know what you think of me—a rigid, grumpy old man, right?" He laughed, and the room erupted into chuckles. "But today is different."
His tone quickly shifted, and his voice grew stronger, filled with passion. "Now, it's time for a showdown! Let me tell you something: you're the best players I've ever coached. I've seen many players at Schalke 04 who don't have the kind of talent and ability that you have! So, as long as you play your game, there's nothing to fear from the University of Hannover."
Then, with a sly grin, he delivered the final incentive. "And if you win the championship today, I'll personally arrange for you to play a warm-up match against Schalke 04's U19 team."
The room exploded with cheers and applause. Schalke 04 represented a dream for many of these young players—a stepping stone into the professional world. The thought of playing against one of Germany's top youth academies was a tantalizing reward, one that ignited the players' competitive spirits.
Elgert's confidence in his team was clear, and he knew they were ready for the battle ahead.
As the players made their way from the locker room to the pitch, each one was brimming with energy and focus. Franck, walking with steady resolve, glanced at the shimmering trophy displayed on the sideline. It gleamed under the stadium lights, representing everything he had worked for. He wasn't the only one fixated on it—his teammates, too, eyed the trophy like wolves stalking their prey, ready to pounce and claim victory.
...
...
In the stands, Lena stood waving inflatable sticks with excitement, her eyes glued to the action on the pitch. She had traveled all the way from Dortmund to support Franck in the most important match of his university career. Her face radiated joy, and her energy was infectious. Beside her, Franck's father, Eric, watched with a quieter intensity. While Lena's enthusiasm was on full display, Eric's demeanor remained calm and composed. But beneath the surface, he was just as eager, if not more so, to see how much progress his son had made.
Eric hadn't been able to attend most of Franck's games since he entered university due to his work, but he knew this game was different. Scouts from German professional clubs were circling, and Franck's performance today could very well shape his future. The fact that Munich 1860, a respected club in the second division, had shown interest in Franck signaled that his son had made significant strides.
As a long-time football fan with two decades of experience following both domestic and European leagues, Eric had a keen understanding of the levels within the sport. He believed Franck had the potential to play at a higher level than Munich 1860, but the fact that they had noticed him was a promising sign. And if a player like Jean Ekombo, one of the top talents in the league, was being scouted alongside Franck, it showed that his son was in elite company.
As the players lined up on the field and the referee's whistle cut through the stadium air, the match began in earnest. All the anticipation, all the build-up, and all the desire for victory were about to be tested on the field.
Westphalian University of Applied Sciences came out with a balanced approach, a blend of cautious defense and probing offense. Coach Norbert Elgert, known for his tactical flexibility, had shifted from the typical five-back formation to a more dynamic 4-4-2 setup. This allowed Franck more freedom to push forward when necessary while maintaining his primary role as the anchor of the defense. Franck, with his sharp footballing mind, understood his responsibility not just to the tactics but to his team. He was the leader at the back, and he had to organize the defense, set the tone, and be the calming presence in high-pressure moments.
In the first 20 minutes, Westphalian dominated possession. Samuel, playing upfront, was tireless in his movements, linking up with the midfield to keep Hannover on the back foot. His energy and relentless pressing disrupted Hannover's attempts to build any meaningful rhythm, allowing Westphalian to control the tempo and dictate the flow of the game.
But Franck knew better than to relax. Hannover's forwards were quick and nimble, always lurking, ready to pounce on any defensive lapse. Franck kept his focus, monitoring their movements closely, ensuring his defensive line stayed compact and organized. He was vigilant, constantly communicating with his teammates, adjusting the shape when needed.
The first real moment of danger came when Hannover's goalkeeper launched a pinpoint long pass, bypassing the entire midfield. The ball sailed through the air, its trajectory aiming directly for the quick-footed forwards who had been waiting for such an opportunity. Hannover's strikers, sensing their moment, reacted swiftly, and the counterattack was on.
Franck, sensing the danger instantly, dropped deeper, his instincts telling him this could turn into a foot race. He glanced at the defensive midfielder and gave a sharp signal to track one of the forwards. Franck knew that if they didn't disrupt the attack early, Hannover would have a clear shot on goal. He had to act fast.
Despite their best efforts, one of the Hannover strikers managed to break through the defense. The stadium collectively held its breath as Westphalian's goalkeeper, Alain, made a desperate lunge forward to block the incoming shot. He extended his leg in an attempt to cut off the angle, but the ball took an unfortunate deflection off his shin, sending it spinning unpredictably toward the far side of the goal.
Time seemed to slow. The Hannover striker, seizing the moment, lined up for a volley, his eyes locked on the open net. The crowd tensed, knowing this could be the breakthrough Hannover was waiting for. But just as the striker swung his leg, about to deliver the fatal blow, Franck appeared—seemingly out of nowhere. His long leg stretched with precision, and in a split second, he blocked the shot, deflecting it out for a throw-in.
The stadium erupted in disbelief. The home fans were on their feet, roaring with approval, while the Hannover striker stood frozen, unable to process what had just happened. He had been sure he was about to score, only to have his efforts thwarted by Franck's miraculous intervention.
"Fuck!" the striker thought, staring at Franck, who had denied him what seemed to be a certain goal.
At that moment, Franck was no longer just a defender; he had become an immovable force on the field, a player who, to his opponents, seemed as immovable as a mountain. His timing, his presence, and his leadership had turned what could have been a devastating moment into one of triumph.
Franck's teammates gathered around him, patting him on the back, their respect for him growing with each minute. He had set the tone—this was his defense, and nothing was going to breach it without his say.