2009, La Masia, Barcelona
Youssef stared at the gray walls of the director's office, feeling his heart pounding against his ribs. He had just been called in after a grueling training session, but the stern faces of the coaches told him everything he needed to know. He was being expelled from La Masia, the academy that had once promised him a bright future. At 17, this was supposed to be his gateway to greatness, but now it felt like the end.
"Youssef," began Coach Fernandez, the head of youth development, his voice cold and detached. "We've decided to release you from the academy. Your recent behavior⊠it's not fitting for a player of La Masia."
Youssef's stomach twisted. He knew this wasn't about his behavior or attitude; it was about his Moroccan roots, a constant barrier he'd felt since arriving. "But, Coach, I've given everything to this club. My performanceâ"
Fernandez cut him off, his expression unchanging. "Your performance has been inconsistent, and we believe it's best for you to pursue your career elsewhere. This is final."
Youssef clenched his fists, his body trembling with anger and helplessness. There were no words left to say; his dream was being taken from him, not because he wasn't good enough, but because he didn't fit their mold.
As he walked out of the office, he could feel the stares of the other players. Whispers followed him like a dark cloud. "He's out," one of them muttered. "Good riddance."
Just as Youssef was about to step out of the facility, he felt dizzy. His vision blurred, and a rush of unfamiliar sensations coursed through him. His surroundings began to change, like a film being rewound at high speed. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing on the same La Masia grounds, but something was different.
He glanced down at his handsâhis 17-year-old hands. His mind was flooded with memories of playing for Raja Casablanca in 2024. He was back in the past, on the very day he was expelled from La Masia, but this time with a lifetime of experience and knowledge from his 32-year-old self.
"What⊠what just happened?" he murmured, still trying to process the bizarre reality. Before he could think further, a soft blue light flashed before his eyes.
[FOOTBALL TEMPLATE SYSTEM ACTIVATED]
A semi-transparent blue panel hovered before him, displaying text that only he could see.
[Welcome, Player Youssef. You have been chosen to access the Football Template System. The system provides template cards of various players, from legendary to average. Complete tasks to unlock new abilities and improve your football skills.]
[Starter Template Card: Robert Lewandowski (Talent, Instincts, Experience)]
Youssef blinked in shock, struggling to comprehend what he was seeing. "A system? Like something out of a video game?" he whispered. The idea was absurd, but the panel was there, clear as day. And the nameâLewandowski. This was a player he had admired for years.
[Task: Impress in a Professional Trial. Location: England. Club: Leicester City. Reward: New Template Card (Random).]
Youssef's heart raced. If this was realâif this strange system could actually help himâhe had been given a second chance. And this time, he would not let anyone dictate his future.
England, Leicester City Training Grounds
A Week Later
Youssef stood at the edge of the Leicester City training grounds, feeling the chill of the English air settle into his bones. Around him were other trialists, each with a fire in their eyes, eager to prove themselves. He recognized one of themâJamie Vardy, a young striker who had been making waves in the lower leagues. Vardy seemed approachable, with a wide grin and a friendly demeanor.
Youssef approached him, extending a hand. "Youssef. Good to meet you."
Vardy shook his hand with a nod. "Jamie Vardy. You ready to show these blokes what we've got?"
Youssef smiled back. "More than ready."
The coach blew the whistle, signaling the start of the 11 vs. 11 match. Youssef was placed in the forward line alongside Vardy, with Cartwright on the right wing and Reyes pulling strings in midfield. On the opposite side, Turner and his gang seemed determined to dominate.
As the game kicked off, Youssef could feel the difference almost immediately. Lewandowski's template wasn't giving him superpowers, but his understanding of the game had deepened. He anticipated movements, saw gaps forming before they appeared, and timed his runs to perfection. His body felt like a finely tuned instrument, playing in harmony with the rhythm of the match.
Youssef's team won possession, and Reyes quickly fed the ball to Cartwright. Youssef, channeling Lewandowski's awareness, made a curved run between the center-backs. Cartwright swung in a low cross, and with a quick, deft touch, Youssef guided the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
The young Moroccan barely reacted, his face calm and focused. This wasn't luck; this was skill and preparation. The players exchanged glances. Even Vardy, known for his sharp wit, looked at Youssef with newfound respect. "Nice one, mate," he said. "You've got a proper striker's instinct."
Youssef just nodded, already plotting his next move.
The game continued, and Youssef quickly began to see patterns. He moved with purpose, dropping deep when necessary to help his midfield and stretching the defense with his runs. His movements created spaces that Vardy exploited, nearly resulting in another goal. The synergy between them was evident; they played off each other's strengths as if they'd been teammates for years.
Coach Henderson watched from the sidelines, his eyes narrowing with interest. "This Youssef kid⊠there's something about him," he muttered to his assistant. "Plays like a young Lewandowski but reads the game like a veteran."
As the match wore on, Youssef found himself matched up against Turner. The rugged midfielder, frustrated by Youssef's movement, aimed to take him down a peg. Turner closed in, throwing his body weight into a harsh tackle. Youssef, however, saw it coming. With a deft sidestep and a bit of luck, he avoided the challenge, leaving Turner stumbling. The midfielder cursed under his breath, his face red with frustration.
Reyes picked up the loose ball and threaded it through to Vardy, who played a quick one-two with Youssef. As Vardy sprinted towards the box, Youssef saw the defenders collapsing on him. He made a split-second decision, chipping the ball over to Vardy, who finished with a volley that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The field erupted in applause, the players stunned at the precision and calm of the move. Vardy jogged back to Youssef, a broad grin splitting his face. "Bloody hell, mate. You're full of surprises."
Youssef chuckled, his heart pounding in his chest. "Just getting started."
The game ended with Youssef's team winning 3-1. Coach Henderson gathered everyone around and singled out a few names. "Vardy, Cartwright, Reyes⊠Youssef," he called. "You're staying. I want to see more of you in the coming weeks."
Youssef nodded, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. As the other players dispersed, the blue panel flashed in front of him again.
[Task Completed: Impress in a Professional Trial. Reward Unlocked: New Template CardâThomas MĂŒller (Positioning, Off-the-Ball Movement, Versatility).]
Youssef's eyes widened with excitement. MĂŒller was known for his intelligence, his ability to find space where none existed. Combining this with Lewandowski's template, he felt the possibilities unfold before him.
Coach Henderson approached Youssef and clapped him on the shoulder. "You've got something special, lad. Keep this up, and you might just go places."
Youssef nodded, his gaze firm and determined. This time, he would carve his own path. No discrimination, no setbacksâonly the relentless pursuit of greatness.
With the templates of two legends guiding him and the wisdom of his future self, Youssef walked off the pitch, ready for whatever came next.