Carlos sprinted down the training pitch, Chico rolling smoothly ahead of him as he weaved between cones. His lungs burned, his muscles ached, but he didn't slow down. The academy's relentless routine had become his new normal, and every day felt like a test of his limits.
Coach Martínez's sharp whistle cut through the air. "Vargas! Again, but faster this time. We don't have all day!"
Carlos nodded, wiping sweat from his brow, and reset the drill. He knew he couldn't afford to falter—not now. The academy had announced an upcoming showcase match where scouts from multiple clubs would be watching. It was a rare opportunity to make an impression, and Carlos was determined to seize it.
That evening, Carlos and Santiago sat in the cafeteria, their plates piled high with pasta and grilled chicken. Around them, players buzzed with excitement about the showcase.
"You're ready for this, Carlos," Santiago said between bites. "I've seen you out there. You're getting sharper every day."
Carlos shrugged, his fork swirling in his plate. "Maybe. But there are so many good players here. What if I don't stand out?"
Santiago leaned back in his chair, a grin spreading across his face. "You've got something they don't—your vision. You see the game differently, and that's what makes you special. Trust me, the scouts will notice."
Despite Santiago's confidence, doubts lingered in Carlos' mind. He had come so far from the dusty fields of San Azura, but the weight of expectation felt heavier than ever.
On the day of the showcase, the stadium buzzed with energy. The stands were filled with scouts, coaches, and even a few fans eager to catch a glimpse of the academy's rising stars. Carlos stood in the tunnel, his heart pounding as he adjusted his kit.
Coach Martínez addressed the team with his usual stern demeanor. "This is your chance to show what you're made of. Play smart, play hard, and don't give the scouts any reason to doubt you."
Carlos jogged onto the field with his teammates, taking in the scene. The floodlights illuminated the pristine pitch, and the roar of the crowd sent a shiver down his spine.
The match began with a frenetic pace. Carlos started in his usual midfield role, tasked with linking the defense and attack. The opposition was formidable, their players pressing aggressively and forcing mistakes.
Early on, Carlos struggled to find his rhythm. His passes were intercepted, and he was muscled off the ball more than once. He could feel the eyes of the scouts on him, their pens scratching against notepads.
Breathe. Focus.
Carlos reminded himself of the lessons he had learned from Navarro and his time at the academy. He began to simplify his game, playing quick one-twos with his teammates and moving into space.
Midway through the first half, an opportunity presented itself. Carlos intercepted a loose pass and surged forward, Chico glued to his feet. He spotted a teammate making a diagonal run and threaded a perfectly weighted through ball between two defenders. The striker took one touch and buried the ball into the net.
The crowd erupted, and Carlos' teammates swarmed him in celebration.
"That's how you do it, Vargas!" Santiago shouted from the bench.
With his confidence restored, Carlos began to take control of the midfield. He dictated the tempo, switching the play with pinpoint passes and orchestrating attacks with his vision. The scouts in the stands began to take notice, their attention shifting toward the young midfielder.
In the second half, Carlos delivered another moment of brilliance. Receiving the ball near the edge of the box, he executed a deft turn to evade his marker and unleashed a curling shot that flew past the goalkeeper into the top corner.
As the ball hit the net, Carlos felt a surge of exhilaration. This was his moment.
After the match, the players gathered in the locker room, their faces flushed with adrenaline and exhaustion. Coach Martínez entered, his expression softer than usual.
"Well done, everyone," he said. "You gave the scouts plenty to think about."
As the players dispersed, Javier Ortiz approached Carlos, his face alight with approval.
"Carlos, you were outstanding today," Ortiz said. "Several scouts mentioned you specifically. You're on their radar now."
Carlos felt a swell of pride but kept his composure. "Thank you, Señor Ortiz. I'll keep working hard."
That evening, Carlos called his mamá, recounting the day's events with excitement. Her voice was filled with pride as she listened, reminding him of how far he had come.
"Mijo, whatever happens, remember that I'm proud of you," she said.
As Carlos hung up, he stared out the window at the city lights, his heart full of hope. The journey was far from over, but for the first time, he felt like he was truly on the path to greatness.
With Chico at his side, he vowed to keep pushing forward, no matter what challenges lay ahead.