Rise of a Football God

'Home, sweet home…' Sam could not help but think as midnight approached.

Visiting home with his girlfriend after the end of such a grueling football season was just like he expected it to be, it was relaxing.

Away from the football pitch, away from rivals, from the boisterous energy of home fans and the hostile energy of away fans, away from all of this and at home with his family at last, Sam felt at peace.

As soon as the random cashier that his mom invited over for dinner left, Sam had a nice time with his family.

Together, the whole family watched an old movie, a classic in Madagascar, the old 2005 cartoon movie as they had a great time together.

After the movie, while the rest of the family, his mom, his girlfriend, and his sister stayed in the big sitting room, engaging in a gist among themselves, Sam left with his dad to the balcony where they had a man to man talk.

On top the balcony, Sam spoke with his dad about a lot of different topics, ranging from life in general to politics, to cryptocurrency, and then his career.

Talking of his career, Mr. Moses did not hold back as he spoke glowingly of Sam's premier league career so far.

When he helped his son as his agent sign the contract with Fulham, Mr. Moses expected great things from him but even he didn't expect this.

Sam's performances with Fulham blew away all his expectations, he adapted to the English premier league like a fish to water.

Despite the fact that this middle-aged man recognized his son's effort and sheer hard work in making all of it happen, still, it was clear that Sam's career trajectory was not taking the normal route that professional football players take.

It was clear that even when compared to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, even the recent Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, his career achievements were still an anomaly.

Afterall, he was still just 19!

Mr. Moses took a deep breath, looking down the balcony as he allowed the breeze caress his face. "That thing," he sighed and looked at his son. "The system, you don't yet know its origins?"

Hearing that question, Sam froze a bit.

In the end, looking at his dad, with a sigh he shook his head. "I still don't know its origin, I just got it after the 2022 FIFA World Cup final".

Mr. Moses sighed, looking into the distance. "I love you son".

"I love you a lot and I can't help but worry," he pushed his arms into his pant pockets. "Life experience has taught me that nothing comes for free and it makes me wonder, why did the system come?"

"What is its origin?"

"And most importantly," he sighed. "Why did it choose you?"

In truth, Sam had thought of these same questions a lot of times in the past but he never tried to look too deep simply because his system was too mysterious.

Its origins, its powers, they were too mysterious and he was scared of losing the system due to probing too much so he stopped it, ignoring its anomalous existence. But now, with his dad bringing the matter up, he could no longer ignore it. He had no choice but to face the bitter truth.

"Dad, to be honest, I've asked myself these same questions countless times in the past but every single time, I never get a conclusive answer in my head".

"Did I get the system because I'm better than others out there?"

"Is it because I have more potential?" Sam shrugged. "I doubt, my potential rating when I just got the system was very low".

"Is it that I'm the strongest mentally? I doubt too". Saying that, Sam looked into the distance. "I don't know the exact reason but if I'm to guess, I'll say I got the system because I met certain parameters that were needed to get the system".

"I think one of them definitely has to be my mentality," Sam grinned. "I truly want to become the best, and I'll sacrifice anything to achieve my goal!"

"As for the other parameters, I don't yet know but one of these years, something tells me that I'll find out the reason why the system chose me".

He looked at his dad. "I'll find out the reason why I got the system".

"Are you sure?"

Sam shook his head. "It's just a hunch".

Mr. Moses sighed. "I trust you then".

The father and son duo stood silent for a few minutes, just taking in the breeze when suddenly thinking of something, Mr. Moses smiled. "About your contract situation…"

Immediately after the end of the 2024/2025 football season and Fulham were confirmed as the English premier league title winners, lots of football clubs around Europe lined up for Sam's signature.

Clubs from all top 5 European leagues gave him contract offers.

Of them all though, Mr. Moses narrowed the options to 3 interesting offers. "Your most lucrative contract offer among all the clubs asking for your signature is from Paris Saint Germain, they want to get you by any means possible".

"They're offering a base salary of 500,000 Euros per week, and that is without bonuses, not to talk of the astronomical signing bonus".

Seeing the disinterested look on his son's face, Mr. Moses chuckled. "Another enticing offer comes from Manchester City. They're offering you an outstanding base salary of 370,000 Euros per week, offering you a contract only below Erling Haaland's, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodi's in the Man City squad".

He looked at his son again. "To me, the most interesting offer though is from Real Madrid. They're offering you a salary of 300,000 Euros per week".

Real Madrid was Mr. Moses' hated club, but the truth was undisputed that the Spanish capital club was the biggest club in the world.

When Real Madrid approaches a player, most never find the balls to refuse their contract offer, this was why he pitched the idea to his son.

He wanted to see how staunch his son was.

As soon as he was done speaking, Sam smirked and then he looked at his dad. "I think you forgot what I said earlier on," he chuckled.

"Barca or nothing".