Mateo stared at the magazine cover for a long moment,as if trying to etch it into his memory.
His future.Right there — printed in bold ink, immortalized for the world to see.
Klara's father chuckled warmly as he sat back in his chair.
"The magazine will be published in one week," he said casually."Actually... just after your upcoming friendly match against Barcelona."
Mateo blinked.
"Barcelona?"
He had heard rumors, but nothing official yet.
Seeing the surprise in his eyes, Klara's father grinned mischievously.
"That's right.Bayern vs Barcelona — the youth and new stars will be showcased."
He leaned forward slightly, playful.
"So, Mateo," he said, pretending to be stern,"if you could maybe — you know — score a hat-trick, or pull off some magic, it would really help boost sales."
He burst into laughter.
Mateo laughed too, feeling the pressure but also the warmth behind the joke.
"I'll do even better," Mateo said, smiling confidently."I'll give them a match they'll never forget."
After some more casual conversation, Mateo thanked Klara's parents for the wonderful dinner and the unexpected surprise.
Klara walked him to the door, holding his hand tightly for a moment before whispering:
"You're going to be amazing."
Mateo kissed her forehead gently.
"I'll make you proud," he promised.
That night, lying in bed, Mateo didn't feel fear.
He felt anticipation.
Determination.
He remembered the fire in his father's last words.The dreams they had both shared.
And now,he had a chance to step onto a stage against one of the greatest clubs in the world.
He wouldn't waste it.
Not for anything.
The next morning, training resumed.
The air around Säbener Straße was sharper, buzzing with energy.
Coach Kompany gathered the team before practice, holding a clipboard.
"The Barcelona match is important," he said seriously."Not just for fitness, but for making statements."
He began reading the list of called-up players —one by one.
When he finally said:
"Mateo González,"
Mateo felt his heart skip a beat.
He clenched his fist subtly by his side.
"I'm in."
"I'm ready."
Around him, teammates clapped and patted each other on the back.For many, it was just another game.
But for Mateo —it would be a declaration.
As the players dispersed to begin warm-ups,Mateo couldn't stop the thoughts running through his head.
Images of Barcelona players flashed before him:
Pedri — elegant and impossible to pin down.
Gavi — fierce, aggressive, never backing down.
Fermín López — a rising star, unpredictable and hungry.
Ansu Fati — a raw, explosive threat.
Lamine Yamal — the prodigy, a boy genius, lightning-fast, daring and fearless.
"They're good," Mateo thought, his chest tightening not with fear, but with excitement.
"They're very good."
But a smile crept onto his lips.
"And so am I."
He tightened the laces on his boots a little more firmly.
"Let's give the world something to talk about."