GOAT: All Football Talents Are Mine

Late December 2009.

The draw ceremony for the FIFA World Cup took place at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. Hosted by FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and South African actress Charlize Theron, the event featured sports figures representing Africa, including David Beckham, as draw assistants.

Pot 1—consisting of the host country and the top seven ranked teams—was allocated the top spots in each group. From there, the draw deviated from the future Hoyoung had anticipated.

In Hoyoung's knowledge of events, England should have been in Pot 1. However, due to Capello's underwhelming performance and France's strong form, France took England's spot in Pot 1.

As a result, Group A consisted of South Africa, Mexico, England, and Uruguay. Adding to the twist, Beckham's draw placed England in the second spot, setting up an opening match between South Africa and England.

Meanwhile, Korea was drawn into Group B alongside Argentina, Greece, and Nigeria, with Beckham placing Korea in the fourth spot.

"The first match is against Nigeria. It was supposed to be Greece first."

Hoyoung, watching the live broadcast on TV, couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"Have I influenced Beckham somehow?"

The butterfly effect, no matter how small, was undeniable. Hoyoung recalled the ripples he had already created—moving from São Paulo to Real Madrid, Zidane delaying his retirement, and Perez becoming president. Beckham's later years improved significantly due to those changes, which ultimately led to a different draw outcome.

"If this happens, our last group match will be against Argentina."

Facing a powerhouse like Argentina while potentially exhausted was a daunting thought.

"This World Cup is all or nothing."

Winning against Nigeria and Greece would make progression relatively smooth. Failing to do so, however, would lead to a hellish schedule—even if they made it to the round of 16.

And now, with England in Group A, predicting their round-of-16 opponent was impossible—it could be Uruguay, England, or Mexico.

---

Christmas Eve, 2009.

Real Madrid hosted its annual team lunch, but the atmosphere was far from celebratory. Despite their stellar performance on the field, tensions simmered between the players and the board.

Much of the discord stemmed from rumors of a "release list" and dissatisfaction with the club's wage system.

Marcelo, seated nearby, spoke up.

"Where in the world is there such a law?"

Marcelo, who had earned more playing time and popularity, had been promised a pay raise. But with Angel's dismissal as technical director, that promise was left unfulfilled. Calderon's rigid principle—tying salaries strictly to stats rather than player recognition—was to blame.

"The more I think about it, the less I care. If this continues, don't you think the squad will fall apart? Hoyoung, what do you think?"

"It's a critical time, but I doubt it. Unless the financial situation is dire."

Marcelo glanced around, ensuring no cameras were nearby, before lowering his voice.

"The club's finances are a mess. I heard the deals with Adidas and Bwin fell short of expectations. Our debt is higher than Manchester United's."

Hoyoung absorbed the information, noting that while clubs like United thrived despite debt, Real Madrid's financial troubles were too severe to ignore. The club had borrowed beyond its means, failed major projects, and faced mounting player discontent.

---

The holiday season marked a busy period for Hoyoung. Between commercials, magazine shoots, and other engagements, his popularity soared, managed expertly by Lucy. Her efforts bore fruit, with her agency thriving alongside Hoyoung's rise.

Late at night, Lucy teased Hoyoung.

"You're smiling all day. What's the secret?"

"The company earned 300,000 euros today. Of course, I'm happy. Money makes the world go round."

Hoyoung smirked but didn't disagree. Lucy continued:

"But it's not just about the money. Watching your growth is the real reward. It feels like yesterday when you won the Golden Boy Award, and now you're among the Ballon d'Or nominees."

Two months earlier, Hoyoung had been named one of the final 30 nominees. Though he wasn't expecting to win, making the top five would be historic.

"Lucy, what's your prediction?"

"Fourth place."

"Then I'll bet on third."

---

December 28, 2009 – Paris, France.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony was abuzz with star power, including Messi, Ronaldo, Xavi, Iniesta, Eto'o, and Kaka. Kaka greeted Hoyoung warmly.

"When are you coming to AC Milan?"

"Why don't you come to Madrid instead?"

Their banter was interrupted as the rankings were announced. Fourth place went to Kaka, and third was awarded to Hoyoung—an honor accompanied by a tinge of disappointment. Messi took second, while Ronaldo clinched the Ballon d'Or.

Hoyoung couldn't help but feel regret. One of Messi's hidden conditions for Hoyoung to unlock was to surpass him in the Ballon d'Or. But the setback fueled Hoyoung's resolve for the upcoming season.

---

January 2010.

As the winter transfer window opened, Real Madrid offloaded Van Nistelrooy, Garay, and Mahamadou Diarra. The team remained dominant, advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals and maintaining their impressive league form.

Hoyoung's talents continued to grow. His advanced ball control was nearing perfection, and his adaptability allowed him to absorb defensive skills from Ramos, Pepe, and Marcelo.

By March, the Champions League quarterfinal draw was revealed. Real Madrid faced AC Milan, a formidable opponent featuring legends like Kaka, Ronaldinho, Pirlo, and Inzaghi.

---

Injury struck Hoyoung just a week before the match. Though his recovery was uncertain, his determination remained unshaken.

"We will win, no matter what."

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