Chapter 152: 2030 FIFA World Cup Final
_-(AFTER 3 YEARS)-_
The roar of the crowd in the Santiago Bernabéu, the iconic stage for the 2030 FIFA World Cup Final, was a symphony Nathan had come to know intimately. 3 years had passed since that record-breaking season, a whirlwind of trophies, personal accolades, and a continuous redefining of what it meant to be a footballer. His Overall Rating: S+ was no longer a personal ambition; it was a universally acknowledged truth, whispered by fans, studied by analysts, and confirmed by the shimmer of his Legacy Archive.
Over these six years, Nathan had solidified his place as an "Era-Defining Icon." Manchester United had claimed five Premier League titles, three more Champions League crowns, three FA Cups, and four League Cups under his unwavering influence. He had personally lifted the Ballon d'Or five times, collected countless Golden Boots and Playmaker awards, his name synonymous with sustained, comprehensive brilliance.
His career statistics were almost mythical:
Manchester United Career (2024-2030):
Appearances: 300+
Goals: 250
Assists: 200
Total G+A: 450 (shattering club and league records)
England National Team (2024-2030):
Appearances: 60+
Goals: 50
Assists: 40
Total G+A: 90 (approaching all-time national team records)
His Perfected Dribbling (from Glide of Messi (100%) mastery) felt like a natural extension of his will, allowing him to navigate the tightest spaces with breathtaking fluidity, even after years of relentless pressure. He had mastered the art of tactical innovation, leadership, and unwavering consistency, fulfilling the ultimate challenges of the Legacy Archive. Now, he stood on the precipice of history once more, leading England in the World Cup Final.
This was the biggest stage, the one trophy he hadn't lifted with his national team yet. The opponent? None other than France, a familiar and formidable rival, champions in their own right, and led by the enduring genius of Kylian Mbappé.
The England dressing room was a mix of nervous energy and steely determination. Declan Rice, now the undisputed captain, clapped his hands. "This is it, lads. Everything. All the training, all the sacrifices. For this. For our country."
Harry Kane, still the spearhead, nodded. "One last push, boys. Leave nothing out there."
Nathan felt a calm resolve. He had faced these moments countless times. This was what he was built for.
He used his "Talent Scout" on the French lineup, familiar faces blended with rising stars.
Kylian Mbappé – Ability: S+ | Potential: S | Overall Rating: S+
Still the pinnacle of pace and finishing. The ultimate threat. Their captain.
Eduardo Camavinga – Ability: A+ | Potential: S | Overall Rating: A+
The engine of their midfield, tireless, technically superb. Controls the tempo.
William Saliba – Ability: A+ | Potential: S | Overall Rating: A+
Commanding center-back, reads the game beautifully, physical presence.
Mike Maignan – Ability: A+ | Potential: S | Overall Rating: A+
Phenomenal goalkeeper, agile, fantastic shot-stopper and distribution.
Gareth Southgate, seasoned by years of high-pressure tournaments, spoke calmly. "France are formidable. They will be organized, quick, and ruthless. But we have heart. We have courage. And we have the best player in the world. Stick to the plan, trust each other. Bring it home."
The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu was a breathtaking tapestry of noise. Half the stadium a roaring sea of English white and red, the other half a vibrant blue, draped in French tricolours. The World Cup anthem swelled, then vanished in a collective roar that vibrated through Nathan's very bones.
Pheeeeeep! The whistle blew, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup Final was underway.
France, true to their pedigree, started with blistering pace and tactical discipline. Mbappé was immediately active, darting down the left wing, his runs creating havoc for Reece James. Antoine Griezmann, still orchestrating from a deeper role, pulled strings, constantly looking for openings.
England, though, met them with a newfound steel. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham battled fiercely in midfield, trying to disrupt Camavinga's rhythm. Nathan drifted between the lines, using his Perfected Dribbling to retain possession and launch quick counter-attacks.
Minute 18. France scored. A quick one-two between Mbappé and Randal Kolo Muani on the left wing saw Mbappé burst into the box. He drilled a low cross that deflected off Levi Colwill, falling directly to Kingsley Coman, who tapped it into the empty net.
England 0 - France 1.
The blue half of the stadium erupted, a wave of jubilation. Nathan felt the familiar sting of falling behind in a major final, but this time, there was an almost calm certainty. This was the moment. The biggest stage, the greatest challenge. He knew what was needed: not just a goal, but a moment that would transcend the game, a definitive statement from an Era-Defining Icon, sealing his place as the ultimate GOAT.
Just then, the familiar System chime cut through the noise, sharp and clear.
Ding!
[System Notification]
[Your team is trailing in the World Cup Final against a formidable opponent, requiring a singular, unparalleled moment of transcendent genius to turn the tide and deliver an era-defining impact.]
[You may request one random legendary ultimate decisive moment/legacy-sealing skill in the style of a football icon to execute a breathtaking, unplayable action that not only secures a crucial goal/assist but also etches your name into football history as the undisputed, era-defining GOAT.]
[Do you wish to activate it?]
Nathan's eyes narrowed. Transcendent genius? Legacy-sealing? Era-defining GOAT? This was it. This was the culmination of everything, the final frontier of his journey. This wasn't just about winning the match; it was about defining his place in eternity.
Yes! Activate!
Ding!
[Random Skill Activated: The Immortal's Crowning Touch of Pelé (World Stage)]
[Effect: For the next 5 minutes of in-game time, your ability to execute a perfect, game-winning action (goal or assist) on the biggest stage, combining all your perfected skills with an almost supernatural composure and tactical foresight, is elevated to an unprecedented, unchallengeable level. You will create a moment of pure, unforgettable footballing artistry that directly leads to a decisive goal and solidifies your status as the undisputed GOAT, forever.]
A profound, almost spiritual sense of destiny washed over Nathan. He felt a calmness that defied the roaring stadium, a clarity that saw every possibility, every nuance of the game. His Perfected Dribbling, his strategic vision, his finishing prowess, his leadership, his physical dominance – all fused into a single, seamless, all-encompassing force. He was the master of his own fate, the architect of his legacy. This wasn't just a skill; it was the ultimate expression of his being.
He immediately dropped deep, calling for the ball from Jude Bellingham. France's midfielders, Camavinga and Tchouaméni, converged on him, ready to press. Nathan received the ball, took one serene touch, then, with The Immortal's Crowning Touch of Pelé (World Stage) active, he began his ultimate masterpiece.
He weaved past Camavinga with an effortless feint, then turned Tchouaméni inside out with a sudden chop, leaving both midfielders stunned. He was now surging into France's half, bearing down on their defense. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano stepped up, forming a seemingly impenetrable wall.
Nathan didn't hesitate. With the ball glued to his foot from his Perfected Dribbling, he executed a dizzying series of rapid step-overs, then, with a burst of Unparalleled Agility, he slipped between Saliba and Upamecano as if they weren't even there. He was clean through, inside the box, one-on-one with Mike Maignan.
Maignan rushed out, making himself big, his imposing frame filling the goal. Nathan, with cold, divine precision, subtly shifted the ball, feigning a shot to the near post. Maignan lunged. Then, with a delicate, almost disrespectful touch, Nathan curled the ball with the outside of his boot, around the diving keeper and into the far corner, watching it ripple the net.
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!!
The net bulged! England 1 - France 1! The entire Santiago Bernabéu erupted in an explosion of pure, disbelieving ecstasy, a roar that shook the foundations! Nathan screamed, pumping his fists, his England teammates mobbing him. The Immortal's Crowning Touch of Pelé had delivered. It was a goal that transcended the match, transcended the tournament. It was the moment the Era-Defining Icon became the Undisputed GOAT.
For the next five minutes, Nathan was a force of absolute destiny. Every touch, every pass, every movement was flawless, radiating a calm authority that unnerved France. He seemed to be everywhere, orchestrating England's attacks, winning crucial tackles, and constantly finding himself in positions to score or assist. He threaded a perfect through ball to Bukayo Saka that was just saved by Maignan.
The Immortal's Crowning Touch of Pelé faded, but its impact had been seismic. England had seized the momentum.
Just before halftime, England took the lead. A brilliant run and cross from Phil Foden found Harry Kane, who powered a header into the net, making it 2-1.
The second half was a testament to England's resolve and France's relentless pursuit. Mbappé was a constant threat, his pace and power causing problems for the England defense. Jordan Pickford, in goal, made several crucial saves, proving why he was England's number one.
Nathan continued to influence the game, with his Perfected Dribbling allowing him to constantly create space and dictate play. His leadership radiated, calming his teammates under immense pressure.
The final minutes of the match were agonizingly tense. France threw everything forward, desperate for an equalizer. In the 89th minute, Mbappé unleashed a powerful shot that Pickford somehow tipped onto the crossbar. The ball rebounded to Olivier Giroud, but Luke Shaw, with a last-ditch block, cleared it off the line!
The referee looked at his watch. England were holding on. The crowd was a roaring wave of anticipation.
Then, deep into injury time, France won a free-kick just outside the box. Mbappé stood over it. The stadium held its breath. This was it. The very last chance.
Mbappé struck it, a powerful, curling shot over the wall, destined for the top corner...
But David Raya, in for the last minutes for some reason, with a spectacular, finger-tip save, pushed it wide for a corner! The final whistle blew an instant later, before the corner could be taken.
Pheeeeeep!
ENGLAND HAD WON THE WORLD CUP!
ENGLAND 2 - FRANCE 1!
The entire stadium, now a sea of jubilant white and red, erupted! Players collapsed, overcome with emotion. Nathan fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. He had done it. World Cup. Champions League. Premier League. The ultimate GOAT.
His teammates piled on him, a joyous, chaotic embrace. Harry Kane, the captain, pulled him into a tight hug. "We did it, Nathan! You did it! You're the best, mate! The absolute best!"
Nathan, breathless but overwhelmed with emotion, just grinned through his tears. He checked his system, the familiar chime resonating, but this time, it felt different, like a final, glorious chime.
[Overall Rating: S+]
It still read S+. But then, a final, monumental notification filled his vision, encompassing everything.
Ding!
[Legacy Archive Update: Challenge Complete! "The Era-Defining Icon" has been achieved!]
[Description: You have consistently defined and dominated the narrative of your era, not just through unparalleled performance, but by setting new tactical trends, breaking seemingly unbreakable long-term records, and becoming the universally acknowledged face of modern football for multiple seasons. Your influence on the evolution of the sport is undeniable and widely recognized globally, transcending the pitch to inspire resilience and redefine the very idea of greatness.]
[ULTIMATE CHALLENGE COMPLETE! You have achieved the rank of UNDISPUTED GOAT!]
[Your Legacy is now permanently etched into the very fabric of football history. Your influence will inspire generations, and your name will forever be synonymous with the beautiful game itself.]
Nathan stared at the screen, a profound sense of peace settling over him. Undisputed GOAT. He had achieved his personal goal, redefined football, and etched his name into eternity. The trophies, the records, the skills – they were all secondary to this feeling of complete fulfillment. The journey had been long, challenging, and exhilarating. But now, as he looked out at the celebrating fans, the world was his. The GOAT had truly arrived. The story of Nathan wasn't just a story of a player; it was the story of football's future, reimagined. And for Nathan, it felt like the most wonderful beginning.