TSN Manager Bianca handed over the GPA evaluation report.
Every step of the 88 days Ho-young had spent so far was recorded in detail.
First, his performance in 24 matches against other academies. With 26 goals and 6 assists, he scored 9.33 out of 10.
It was lower than the 9.81 Kaka had received eight years ago after scoring 42 goals in 28 matches, but it was still a top-tier result.
In addition, results from professional physical tests—like lung capacity, muscle resistance, body balance, and strength by body part, earned him a high medical score of 9.35.
His GPA was slightly pulled down to 9.13 due to his relatively weak Portuguese skills, but as a footballer, the score was excellent.
Moreover, his language skills were improving rapidly day by day.
Now, even if it took a little time, he could express almost everything he wanted to say.
"This is a youth contract, right?"
"Yes. As I mentioned before, contract terms depend on your GPA score. According to this chart, Ho-young, you're in the top tier. So…"
"So I'll be receiving the highest possible weekly wage, right?"
"That's correct. You recently passed the CELPE-Bras official test with a beginner rating, didn't you? Thanks to that, you just managed to exceed 9 points. Congratulations."
"Wow! Thank you so much!!"
"Haha."
Bianca, with her black-rimmed glasses that suited her well, spoke calmly.
"We're just offering a fair deal for your level of skill. It must've been hard with the language barrier, but you adapted so well. Coach Carlos is very pleased."
"Wow…"
'Yes! Yes!'
He wanted to scream out loud.
Though it was far less than what adult players earned, being able to earn money while playing football at just eleven years old meant the world to him.
Ho-young carefully examined the contract, not missing a single word.
The buyout clause was set at 500 million won, the maximum allowed for players under 13.
Since a youth contract could be terminated simply by paying the buyout, any club could sign Ho-young by paying that amount.
"So... the Tier 1 weekly wage of 400 reais (BRL) is what I'll be getting?"
"That's right. It comes out to about 250,000 won."
It was much less than the 450,000 won Cristiano Ronaldo earned at 12.
'250,000 won per week… that's 1 million a month... Amazing. It's more than I earned at 24 doing part-time jobs. Plus, there are match appearance bonuses and goal incentives too.'
Compared to Tier 6 players who earned just 50,000 won per week, it was exceptional treatment.
"And, as written in the contract, if you advance to a higher class, your wage will increase accordingly."
"What class will I start in?"
"You'll be registered with the U13 team and once you're on the roster, you'll play in the weekly league matches. Your pay will begin from then as well."
"Oh!"
São Paulo FC U13.
The very team he had faced during his time as a "Shoot Dori" in Korea.
And finally, Friday, April 4.
The day Ho-young would participate in U13 training for the first time had arrived.
Nervous, he woke up early and began warming up.
"I'm seriously nervous."
He tried to calm his nerves by practicing dribbling in the alley outside his home, but it didn't help much.
Because U13 was a completely different level compared to the academy.
Not only was the skill level higher, but more importantly, they were playing for money.
Now, he had to play not just for himself, but for the team.
He was confident, but the pressure was real.
"Let's just do what I always do! Can't have a guy getting scared like this!"
Yeah, just do what he had practiced all along, and it would be fine.
He muttered to himself and raised both arms like a madman.
"Woo Ho-young! You can do this!!"
"Ho-young!"
"Huh?"
Just as he was hyping himself up, a pretty face peeked out from the second-floor window.
"Monica!"
"Maria says breakfast is ready!"
"Okay!"
Ho-young had breakfast prepared by Choi Maria and left the house, seeing Monica off.
"Good luck today, Ho-young~"
"You too!"
Today, Maria personally drove him to the training ground.
"You've been calling your parents regularly, right?"
"Of course!"
"Are they planning to visit anytime soon?"
"Probably not, because of work. I'll have to visit them instead."
To be honest, with his packed schedule, Ho-young had no time for a vacation either.
Maybe after the weekly league ends in October.
"Even if I do visit, I'm bringing the championship trophy with me!"
"Haha. I'll be cheering for you."
"Thank you!"
This year, Ho-young had three major goals.
First, to win the U13 weekly league.
Second, to get promoted to U15.
And third, to sweep up all the talents of Brazil's top prospects.
Not just to acquire talents, but to grow and develop them even further.
As he checked his condition, he reflected on his current abilities.
[Ho-young]
[Possessed Talents: Football Prodigy (B+), Powerful Long Shot (C+), Fitness Enthusiast's Muscular Build (C), Stylish Curved Free Kick (C-), Chaminator's Run and Drive (U), Legs Faster than a Lamborghini (A), Sharp Interceptions (B+), Delicate Ball Touch (C+), Rhythmic Flexibility (C), Fairly Flashy Footwork (C+)]
He had discovered one thing over the past two months.
Among adult players, no one seemed to possess talents like [Football Prodigy].
From that, he concluded that this type of talent was tied to youth growth potential.
Like how some people learn faster or deeper than others.
Talented individuals, prodigies, and then geniuses—each level had a higher likelihood of growing into exceptional players.
'Hmm. That means [Football Prodigy] is one of the most essential talents.'
Even though [Football Prodigy (B)] was rare, finding a [Football Prodigy (B+)] was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
'Still, there should be a few talented kids in U13.'
He didn't want to overthink it now.
If he gave his best in every moment, everything else would follow.
Arriving at the destination, Ho-young said goodbye to Maria and stepped inside.
The training ground of São Paulo FC, Barra Funda, surrounded by high walls.
This was the official beginning of Ho-young's football career.
"Whoa. It's even bigger than I imagined."
As the largest football training facility in Brazil, Barra Funda was massive.
Following Emily, São Paulo FC's advisor, Ho-young toured the facilities, unable to stop marveling.
There were indoor classrooms for theory, mini futsal courts for small games, indoor fields for rainy weather, and a gym for physical programs.
If this was Brazil, he couldn't even imagine how incredible Europe's top clubs must be.
"Whoa…"
His nervousness turned into excitement.
His motivation ignited.
"Heh. I like how energetic you are. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me."
"Thank you!"
Emily, in her early 40s, was a former secretary to the club owner.
Now, she supported players with their personal problems and daily needs.
Like a mother figure, she was affectionately called "Mama" by the players.
After receiving her business card, Ho-young headed toward the U13 training ground.
Passing a sign that read "Authorized Personnel Only," he walked down a long hallway and emerged onto a wide pitch.
And there—
"Wow."
His new teammates were already warming up.
Though there were still 30 minutes before training officially started, the warm-up block was filled with the boys' energy.
There were Brazilian kids and even some foreigners who had come to study abroad and made the team. Among them was another Korean boy.
They had started warming up early to make a good impression during training.
It was a way to show diligence and commitment, and getting the body ready early helped performance.
Still, it wasn't a stiff or cold atmosphere.
Quite the opposite.
"Whoa, really? You scored 9.1 on your GPA?!"
"Yep. I got 9.33 just for my performance stats."
"Wow!!"
As always, football was the best way to break the ice.
When Ho-young introduced himself and mentioned his track record, many of the kids welcomed him.
Some players from his time in "Shoot Dori" were also there, and among them, some seemed a bit wary.
Especially the ones who shared the same position as Ho-young.
Worried that the new "frog out of the well" might take their place.
They were still kids, but playing football was their life, so fierce competition was inevitable here too.
This was a battleground for boys.
And then.
Two boys strolled onto the pitch with cocky expressions.
Judging by their confident steps, they were probably the U13 veterans.
But the moment they saw Ho-young, they frowned in disbelief.
"What are you doing here…?"
Both Casemiro and Douglas spoke in unison, having once been completely outplayed by Ho-young.
Ho-young waved at them cheerfully.
"Why wouldn't I be here?"
His eyes sparkled brightly.
[Reliable Ball Stopping (C)]
[Football Prodigy (B+)]
He had come to collect the talents he couldn't take last time.
'Hand them over!'
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ I'll be dropping two bonus chapters for every 10 reviews.
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)