Football is a game of tactics.
A match without tactics is like sailing a ship without a rudder.
The manager is the captain, and the players are the crew who row the boat.
The playmaker is both the navigator and the helmsman.
When all of these are in harmony, a beautiful game is born.
And a beautiful game doesn't necessarily mean a winning one, but one that delights the eyes.
Today, the man with grass-colored spiky hair saw just that.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal.
A match that embodied the philosophy of Spanish football—not to teach winning football, but enjoyable football.
"¡Genial! ¡Genial!"
The man couldn't stop exclaiming in admiration.
His face remained stoic and firm, like carved stone.
But his voice was busy pouring out praise.
"So that kid is the greenhorn Zidane mentioned during last year's World Cup?"
"Yes, that's him."
"You've created a clone."
Currently an active Villarreal player, this man had a close relationship with Zidane.
Naturally, he was very familiar with Zidane's style of play, and today, he saw something similar in Ho-young.
'To think I'd get to witness a match like this. I'm lucky.'
There was a bit of a complicated backstory as to why someone of his stature in the professional world happened to be watching this match.
After the 2006 World Cup, his condition had taken a hit, leading to a noticeable drop in form.
As a key pillar of the team who couldn't seem to focus, Villarreal had sent him on a mid-season break.
A few days ago, he had returned to the team and was training alone at the training ground when he heard there was a Juvenil B match happening. So he had come to watch as a form of light rest.
But he never expected to witness a game this good.
Ho-young had stirred his curiosity and moved his feet.
As soon as the match ended, he entered the stadium and waited in the players' tunnel.
Before long, the players who had just finished the game began to walk in.
"Oh!"
The Villarreal youth players showed surprised and animated reactions when they spotted him.
They assumed that their senior, who led the Yellow Submarine, had come to comfort them after their loss.
But he had no interest in Villarreal's youth team.
He gave them a casual wave, then walked straight up to Ho-young.
And offered a handshake.
"You know who I am?"
Of course he did. How could he not?
Even without checking the visible talent list, this man was a legend of Argentina.
Still, Ho-young couldn't help glancing at his talent list.
Because it was just that extraordinary.
[Juan Román Riquelme]
[Possessed Talents: The Rebel of Modern Football (T), Playmaking of the Rebel (U), Extraordinary Ball Keeping (S+2), Unparalleled Creativity (S+), Dominant Free Kick (S)]
(More...)
(You can obtain one talent by meeting the required conditions.)
(When selecting a T-grade (Title) talent, you may inherit part of their senses. However, you must be at least 18 years old to acquire it.)
(To acquire S-grade or higher talents, hidden conditions must be met.)
(Condition 1: Win the Juvenil Copa del Rey)
(Condition 2: Win by a 3-goal margin against Villarreal in the Copa del Rey Final)
(Condition 3: Be selected as MVP of the Copa del Rey Final)
(Condition 4: Win the Golden Boot of the Copa del Rey)
(Hidden Condition: Unlock by meeting at least one of the above)
Riquelme.
A man often described with the phrase El Último Diez—the Last No.10.
The final classic playmaker.
Along with Zidane, he was one of the last true trequartistas, a type of player now nearly extinct in modern football.
He was often called the Zidane of South America, but there was something unique about him.
Online, people often referred to him as The Rebel of Modern Football, due to his playing style.
'He's lazy.'
Like a sloth.
He didn't move around much, which meant his work rate was low.
That didn't mean he was slow.
It was just that his style of play was relaxed and unhurried.
The so-called aesthetics of slowness.
And that was fine for him, because he never needed to run much.
Riquelme.
Like Zidane, he was a manager on the pitch.
A player-type nearly unsustainable in today's fast-paced, counter-attack-focused football.
But he had already become a legend.
And now, he said to Ho-young,
"This is exciting."
"Sorry?"
"Hurry up and come up. I want to test myself against you."
It was a personal wish.
He was desperately curious.
Could Ho-young perform like this even at the professional level?
Smiling innocently, an expression that didn't quite match his stern face, Riquelme extended his hand again.
"Someday, you and I will share the same pitch. I'll be waiting for that day."
The Zidane of South America.
He said it with conviction.
He was sure he'd soon see Ho-young playing in La Liga.
"I won't go easy on you just because you're young."
With those parting words, he coolly disappeared.
It was a short and sudden meeting, but one that meant a lot to Ho-young.
He had gained quite a bit.
'Riquelme's playmaking, huh.'
In terms of difficulty alone, it felt similar to when he obtained Ballack's versatility.
Ho-young's eyes softened.
'I should be able to get it next week.'
Compared to Zidane's talent, this seemed much easier to acquire.
He couldn't help but smile.
It felt like getting a bonus.
A pumpkin rolling into his lap, as the saying goes.
To add Riquelme's playmaking on top of Kaká's... it was getting hard to even predict how far he could go.
Even back in the away team's locker room, the unexpected continued.
"That was impressive."
It was none other than Pérez, who had visited with Lucci.
Everyone turned their eyes toward the surprise guest.
In the middle of the locker room, Pérez wore a kind smile.
The kind of face that looked like he might hand you pocket money.
Two days later.
Lucci boarded a domestic flight.
Destination: Barcelona. To attend the 2007 F/W Custu designer fashion show.
The man who only knew jeans and suits had no real interest in fashion.
But this was all for the sake of his client.
He tracked down a famous Madrid stylist and dressed himself up to the nines, then headed for the show.
Even just sitting there was exhausting, but pretending to be an expert, he paid attention to the runway for 20 minutes.
"Those are some impressive outfits."
While watching the show, he constantly observed the people in attendance.
As expected of a prestigious fashion event, countless celebrities were present.
'They're here too.'
Lucci looked forward to the after-party.
While fashion shows are useful for tracking industry trends, many attend just for the after-parties.
It's where global celebrities and influencers mingle.
That was the real reason Lucci spent a fortune to attend today.
"Ah, lovely to meet the ladies of the Blancos. I'm Lucci."
Lucci approached a standing table where two blonde women were chatting.
He called over a passing waiter and ordered three glasses of champagne, then displayed impeccable manners.
The women responded warmly.
"Oh my, thank you."
"I love cava. Where have I seen you before? Was it at the Bernabéu?"
In order: Daniela and Dorothy.
Daniela was Ronaldo's wife, and Dorothy was Roberto Carlos's girlfriend.
Lucci already had a passing acquaintance with Dorothy, and luckily, she seemed to remember him.
Smiling slightly, Lucci answered in a calm, low voice.
"Haha. I believe we exchanged greetings once with President Pérez."
He didn't reveal his job immediately.
Doing so might make it feel like a sales pitch right from the start.
And frankly, the women didn't care much about his job anyway.
All they remembered was that he was close with the club president.
Lucci didn't mention what he did until they'd chatted about fashion for a while.
"So you work with the youth players. But if this is business, that might be awkward. Our husbands already have their own agencies."
"Same for Roni."
Roni was Ronaldo's nickname.
The women assumed Lucci was trying to pitch himself as an agent.
It happens often—agents pretending to meet by chance to recruit new clients.
But they were only half right.
Lucci chuckled and shook his head.
"I'm not here for something so dull. I'm just a fellow fashionista who came to see the show."
"Hoho. So what did you think of the collection?"
Daniela asked teasingly.
Lucci responded smoothly, as if he had been waiting for the question.
"I found the satin, metallic-strapped sandals especially striking. A true statement from the futuristic vision of the Custu designer. On the other hand, the purple fringe dress with corsage accents had a romantic flair. That'll definitely lead this fall and winter season. I guarantee it."
"Oh my, you really know your stuff."
"I love fashion, after all."
He chuckled and sipped his champagne.
His throat was parched.
'Good. I'm doing well.'
He had studied fashion like mad just for this moment.
They say to get close to someone, you should first get close to their wife.
To build a relationship with Ronaldo, Lucci spared no effort.
Without changing expression, he passionately described a personal fashion philosophy he had never truly held, drawing sympathy from the women.
Fortunately, the response was positive.
"I thought you were just bluffing, but you really do like fashion. Most men only care about football."
"These days, being a footballer isn't enough. You need to dress well too. That's why I help style my players myself."
"Haha. You're funny."
"Actually, before I became an agent, I almost went into fashion."
"Oh, is that so?"
He'd done it.
He had created a sense of connection.
Maybe it wouldn't lead to anything big right away, but at least their guard was down.
Especially Daniela, Ronaldo's wife, who was also a model and fashion designer. This was a perfect chance to build rapport.
As the drinks flowed, the atmosphere at the table became even warmer.
"Lucci, you seem like a good person."
"Real recognizes real."
"Hoho."
The wives of superstars are constantly approached by agents.
Many pretend to meet by chance.
But these women didn't think Lucci was like that.
He hadn't said a word about football or business.
Even if he was trying to pitch something, they thought, at least he was genuinely nice.
And in truth, Lucci wasn't here today to recruit.
But since his fashion knowledge was limited, he had to excuse himself before being exposed.
"After always talking about football, it's refreshing to speak with true fashionistas. This has been a delightful encounter."
"Same here. I hope we meet again."
Daniela gave him a cheek kiss.
Lucci returned the gesture.
"Likewise. If it's an event like this, I'd be glad to join. Here's my card. Feel free to reach out anytime."
Just as he was about to leave the table—
"Mr. Lucci."
"Yes?"
"We're having a small gathering once the season ends. Would you like to come? It's nothing fancy, just a private dinner with like-minded people. A lot of designers and club staff will be there too."
"That already sounds exciting."
"Hoho. I'll contact you."
With that, Lucci achieved his goal.
A private dinner led by Daniela.
From what he had gathered, many football stars would be in attendance.
That would be where his real work begins.
'I need to leave a good impression.'
Lucci was Ho-young's mirror.
If his actions left a good impression, President Pérez would take care of the rest.
Tutoring.
In truth, President Pérez had been working on it, but there were limits.
Unlike Zidane, who planned to stay with Real Madrid after retirement, Ronaldo, Beckham, and Roberto Carlos had no such intentions.
Beckham was already confirmed to be heading to the US. Roberto Carlos's plans were still undecided.
To make matters worse, Ronaldo was currently not on good terms with the club.
Tutoring with Ho-young seemed nearly impossible.
Even the first-team manager, Fabio Capello, had tried to release him.
Ronaldo had only remained on the team because of his performance in the Champions League Round of 16, and partly thanks to Pérez's opposition.
So now, Lucci's job was to maintain a good relationship with Ronaldo and arrange a meeting with Ho-young.
In reality, agents often help players get close or even reconcile with those they've fought on the pitch.
It's part of the job—to manage a client's relationships.
And Lucci knew very well.
Just how much influence tutoring could have on Ho-young.
How much it could accelerate his growth.
After the after-party, Lucci returned to his nearby hotel and spent the night working on his laptop.
"Phew."
He pulled out a cigarette but put it back in.
Bzzz.
His phone buzzed.
The caller was Ho-young.
"Did I wake you?"
"No, go ahead."
I just heard from Grandpa. FIFA came for a house inspection this afternoon. Thought I should let you know.
"Haha. Then it's all done now. Since the residency check is complete, FIFA should be sending over the official youth transfer approval soon. You've worked hard through it all."
Now, there would be no problems with Ho-young's transfer.
In Spain, there's a local rule that allows the registration of foreign players under 13.
However, FIFA can intervene at any time, so it's a risky move.
But now that Ho-young would be officially approved by FIFA, there was nothing to worry about.
Even if FIFA were to change its mind years later, there would be no consequences.
A truly perfect situation.
You've done so much for me, Mr. Lucci.
"Not at all. I'll start checking things out first thing in the morning."
An agent must live busier than their client.
While most agents manage several players, Lucci had devoted himself fully to Ho-young during this critical time.
He had even left the Brazilian headquarters to come to Spain.
Because in his eyes, Ho-young was destined for greatness.
And he wanted to walk that path with him.
(To be continued.)