GOAT: All Football Talents Are Mine

Benzema's envy and resentment—Hoyoung couldn't say for sure but had his suspicions.

He had felt it ever since Benzema joined the team. When Coach Scolari wasn't around, Benzema often loitered nearby, spitting out sarcastic remarks.

Hoyoung had considered responding, perhaps engaging in a battle of nerves. But he refrained.

Marcelo, Ramos, and Pepe were always quick to step in, hurling fierce words at Benzema. Moreover, Hoyoung knew his role as a core team member demanded restraint.

To criticize the French faction would only strengthen the Spanish faction, deepening the already-present divide. With team veterans like Raul and Guti aligning with the Spanish faction, someone had to unify the team and maintain balance. That someone was Hoyoung.

Interestingly, the French players didn't dislike Hoyoung. Only Benzema, whose position directly clashed with his, held such animosity. Lassana Diarra, Mamadou Sakho, and Yoann Gourcuff respected Hoyoung and often expressed admiration for his skills.

Hoyoung sought unity within the team, which was why he shielded Benzema from the consequences of his mistakes. If Filipe Luís had broken through and scored, the blame would have fallen entirely on Benzema. Hoyoung could have allowed that—but that wasn't his way.

To him, the field wasn't a political arena, and football wasn't politics.

Football was about kicking the ball, defeating opponents, and playing for the fans who cheered from the stands. Hoyoung's perspective came from mentors like Kaka and Zinedine Zidane.

And now...

---

On the Field

["Woo Ho-young! Run!"]

Hoyoung sprinted with all his strength.

Four defenders stood ahead: Alberto Lopo and Zé Castro guarding Benzema, with Juan Rodríguez and Juca forming the initial line. The fullbacks scrambled to contain Ronaldo and Robben's runs, leaving the center open.

Hoyoung charged straight into that gap.

Filipe Luís tried to chase after him but couldn't close the distance. Hoyoung's powerful strides left Luís lagging far behind. Defeated, Luís changed course, knowing it was futile to catch up.

"Damn it."

Luís grimaced, realizing Hoyoung's speed was unparalleled.

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso delivered a brilliant pass, threading the needle between Lopo and Castro.

["It's a bit long!"] ["Woo Ho-young is closing in at full speed!"]

That was precisely Alonso's intent. He trusted Hoyoung to outrun the defenders and claim the ball.

Thud!

Hoyoung's outstretched toes met the pass perfectly. With his exceptional first touch, the ball landed precisely at his feet.

Now, only the goalkeeper stood in his way.

Daniel Aranzubia dashed out of the goal, but Hoyoung remained composed. With Benzema nearby, unmarked, it was a golden opportunity for a pass.

For a moment, their eyes met.

Then, without hesitation, Hoyoung lobbed the ball.

The parabolic arc sailed over the goalkeeper's reach.

Bam!

The net rippled.

["Goooooooal! Woo Ho-young scores his first goal of the season!"] ["An audacious lob! Only someone with unwavering confidence could pull that off!"]

The stadium erupted into cheers. Hoyoung celebrated by embracing Xabi Alonso, who gave him a rare thumbs-up.

---

In the Locker Room

At halftime, Real Madrid led 2-0. Spirits were high among the players, except for one—Karim Benzema.

Benzema sat in a corner, dejected. His mistakes had nearly cost the team, but Hoyoung had salvaged the situation. The headlines would likely focus on how Hoyoung covered for him.

"Damn it," Benzema muttered, hating the idea of relying on a 16-year-old.

At that moment, Hoyoung approached him.

"Raise your head," Hoyoung said firmly. "You're a striker for Los Blancos. Lift your head."

Benzema hesitated, but Hoyoung continued, "Zizou once told me that to truly belong to a team, you have to change your mindset. So stop sulking and look around. Look at your teammates."

Hoyoung walked away, leaving Benzema deep in thought. For the first time, Benzema felt the weight of responsibility.

---

Second Half

The game resumed with Real Madrid maintaining dominance. Scolari adjusted the formation, pushing Ronaldo into a two-top with Benzema while Hoyoung took on the playmaker role.

Deportivo strengthened their midfield, but Hoyoung adapted, dropping back to relieve pressure and moving forward to create opportunities. His stamina and versatility stunned even the commentators.

["Woo Ho-young is unstoppable today!"]

Whenever Hoyoung had the ball, Deportivo's defense tensed. His quick lob to Ronaldo set up another attacking sequence, and Ronaldo passed it across the box to Benzema.

Benzema hesitated briefly, then passed to Hoyoung in the center.

Thud!

Hoyoung curled the ball into the net, securing his second goal of the match.

["Goooooooal! Woo Ho-young's brace!"]

Hoyoung sprinted to the VIP section and lifted his jersey to reveal a message:

"Thank you, our conductor and landlord."

It was a tribute to Zidane's retirement. Overcome with emotion, Zidane buried his face in his hands.

Real Madrid won 3-0, starting their season on the highest note. Afterward, Zidane's retirement ceremony marked the end of an era and the rise of a new legend—Woo Ho-young.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

Support the Translation! 🌐✨

20 Advanced Chapters are currently available in Patreon, make sure to visit and support our team.

patreon.com/Immortal_author

https://ko-fi.com/immortalauthor

https://discord.gg/KscfBegBPT