⚽ Football Reborn: The Manager from the Future
Chapter 11 – The Golden Triangle: Neymar Jr. in the Favelas of São Vicente(~680 words)
The sun burned hotter in Brazil than anywhere Ethan had been so far. Not because of temperature, but because of rhythm—every corner of São Vicente moved to the beat of samba drums and footballs bouncing off concrete walls.
It was chaotic, alive, beautiful.
And Ethan was here to find the last piece of his golden triangle:
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior.
The AI had been pulsing about him for weeks:
Age: 10
Location: São Vicente, São Paulo
Current club: Portuguesa Santista (youth level)
Talent Index: 94/100 – flair, agility, showmanship
Critical factor: Requires paternal trust and emotional encouragement to thrive
Risk: High — environment volatile, subject to poaching by Santos FC within 18 months
Neymar wasn't just a ballerina on a football pitch—he was chaos tamed by joy. The kind of talent that made grown men gasp. But he was also vulnerable. Without the right support, he could lose his path in the system.
Ethan had to act now.
The AI guided him through back alleys of São Vicente to a worn-down futsal court sandwiched between two graffiti-covered buildings. Music thumped from a nearby speaker. Kids played barefoot, no goals—just space, rhythm, and pride.
Ethan knew the boy immediately.
Neymar wasn't the biggest, the fastest, or the loudest.
But he was the brightest.
He moved like someone was pulling invisible strings beneath his feet—stop-starts, shoulder feints, flicks and nutmegs that left older boys embarrassed. And the grin never left his face.
Ethan watched in awe. Even Ronaldo's aggression or Messi's vision couldn't compare to Neymar's flair. He didn't want to beat opponents—he wanted to entertain while doing it.
And then, in one flash, Neymar spun 360, flicked the ball behind his back, and lobbed the keeper with a no-look shot.
The game stopped.
Everyone screamed.
Neymar just laughed.
After the game, Ethan followed the boy and his father, Neymar Sr., down a side street. Timing was everything. The AI whispered:
"Father is coach, mentor, and decision-maker. Appeal to vision, family security, and creative freedom."
Ethan approached. "Senhor Neymar?"
The man turned, cautious. "Who's asking?"
"I'm from a football club in England. We're building something new. We want your son."
"Everyone wants my son," he said with tired pride.
"We want to give him something the others can't," Ethan replied. "Not just a contract. A playground. A legacy. A stage for the kind of football that makes people fall in love again."
That made Neymar Sr. pause. "He's still a kid."
"And we'll treat him like one," Ethan said. "But the world won't wait. They'll turn him into a product. We want to turn him into a legend."
That night, Ethan sat with the family in their small home.
Neymar was quiet now, holding a toy ball in his lap, staring at Ethan with wide, curious eyes.
"You know who Pelé is?" Ethan asked.
Neymar nodded, instantly excited. "The king!"
Ethan grinned. "One day, people will call you the king. But you need the right kingdom. We'll train you in England. We'll teach you strength without killing your style. You'll still samba."
Neymar's eyes sparkled.
And then he said, soft but sure: "Will I get to play with Messi?"
Ethan laughed. "You will. And with Ronaldo too."
Neymar gasped. "All in one team?"
Ethan nodded. "All of you. One team. One dream."
By morning, Neymar Sr. had signed the early development contract.
✅ Neymar Jr.: Agreement Signed
Family housing: Optional
Style protection clause: Included
Creative training module: Enabled
Transfer projection: Europe debut within 6 years
As Ethan left the favelas with the scent of grilled street food in the air and laughter ringing in the distance, the AI chimed:
⚽ Messi. Ronaldo. Neymar.
The Triangle is Complete.
Projected team valuation (2035): £3.2 billion
Current club valuation: £430,000
Ethan whispered to himself:
"They'll call me mad. Until we win."
And the future, for the first time, felt real in his hands.