CHAPTER 36 — The First Promotion
Six months passed in what felt like a heartbeat.
Arman Azevedo—still only seven years old—had become the silent storm of São Paulo FC's U-11 squad.
He didn't brag.
He didn't show off.
He simply played with a smile, a warm greeting for everyone, and the polite sweetness that made even the strictest coaches soften.
But his football?
His football was anything but soft.
Every weekend, parents whispered in the stands:
> "That's the seven-year-old?"
"He plays like he's been doing this for twenty years…"
"He's too calm. Too composed. Too… perfect."
And the numbers made it undeniable:
29 matches played
38 goals
22 assists
89% pass accuracy
27 successful dribbles per game average
Zero yellow cards
Zero attitude problems — ever
Arman had become the jewel of the age group.
Even the older kids—U-12, U-13—would quietly peek at his training, whispering among themselves:
> "He's definitely getting promoted…"
"Look at him move—he's so smooth."
"Bro, he's SEVEN."
But Arman himself remained humble, cheerful, and gentle.
He still tied his boots neatly, said "Good morning, coach!" every single day, and filled his training bag with snacks to share with younger players.
And then, one afternoon in November…
Coach Ricardo called him into the office.
Arman walked in nervously, wiping his hands on his training shorts.
"Relax, pequeno," Ricardo chuckled. "You're not in trouble."
Arman let out a tiny breath of relief, which made Ricardo smile even more.
Sitting in the office were:
Head Coach of the U-11 squad
Coordinator of Youth Development
U-12 Coach, Mister Paulo
Paulo leaned forward.
"Arman… we've been watching you. Everyone at the academy has."
His tone wasn't heavy; it was warm, admiring.
"You've outgrown U-11. Your decision-making, vision, tempo… it's above your age."
Arman's eyes widened slightly.
"Me? Already?"
Ricardo nodded proudly.
"You read the game better than boys three years older. You keep improving every week. And you treat everyone with respect — that is important too."
Paulo continued:
"So, starting next month… you will officially join São Paulo FC U-12."
Arman's mouth opened slightly.
Not a gasp, not a cheer.
Just a soft, stunned breath.
"Eu… eu consegui?"
("I… I did it?")
Paulo smiled.
"You earned it with your hard work—not talent alone."
Ricardo placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"You're still a little boy, Arman. So don't worry—we're not rushing you. You will train gradually with U-12. We want you to grow safely, step by step."
Arman nodded, eyes bright but heart calm.
"Thank you… I'll try even harder."
The adults exchanged a glance — the kind only coaches share when they realize they've found a diamond.
Later That Night…
Arman lay on his bed at home, hugging his pillow softly, staring at the ceiling.
He didn't jump around.
He didn't scream.
He simply smiled — a quiet, warm smile.
His parents peeked from the doorway.
"You proud, filho?" his father asked.
Arman nodded gently.
"I'm happy… but I want to keep working. I don't want to become lazy."
His mother kissed his forehead.
"That's why you deserve everything coming to you."
And with that, Arman closed his eyes…
A little boy.
A rising talent.
A humble heart.
And now, a newly promoted U-12 player