From Reject to Legend

The roar of the crowd at La Rosaleda had not faded; it reverberated through every corner of Málaga in the days that followed our historic La Liga win.

As the city basked in a jubilation that had seemed almost too wild to be real, the media, the social networks, and every fan with a heart full of hope took to their devices and voices to celebrate what was, undoubtedly, a landmark moment in our club's history—and in my career.

The echoes of Málaga's La Liga victory had barely faded when the footballing world erupted in heated conversation. Pundits, former legends, and analysts alike dissected not just the club's fairytale run but also the dazzling season of one player: Adriano.

The young maestro had shattered expectations, redefining what it meant to lead a team from obscurity to the pinnacle of Spanish football. His staggering contribution of 33 goals and 37 assists in 30 games was not just a record—it was a feat that can never be replicated .

As the season had progressed gradually , Adriano's performances became the talk of the footballing world. Match after match, he dazzled with his raw power, pinpoint accuracy, and ability to single-handedly change the course of a game. The footballing elite—former players, analysts, and managers alike—could not stop singing his praises.

As the final whistle blew at La Rosaleda, social media lit up with tributes from some of the greatest players to ever grace the pitch. The first to post was none other than Lionel Messi, who took to Instagram with a picture of Adriano celebrating amidst Málaga's jubilant fans.

Lionel Messi: "What a season, what a player! Adriano, you've made history. To lead a team like Málaga to their first La Liga title with numbers like these—unreal. Enjoy this moment, you deserve it."

Cristiano Ronaldo, never one to shy away from praising excellence, posted on Twitter:

Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano): "Champions are made in moments like this. Adriano, your season was pure brilliance. Keep pushing, the sky is the limit. See you in Brazil! "

Even Brazilian legend Ronaldinho chimed in, his signature flair evident even in his words.

Ronaldinho:"Football is about joy, passion and teamwork, and Adriano plays like a man who loves the game. Málaga's dream has become real because of him. This kid is something special. Really would have loved to see him play for Brazil."

Former AC Milan and Italy great Paolo Maldini, who faced some of the toughest forwards in history, had high praise as well.

"As a defender, you analyze strikers—who is quick, who is strong, who is intelligent. Adriano is all three, and the worst part? He isn't even a real striker, he can also set up goals spectacularly . That's how deadly he is in a game. There aren't many weaknesses to exploit against him," Maldini said in an interview with Sky Italia

Andres Iniesta, the midfield magician, offered a more tactical appreciation:

Andres Iniesta: "Beyond the goals and assists, Adriano's intelligence on the ball is remarkable. His vision, his movement—it's rare to see a player this complete at such a young age. As expected from a player who grew up in La Masia"

Zinedine Zidane, simply remarked:

Zinedine Zidane:"Genius. Absolute genius. His future is limitless."

Football analysts wasted no time in assessing what made Adriano's season one for the ages. ESPN's lead La Liga expert, Graham Hunter, wrote a piece titled *"Adriano: The Boy from the streets of Portugal, Who Became a King in Spain."*

Graham Hunter: "We're witnessing something truly rare. Adriano didn't just play football this season—he orchestrated it. He was Málaga's metronome, the heartbeat of every attack. His numbers in goals and assists are astonishing, but what sets him apart is his decision-making under pressure. Whether threading a pass, curling in a free kick, or charging into the box, his footballing brain operates at an elite level."

Over at Sky Sports, Gary Neville analyzed the technical brilliance that had made Adriano unstoppable.

Gary Neville: "His positional awareness is frightening. Watch how he moves before receiving the ball—he's already scanning, he knows his next move before the pass arrives. This is what separates the greats from the good. He reminds me of a young Kaka, but with even better finishing instincts."

Meanwhile, former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, now working as a pundit, pointed out something crucial on BBC Sport.

Cesc Fabregas: "People will look at Adriano's goals and assists, but let's talk about his leadership in the field. A 18-year-old dragging Málaga to a title against Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético? and even commanding the entire playing style with veterans accepting his leadership? That's the mentality of a world-class player."

With the season concluded, the inevitable discussion of Adriano's future gained momentum. Transfer values skyrocketed overnight, and clubs across Europe were reportedly circling like sharks.

Fabrizio Romano, the go-to source for transfer news, gave his insight on Twitter:

Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano): "Adriano's market value before the season started ? Around €5-10M. After this incredible season? Sources suggest Málaga won't even entertain offers below €100M. Multiple clubs already inquiring. Future uncertain, but one thing is clear—Adriano is a generational talent."

Meanwhile, football pundits across the world were debating his impact and value. Gary Lineker, speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, noted, "You can't put a price on a player like Adriano right now. He's the complete package. If I were a top European club, I'd break the bank for him."

Spanish paper Marca ran a front-page headline the next day: "El Rey de Málaga—¿Pero Por Cuánto Tiempo?"* (The King of Málaga—But for How Long?). Their inside report claimed that both Real Madrid and Barcelona had made informal inquiries about his availability, with Premier League giants Manchester City and Liverpool also monitoring closely.

Jamie Carragher, Sky Sports: "You're looking at a minimum of €100M for him now. He's already world-class at just 18 years old , and he's only going to get better. If Málaga can hold onto him for another year, it'll be a miracle."

Over on El Chiringuito TV, outspoken pundit Josep Pedrerol didn't mince words:

Josep Pedrerol: "If Barcelona or Real Madrid don't act fast, they'll regret it. This kid is the heir to the best playmakers in history with an instinct of goal scoring better than many strikers . The longer he stays at Málaga, the harder it will be to sign him."

ESPN's Craig Burley pointed out his adaptability: "You can play him in a counter-attacking system, you can play him in a possession-based game, and he'll still deliver. That's rare for a striker. The real question is, can Malaga hold onto him when Europe's biggest clubs come calling?"

As journalists and clubs scrambled for insights, fans took over social media with their own takes.

@MalagaForever :"ADRIANO IS IMMORTAL! OUR HERO! OUR LEGEND! WE MUST NEVER LET HIM GO!!!"

@LaLigaStats: "Adriano's goal contribution per game ratio is 2.3—the highest in La Liga history for a single season. Let that sink in."

@Madridista_10: "Respect where it's due. Adriano is unreal. I just wish he was wearing white next season. I would donate money to Perez if he lacks funds, so will the entire Real Fanclub"

@BarcaDNA: *"Messi saw something in this kid years ago. Now look. Adriano is HIM."

The outpouring of admiration was universal. A tweet from Málaga's official account summed up the mood:

@MalagaCF: "Champions. History Makers. Adriano will forever be a legend for Malaga . #ReyAdriano #VamosMálaga"

As the celebrations continued, speculation mounted over Adriano's next move. Would he stay and cement a legacy at Málaga, building a dynasty around his talents? Or would one of Europe's biggest clubs come calling with an offer too good to refuse?

One thing was certain—Adriano had arrived, and the world was watching. Málaga's hero was now a global phenomenon, and his journey was only just beginning.

After a long night of celebrations, Adriano finally returned home, exhaustion settling into his bones. The echoes of cheering fans still rang in his ears, the images of Málaga's historic La Liga triumph replaying in his mind like a dream. He had done it—against all odds, he had led a team once considered an afterthought to the very pinnacle of Spanish football.

Kicking off his shoes, Adriano collapsed onto his bed, exhaling deeply. Just as his eyes began to close, a familiar chime resonated in his mind.

[System Reboot Complete. Congratulations, Host, for Winning a Major Trophy in Your First Season. But Let's Be Honest, You Had Help.]

Adriano couldn't help but chuckle. The system's usual snark was still intact. He stretched his arms behind his head and smirked. "A win is a win. Now, since I won, where's my next template?"

[The System Will Now Select Your Next Template.]

Adriano frowned slightly. "Hold on a second." He sat up, curiosity piqued. "How many templates can you provide?"

[Host Can Receive Up to Six Templates in Total.]

Adriano's eyes gleamed with interest before a mischievous grin spread across his face. "That would just make things boring. If I keep stacking templates, it takes away the fun of the challenge."

[Are You Saying You Want to Forego Future Templates?]

Adriano nodded, leaning back with a relaxed expression. "Yeah. Instead, I want to choose one now and close the door on any others."

The system went silent for a moment before responding, its tone laced with curiosity.

[Most Would Kill for More Power. Why Give Up the Chance to Become Overpowered?]

Adriano smiled, his gaze steady. "It's just not fun that way. If I already know I'll dominate everything without struggle, where's the thrill? I want to earn my place at the top, not just be handed greatness."

A brief pause. Then, surprisingly, the system gave what sounded like a grudging compliment.

[Hmph. At Least You're Better Than Most Power-Hungry Hosts. Fine. Which Template Do You Want?]

Adriano's grin widened. He had thought long and hard about this. His entire season had been met with critics questioning his Brazilian roots, claiming he didn't embody the essence of Joga Bonito, that his style didn't reflect the artistry and soul of Brazilian football.

It was time to shut them up.

"I want the template of Peak Pelé."

For the first time since he had received the system, silence stretched between them.

[...Pelé?] The system finally spoke, its tone unreadable.

"Yes. The greatest Brazilian footballer of all time. I want his peak form template."

Another pause. Then, at last, the system responded.

[Fine. You just had to choose the best one . Processing Template Transfer: Peak Pelé.]

A sudden surge of energy coursed through Adriano's body. His muscles tensed as if charged with electricity, his mind flooded with a rush of memories—not his own, but those of a legend. He saw flashes of dazzling footwork, perfect first touches, breathtaking goals. The weight of history, of three World Cups, of dominance across generations—it all flowed into him.

Stats that were already absurd climbed to terrifying new heights. His dribbling, already decent , became otherworldly. His finishing reached a level where it felt inevitable, his vision expanded, and his agility reached peak human limits.

He wasn't just a great player anymore. He was now a living embodiment of football perfection.

[Template Integration Complete. Enjoy being overpowered despite claiming to have no interest ]

Adriano flexed his fingers, his heart racing in excitement. He could feel it—his body, mind, and instincts had evolved into something beyond what he thought possible. He had transcended into an era-defining force.

The system's voice cut through his thoughts one last time.

[It's Time to Go host. Best of luck]

Adriano closed his eyes, a satisfied smile on his lips. "Thanks mate. For giving me this chance to reach my dreams. I'm grateful."

[It was nice working with you too host.]

With a final chime, the system shut down for good . He took a deep breath, then opened his status screen to check his newly enhanced stats.

height: 183 cm (6 geet) weight: 165 lbs (75 kg)

Status: Healthy

Template: Pele, Toni Kroos, and Pavel Nedved

Traits: Laser guided pass, Midfield Maestro, Iron Physique, Dual Footed, Dribbling maestro, Phenomenal football skills and movement , Inspiring Presence

Shooting 95

Passsing 94

Dribbling 97

Speed 93

Stamina 94

Defense 70

Strength 90

Skills 97

Free Kick 90

Inury resistance 85

Leadership 90

Match fitness: 70 ( Recently played a match)

Assessment: Has potential to be the greatest of all time, needs further experience and achievements. One of the best in the world.

I whistled at the stats that were absolutely insane. With skills like this, it's gonna be a miracle if I failed to become a legend. I couldn't wait to display my newfound skills in the grandest stage of all. My goal was now clear, to win the world cup and become a legend like Pele, maybe even surpass him one day.

Lying back on my bed, I stared at the ceiling, letting the events of the night sink in. We were champions. La Liga champions. The cheers from the fans still echoed in my mind, the weight of the trophy still fresh in my arms. It felt surreal. I had dreamed of this moment since I was a kid, and now that it had happened, I wasn't sure if I had fully processed it yet.

But before I could even think about sleep, there was one more thing I needed to do. I grabbed my phone and called home.

The phone barely rang twice before my mother picked up.

"Meu filho!" Her voice was thick with emotion, overflowing with pride. "Parabéns! We saw everything! You did it!"

I couldn't help but laugh, my heart swelling at her excitement. No matter how loud the stadiums got, nothing could ever compare to the sound of my mother's happiness.

"Mom! Dad! We're champions!" I said, still grinning like an idiot.

My father's deep voice joined in, steady as always. "Of course you are! We never doubted you, champ. You worked too hard for this."

Mom's voice wavered. "We always knew you were special, Adriano, but this… this is beyond anything we could have imagined."

I swallowed hard, the warmth in my chest growing. "I couldn't have done it without you two. Everything I am, everything I have, it's all because of you."

Dad chuckled. "That's nice to hear, son, but we know the truth. You earned this. Your mom and I? We were just lucky enough to watch you grow into the man you are today."

Before I could reply, my mom suddenly gasped, as if she had just remembered something.

"Oh! Adriano, you won't believe what's been happening at the restaurant!" she said, excitement bubbling in her voice. "Ever since the season started, we've had people coming in just because they know we're your parents. And now? It's packed every single game day! We even set up big screens to show all your matches live!"

I let out a surprised laugh. "Wait… are you serious? You guys turned the restaurant into a football bar?"

Dad chuckled from the other end. "It wasn't the plan, but your fans made it happen. They wanted a place to watch you play, and your mother and I thought—why not? Now they come in wearing your jersey, chanting your name."

I could picture it in my head—the restaurant, once just a quiet family business, now packed with people cheering my name, celebrating every goal I scored like they were right there in the stadium with me.

Mom sighed, her voice softening. "It's a far cry from how things used to be. I remember the hard times, Adriano. When you were injured, when everything felt so uncertain… those days felt like they would never end."

My smile faltered for a second. Yeah, I remembered those days too. The frustration, the helplessness, the fear that maybe… maybe I wouldn't make it. That I'd be just another player whose career ended before it ever really began.

Mom's voice was lighter now. "But now? I can barely remember those days. This past year has been a dream, and you… you made it possible."

I exhaled slowly, closing my eyes. "Mom… Dad… I just wanted to make you proud."

Dad's voice was firm, steady. "You've done more than that, son. But listen, now that you're a star, things are going to change. More pressure, more expectations, more eyes on you. Don't let it get to your head."

I nodded instinctively, even though they couldn't see me. "I won't."

"Remember why you started." His voice softened. "Think back to when you were just a kid, playing football with me in the backyard. It was never about fame or money. It was about love—the love of the game. As long as you play with that same love, nothing else will matter."

His words hit me harder than I expected. I could still see it—the small, worn-out ball rolling through the grass, my father standing in goal, cheering me on even when I was just a kid with a dream too big for my little body.

Back then, it was just about joy. About running, kicking, scoring, and laughing.

I opened my eyes, smiling. "I promise, Dad. No matter what happens, I'll always be that kid. I won't let the fame change me. I'll keep playing for the love of it."

Mom sighed, her voice full of warmth. "That's all we could ever ask for."

Dad chuckled. "Good. Now, when are you coming home? Your mother wants to feed you enough to last the entire offseason."

I laughed. "I'll be home after the season ends in a couple of weeks. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Mom cheered. "Then we'll be waiting, meu campeão!"

The call ended, and I let my phone rest on my chest. The night was quiet now, and for the first time since the final whistle blew, I felt a deep sense of peace.

The love of my family, the joy of the game, and the future ahead—it was all still there, waiting for me.

And as long as I held onto that, I knew I could face anything.

** My last rant because I'm just done with this.

From now on, I'll limit my interactions here, as I don't want to ruin my mood dealing with toxic people with zero brain.

I got multiple fake reviews and hate comments just today by troll accounts that just flat out insulted my work. Some had common reading preferences and activities, So I can deduce it might be one of the losers who couldn't write well and decided to ruin someone else's work. I know atleast one guy who claims to be an author "allegedly" .

I will delete any negative reviews as I'm not wasting my time reading through to find out details. Anybody hating this, feel free to leave, but if I find repeated comments filled with toxicity, I won't keep a single one. And you will get insulted without any filter.

Webnovel doesn't care about community environment or censorship, and it works both ways.

Honestly, This is why I don't like posting here, too many fake accounts and trolls without any actual life or intelligence . And by ignoring them, everyone is allowing them to run free.

I'm gonna put in Spiderman's words- If you like a book, and see some trolls harassing the author but ignore it, and then the author drops the book, it happens because of you.

Nobody is gonna keep writing if they are constantly harassed . It's not like a job you can't quit. If you won't stand for what you love, why should I suffer to entertain? That's pretty fair. **