Chapter 39 – Edges of the Next Level
Jota returned to Lisbon with the charm tied to his bag, a crust of homemade bread in his pocket, and a calm he hadn't felt in months.
But peace has a short half-life in competitive football.
The moment he walked back into the academy, he felt it again—the hum of ambition. The quiet, constant push. The whisper of something just out of reach.
Summer session had begun.
And the U15s were watching.
---
"You ready?" Bruno asked as they unpacked.
Jota nodded. "Yeah. I think I am."
Bruno grinned. "Good. Because they've already started drills. We're two days behind."
Jota didn't flinch. "Then we catch up."
---
Coach Nuno called them into the film room later that evening. The lights were dim, the screen alive with movement. They watched footage of U15s in action.
Fast passes. Fluid transitions. Heavy pressing. Press, recover, pass, shift.
