It was already a week since the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A week since the football world trembled.

A week since Sam almost singlehandedly sank a nation at an epic FIFA World Cup final clash.

A week later, the football world still trembled.

Samuel Moses, the 20 year old Nigerian phenomenon, had carried his nation to an unprecedented World Cup final, scoring a hat trick in the ultimate battle and earning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards. 

Though it ended in heartbreak, Sam’s name was etched into eternity as the greatest African player the world had ever seen… at just 20.

But this was no overnight miracle.

From the dusty streets of Abraka, Nigeria, where barefoot dreams chased deflated balls, to dazzling crowds at Enyimba FC, to shocking England, going on a generational run with Fulham FC. All of it was documented in history.

Then came FC Barcelona… where he became a legend in just his debut season. Alongside these club triumphs were his exploits for country.

Yet… this is just the beginning.

This is the sequel to Rise of a Football God.

It follows Sam as he returns home for the first time since becoming a global icon, wrestling with fame, destiny, and the colossal pressure of being called “the savior of African football”.

With every match, every record shattered, every rival silenced, he forges a path toward the pantheon of immortals.

But greatness demands sacrifice. 

Legends are not born, they are forged in fire. And for Samuel Moses, the journey to becoming the Football God had only just begun. 

[“It’s time to forge a legacy.”]

…

[NOTE: For those that are curious, yes, the system still plays a role in his development, but it’s no longer as prominent as when it helped him build his foundation. Now, Sam is already established, so expect less system interaction.]

Awards ceremony didn't disrupt the schedule of football, they were just a slight glitch in the matrix of football fixtures available for professional football clubs in Europe's top 5 leagues.


By now, it was already dipping into late December and the nights bit colder now. Muscles screamed louder and minds drifted to family, to fireplaces, and to holidays. But football allowed no mercy.


There was one last match before Christmas, Matchday 18.


One last ninety minutes before the rest of Christmas. For Barcelona and Real Madrid, perfection still clung to them, the pressure of their unbeaten records and the pressure of being league leaders weighing on them.


But fatigue gnawed, whispering for them to stumble now. Afterall, stumbling was very easy compared to holding on and fighting on.


It was already late December, and the question was still simple and the same since the beginning of the season... who would break first?


Chapter 72 - The final push before Christmas