Chapter 158

The Valencia CF team bus rolled into the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna late in the evening, its passengers quiet yet reflective.

The 2-2 draw with Cádiz had been a rollercoaster. Tensions had run high throughout the match, and Valencia had been staring at defeat until Izan stepped up in the final minute.

His precise, curling shot from just outside the box had found the back of the net, salvaging a crucial point for his team.

As the players disembarked, Izan was the centre of attention. Teammates clapped him on the back, their voices a mix of gratitude and admiration.

"Unbelievable, Izan," Correira said before walking off. "Have you got ice in your veins, kid?" Guillamón asked with a grin.

"Cause I would have missed that shot or it would have blocked. Well, that’s it. I’m glad that we could at least salvage a point" he added before walking off.

Pietro, walking beside him, smirked. "Golden boy strikes again. Seriously, where do you even learn to do that?" he teased.

Izan shrugged, a modest smile tugging at his lips. "Just doing my part."

The group filed into the locker rooms, where the coach offered brief remarks on the game. The atmosphere was a blend of relief and determination to improve before their next match.

After the debrief and a quick shower, the players began filtering out of the Training complex. Izan who had finished showering now had to wait for Pietro.

Later, after the debrief and a quick shower, Pietro drove Izan home. The streets of Valencia were quiet, the city lights casting a soft glow over the car’s interior.

As the duo sat in the car, Pietro couldn’t help but utter " How do you do it." Sitting beside him, Izan turned to look at the former.

"Do what? " Izan asked, causing Pietro to slow down a bit. "That goal ?" Pietro said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Last minute, under pressure. You’re something else."

Izan chuckled. "It was instinct. Glad it went in, though."

As they neared Izan’s house, Pietro turned to him with a mischievous grin. "By the way, I overheard you speaking with Miranda and she mentioned something about GQ Sports tomorrow. Big interview or something?"

Izan raised an eyebrow before remembering the conversation he had with Miranda at training.

"I guess. Don’t even know why they are interested" Izan said softly.

"Uh, maybe because you keep pulling off moments like tonight?" Pietro said, laughing. "Better rest up. Tomorrow is going to be tiring"

The car stopped outside Izan’s house, and Pietro gave him a mock salute. "See you at training, hero."

Seeing Pietro’s action, Izan saluted back before walking away.

Walking into his home, Izan was greeted by the warm embrace of his mom, Komi, and his little sister, Hori.

Before he could even put his bag down, Miranda, who looked like she had just woken up approached him, her sharp eyes dulled but still focused as she held her ever-present tablet.

"Good game tonight, Izan," she said, her tone brisk. "But tomorrow’s just as important. You’ve got a GQ Sports interview at 9 a.m."

Izan blinked. "GQ Sports? What’s this about?"

"They’re doing a feature on you—your journey, your performance against big clubs. You know the usual" Miranda explained.

"This is a big opportunity to shape your image off the pitch."

Izan sighed. "Alright. What do I need to do?"

"Just be yourself," Miranda said. "But don’t forget to bring your A-game. The world’s watching."

"Oh they’re also going to do a segment of theirs called ’10 things you can’t love without’ so be ready" she said as she walked upstairs.

The next morning, Izan arrived at the sleek GQ Sports studio. The space was buzzing with activity—photographers adjusting their equipment, stylists preparing outfits, and crew members organizing the set.

Izan, dressed in a sharp, casual outfit chosen by the stylist, was led to a makeup chair. As Izan stepped into the GQ Sports studio, the air seemed to shift, buzzing with barely contained excitement.

Conversations halted, eyes turned, and whispers rippled through the gathered crowd like an electric current.

His striking presence was undeniable—his tall, athletic frame exuding confidence with every step. But it was his face that captivated most.

"Those eyes…" someone murmured softly, unable to look away from the piercing blue that seemed to hold secrets of the sky and sea.

"He’s even more handsome in person," another whispered, their tone equal parts admiration and disbelief.

Photographers subtly adjusted their angles, eager to capture his perfectly styled dark hair that contrasted so elegantly with his azure gaze. Assistants leaned into each other, stealing glances, their cheeks flushed.

Seeing this, Izan sighed before thinking about how those people tend to get when they remember his age.

"Future cover star, no doubt," a stylist muttered under their breath, already envisioning him gracing billboards and magazine racks worldwide.

Even the seasoned interviewers, accustomed to hosting celebrities, felt a twinge of awe. There was something magnetic about Izan—not just his looks but the quiet confidence that radiated from him, as if he belonged in this room, on this stage, in the spotlight.

As he made his way to the set, he acknowledged the murmurs with a faint, charming smile, his humility shining through.

It only made the crowd admire him more, cementing his status as not just a football prodigy but a budding icon.

Javier, the interviewer—a charismatic figure with a reputation for connecting with young stars—greeted him warmly.

"Welcome, Izan. Glad to have you here. I recently interviewed Pedri and it seems like you’re good friends"

Izan laughed and nodded before recounting his time with Pedri at the Spain National team camp.

As the cameras started rolling, Javier dove straight into it. "You always seem to amaze everything. That last-minute goal against Cádiz—how did it feel to be the hero of the night?"

Izan smiled slightly, his tone measured. "It was surreal. In moments like that, you don’t have time to think. You trust your instincts and your training. I’m just glad I could help the team."

Javier leaned forward, intrigued. "You’re only 16 and already making headlines in La Liga. Assist leader and now 2nd on the pichi chi list. How do you handle the pressure?"

"It’s not easy," Izan admitted. "But I have a great support system—my family, my teammates, and my coaches. They help me stay grounded."

Javier then lightened the mood with some personal questions.

"When you’re not scoring goals, what does Izan do to unwind?"

"Anime, FIFA, and spending time with my family," Izan replied, smiling. "It keeps me balanced."

Finally, Javier asked the big question.

"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

Izan’s gaze turned serious.

" Competing for trophies on both club and Country sides and hopefully inspiring others to chase their dreams."

Tue studio went a bit silent with the people inside thinking of how composed the youngster was.

After the formal part of the GQ Sports interview wrapped up, the crew prepped Izan for a lighter segment—the popular "10 Things I Can’t Live Without" challenge.

Seated in front of a sleek backdrop, Izan relaxed in the chair as the staff moved about and prepared a few things.

"Alright, Izan, this is the part where we get to know the real you," Javier began. "What are the ten things you absolutely can’t live without?"

Izan leaned back slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let’s do it."

Reaching to his side, Izan pulled out a pair of pristine white and blue Adidas speed portals.

"These are my go-to. I’ve worn them for every important match this season. They feel like an extension of my feet on the pitch."

Javier nodded, impressed. "Superstitious about them?" "A little," Izan admitted. "But mostly, they’re just perfect for my game."

Next, Izan picked up a well-used football, its surface showing signs of countless training sessions.

"This ball has been with me since I joined Valencia’s academy. Whenever I’m stressed or thinking about something, I just start dribbling."

Javier nodded, a slight smile tugging his face.

Next, Izan revealed a sleek pair of wireless headphones. "Music is everything for me. Before games, I listen to Afrobeat or Spanish pop to get in the zone. It’s like a ritual."

"Favorite artist?" Javier asked.

"Currently, Rema for sure," Izan said humming the tune to one of the musician’s biggest songs.

Moving on, Izan held up a small framed picture of his mom, Komi, and his sister, Hori, all beaming at the camera.

"This reminds me why I work so hard. They’re my biggest supporters, and I wouldn’t be here without them."

Moving on to the next, Izan chuckled as he presented a reusable black water bottle with his initials engraved.

"Hydration is key. Plus, this one was a gift from a teammate. It’s like my lucky charm now."

After the previous item, Izan held up a silver chain with a small pendant.

"My mom gave this to me before my first professional game. It’s a reminder of my roots and to stay humble."

"Anything that helps you relax?" Javier asked intending to win the segment. Laughing, Izan grabbed a gaming controller.

"This keeps me sane. FIF- sorry, FC is my escape when I’m not training or travelling. Though Pietro keeps beating me lately, which is annoying."

Javier smiled as the segment wrapped up.

"Impressive list, Izan. You’ve got a mix of focus, fun, and family in there. Thanks for sharing this with us."

Izan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "These things remind me of who I am, on and off the pitch."

As the cameras stopped rolling, the crew applauded. The challenge had given everyone a glimpse into Izan’s life beyond football, solidifying his image as not just a rising star but also a grounded, relatable young man with big dreams.

Wrapping Up

The interview concluded with a photo shoot. Izan posed with a football, exuding a quiet confidence that matched his burgeoning reputation.

As the crew packed up, Javier approached him with a firm handshake. "You’re a remarkable young man, Izan. Keep doing what you’re doing."

Walking out of the studio, Izan felt a mix of pride and responsibility. The spotlight was on him, but he was ready to rise to the challenge—both on and off the pitch.

A/n: Okay guys.have fun reading. I have a match today so I’ll see you with the second chapter of the day hopefully after the match. I’m sorry I didn’t release twice yesterday. To be honest, I was a bit tired. Anyways thanks for understanding and I’ll see you.