Chapter 65: The brightest star
The international break ended not with a whimper, but with a roar.
Across continents around the world, football’s brightest lights shone for their nations during the international break, but one name burned brightest... Samuel Moses.
In Europe, Kylian Mbappé reminded France exactly why he was their talisman. In two games, he got three goals and one assist, completely stealing the show for the French national football team.
Against Belgium, his electric sprints shredded defenses, his finishing as ruthless as ever. French media glowed, dubbing him "inevitable".
In South America, Vinícius Júnior dazzled. After his electric display against Nigeria, he capped the international break off with a brace against Colombia, one of which was an incredible solo strike.
His samba swagger had Rio sambaing again. Brazilian journalists declared him the true heir to the throne left by Messi and Ronaldo’s departure.
In England, it was Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid talisman ran the midfield like a general. In two games, he got one goal and two assists, dictating play with such elegance that made Wembley sing.
Even Erling Haaland, in Norway’s colors, bulldozed Iceland with a hat trick, a reminder of his ruthless consistency.
Every superstar delivered, and every crown-bearer flexed.
But then there was Sam... seven goal contributions in just 2 games! First was the brace and two assists against Brazil, then the hat trick against Sierra Leone.
Five goals, two assists, two wins, both games dominated by one man.
Clips flooded social media with highlights of his electric display, from his elastic and chip past Alisson, to his trivela assist for Osimhen, his thunderbolt against Sierra Leone, and even his crown celebration which was already being replicated by kids across Africa.
Fans raved on social media.
*["The Ballon d’Or winner shows exactly why he’s number one."]
*["Seven contributions in two games, Samuel Moses is a monster!"]
*["From Abraka to Abuja, the world belongs to him."]
Even neutral pundits couldn’t stay quiet.
Rio Ferdinand, on English television said, "What I love about him is the sheer consistency. It’s not just club form. He goes home, puts on that green shirt, and carries a whole nation. That... that’s rare."
Thierry Henry added. "Seven goal contributions in two games is video-game stuff. And the scary thing is, he makes it look easy."
At home in Nigeria, the response bordered on hysteria.
Lagos streets filled again, fans blasting horns and waving SM10 posters. In Abraka, local elders organized a thanksgiving service in commemoration of the talent that was born from their town.
Television anchors in Nigeria wore green ties and dresses on air in honor of him. One anchor summed it up. "We are no longer asking if he is Africa’s best, now we are asking if he is the world’s best, full stop."
Kids across Nigeria mimicked his moves. In playgrounds, "Moses" was shouted louder than "goal."
Parents proudly posted videos online. "My son doing the Ballon d’Or celebration!"
It was a frenzy.
Sam’s father, usually reserved, gave a rare interview after his son’s recent performances. "He was always stubborn, always playing football when I wanted him to study. But now I see... maybe destiny is stubborn too."
"I’m glad I gave him the money to buy those boots and jersey that day," he laughed. "I did, and like they say, the rest is history".
In Spain, the coverage was relentless.
Barcelona-based Mundo Deportivo plastered his face across their front page.
["EL REY VERDE" — The Green King.]
They hailed him as carrying both Barça and Nigeria into a new golden age.
In Madrid, however, the spin was sharper. Marca acknowledged his brilliance but warned. "We sometimes forget that form is fleeting, El Clásico proved he can be contained. Can he last an entire season?"
Pundits debated on Spanish talk shows, voices raised.
"Sam is the best in the world right now!"
"He is too young, I’m telling you! Mbappé and Vinícius will eclipse him!"
"Seven contributions in two games, are you even thinking before you talk? Stop doubting!"
In Germany, Adidas capitalized instantly as billboards flipped overnight of Sam celebrating in Abuja, with the words printed on them.
["Forever. SM10."]
Mbappé, when asked, smirked.
"He had a good break, but two games don’t decide greatness. Let’s see who shines when the season is over."
Vinícius took a softer line.
"Sam is incredible, no doubt, but Brazil still scored four in Abuja. He knows we’ll see each other again."
Bellingham, ever calm, simply said. "The better he is, the harder I’ll work. That’s the rivalry football needs."
And Haaland?
Goofy as usual, he said in front of the media with a grin. "Seven contributions? Sounds normal for me." He laughed.
The words sparked debates. But beneath the bravado, one truth stood out, every star was measuring themselves against Sam now.
And finally, at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, training was scheduled to resume.
Hansi Flick watched highlights from the Nigeria games on his tablet. He smiled faintly, then closed it.
"Good," he muttered. "Now let’s see if he still runs like that when he trains tomorrow morning."
Pedri, Gavi, and Yamal crowded around a phone, replaying Sam’s chip over Alisson. "Ridiculous," Yamal laughed. "I need to start practicing that."
Raphinha leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Better get used to it, boys. He’s making us all look ordinary."
But there was no jealousy, just respect and awe.
...
Back in his apartment, Sam scrolled through the noise; headlines, posts, and videos. Kayla sat beside him, her head resting on his shoulder.
"You’re everywhere," she said softly. "The world can’t get enough of you."
Sam sighed, setting the phone down. "That’s the problem. Every touch, every pass, every goal now, it all feels heavier."
"I wonder how they’ll react the day I stop scoring".
Kayla smiled, lifting his chin. "Heavier because it matters. Legacy, right? That’s what you wanted, and this is what it looks like."
Sam looked at her for a long moment, then nodded. "Legacy."
The break was over. The storm had raged, the world had taken notice, and Samuel Moses stood taller than ever.
But the season waited, Barcelona waited, Madrid waited, and Europe waited.
As Sam zipped up his training jacket the next morning, the system chimed softly in his head.
DING!
~----~
[Daily Quest Updated: Show the world why you are Ballon d’Or winner!]
~----~
He grinned. "Back to work".