Chapter 32: "The Debut Under Bright Lights"

Moreover, the 2030 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, was just a year away.

Soccer fans were growing increasingly anxious as the tournament approached.

---

"The final qualifiers start next month."

"Who's going to lead the team? Ugh…"

"Kim Ki-ha or Choi Min-yeon? They're supposed to be the national team's aces."

"Even those two are hopeless. Just look at their club performances, lol. They're both warming benches after failing to secure starting spots."

"Their crosses are a joke, hahaha!"

"It's not just the crosses. Everything's a mess. This generation of players has zero standout performers abroad."

"The final qualifiers are going to be a disaster."

The current national team lacked a player who could serve as its backbone.

Several players had garnered attention after joining youth teams of major overseas clubs, but many of them failed to secure debuts or establish themselves. Often, they ended up returning to Korea in disappointment.

The 2030 South American World Cup loomed on the horizon, but one prediction was unanimous among fans and analysts:

This would likely be the worst World Cup in South Korea's history.

---

At a traditional Korean restaurant named "Rue" in Gangnam, Seoul, every dining area was set up as a private room. This made it a popular spot for high-ranking officials and influential figures.

"Welcome."

Park Woo-geun was escorted to his reserved room by a staff member.

"Is everyone here?"

Inside the room, six individuals rose to greet him as he entered.

"It's been a while, senior."

"You've aged quite a bit since I last saw you, haha!"

"Try dealing with the stubborn bureaucrats at the association. You'd probably develop wrinkles in a month!"

These were legends who had carried the weight of South Korean football alongside Park Woo-geun in the past.

"What's the occasion for this meeting?"

"Did you see the article from the Korean-Japanese newspaper yesterday?"

"Ah, the one titled 'The Future of South Korean Football: Where Is It Headed?', right?"

"That's right."

"This isn't the first time articles questioning the future of Korean football have popped up, is it?"

Articles like this had been written countless times, not just now but in the past as well. However, comparing the past, where improvements seemed possible, to the current state was like night and day.

Since Cha Sung-in came into power, Korean football had sunk into an unprecedented quagmire.

"That's why I called you all here today."

The people in this room weren't officially part of the football association, but they all wielded significant influence in the sport. In other words, if they lent their support, there was a real possibility of reviving the crumbled football system.

"What's the plan?"

The first to speak was Shin Jung-hyun, the legendary figure from 2002 and Korea's first Premier League player.

"I've been gathering information related to Cha Sung-in. We're also recording conversations."

"Recording?"

"If we can get solid evidence of corruption, we'll have a way to corner him. The recordings are meant to seal off any escape routes."

The plan was already in motion, all to protect the future of Korean football.

"Understood. What do you need us to do?"

"If you have any information on Cha Sung-in or the association's executives, let me know. It will be a big help."

Shin Jung-hyun and the others nodded in agreement. They all had extensive networks within the football world, making information-gathering a relatively simple task.

Especially since Cha Sung-in's reputation was notorious, even in passing conversation. It wouldn't take much digging to uncover evidence.

"Hyung-nim, but… is this really okay?"

A large man sitting across from Park Woo-geun broke his silence.

It was Park Su-ho, once the greatest defender in Korean football.

"Everyone knows Cha Sung-in is a bad guy. But if we move carelessly, you could get hurt. You know how close he is to people in politics."

His concern wasn't about what was right or wrong. He simply worried that their elder brother figure, Park Woo-geun, might end up harmed.

"..."

Park Woo-geun smiled silently.

Without saying a word, his colleagues, who had known him for years, understood what it meant.

It meant he had already made up his mind to act.

"Was there a specific reason that made you decide to act?"

Someone cautiously asked.

They all knew the situation, but none of them had dared to take the plunge. They were curious about what had pushed Park Woo-geun to make this bold decision.

"Yoo Ji-woo."

The name that came from Park Woo-geun's lips was entirely unexpected.

"Yoo Ji-woo? The kid who went to Argentina?"

"We know he's talented, but for him to be the reason you're making this move…"

They were familiar with Yoo Ji-woo but only saw him as a promising youngster, nothing more.

However, Park Woo-geun spoke firmly, unlike them.

"If someone asks me where the future of Korean football lies, I'd say Yoo Ji-woo holds the answer."

Though he was still young, his talent was genuine.

Park Woo-geun truly believed that Yoo Ji-woo had the potential to grow into a world-class player.

"Shouldn't we ensure that the future of not just Korean football, but global football, can focus solely on the game?"

Hearing this, everyone quietly nodded.

After all, they had also reached their heights thanks to mentors who had allowed them to focus purely on football.

---

"Ji-woo!"

The house was noisier than usual since his sister's friends had arrived the night before.

As he warmed up lightly in the yard, his sister, Da-bin, approached him.

"Breakfast is ready!"

"Aren't you going out?"

"We're heading out later, so I'm just relaxing for now."

"Then warm up with me."

"Too lazy. The World Championships are over, so I'm taking it easy."

His sister's two best friends were Choi Da-bin and Kang Ju-hyun.

Ju-hyun was a beauty YouTuber, and Da-bin was a national fencing team member.

She had won a gold medal in foil at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and recently took first place at the World Championships in July, making her the current world number one in the foil category.

"Congrats on being number one."

"Thanks. Didn't you already congratulate me on Messenger?"

"That was then; this is now."

"Come eat. The housekeeper made seafood porridge for your match today."

"Got it."

"You still only eat porridge on game days?"

"It's easier on the stomach."

"Fair enough. I feel the same. Eating too much makes me feel sluggish."

After getting sick once, he'd developed the habit of eating light meals like porridge before important games since childhood. Now, it felt incomplete not to have porridge on game days.

"Want some meat?"

While he ate porridge, the rest of the family had a regular meal. His sister offered him a piece of perfectly grilled meat, but he shook his head.

"No thanks."

"You need meat for strength!"

"I'll be fine."

After finishing his meal, he went upstairs to grab his crossbody bag with his gear and came back down.

Clack.

He placed his game tickets on the dining table.

"Show these at the right time, and a club staff member will guide you."

"Family?"

"First-team players' families get invited to the family section."

Until now, his family had always cheered from the general stands.

But professionals did things differently. They had a designated family section where players' families and VIPs could sit comfortably.

"There are extras, so feel free to invite Aunt Alicia and Dad's friends."

"Thank you."

"I'm off."

"Be careful."

"Don't be intimidated! If they hit you once, aim to hit them twice!"

His parents were more nervous than he was.

Seeing their anxious faces, he had only one thing to say.

"Don't worry. I'll win."

---

The home stadium of Boca Juniors, Estadio Alberto J. Armando, also known as La Bombonera.

A river of Boca Juniors fans stretched endlessly towards the stadium.

"Boca! Boca! Boca!"

The day of the opening match had turned the La Boca district into a festival. People sang songs as they made their way to the stadium.

"Did you see the starting lineup today?"

"Of course. The Little Prince is starting!"

"That was a real surprise. When I heard Carlos was injured, I thought Renato would get the nod."

The fact that Yoo Ji-woo had made it into the starting lineup was a massive talking point among the fans.

In front of the packed stadium, Yoo Ji-woo's family, along with Choi Da-bin and Kang Ju-hyun, passed through security after admiring the murals of Boca Juniors' legendary players painted on the walls.

"Wow, the atmosphere is insane."

The excitement they had felt on the way to the stadium had now concentrated into one spot, making the energy even more electric.

"Can you believe that kid is now a professional player?"

"Right? Remember when he got into that fight with his friends and was crying? We had to step in and help."

"Oh! Wasn't that when those big kids stole his soccer shoes and stuff because he was too good at soccer?"

"Who would've thought that kid would grow up to play on a stage like this?"

The seats gradually filled, and members of the local Korean community and Alicia's family warmly greeted Yoo Ji-woo's family.

"Hello!"

"Oh, you've come, Mr. Yoo!"

"Thank you for giving us tickets as well."

"Haha, you've all been so good to Ji-woo. We had to watch his debut match together!"

– Waaaaahhhhhhh!!!

Suddenly, a thunderous roar erupted, startling everyone as they turned their attention to the field.

The players were coming out for warm-ups.

"It's warm-up time now."

"Where's Ji-woo?"

"Oh! There he is!"

"There he is! Ji-woo! Ji-woo!"

The family waved and shouted when they spotted Yoo Ji-woo emerging with the other players.

"Ji-woo! Dad's here!"

"Mom too!"

"Your sister's here! My little brother!"

So many cameras.

So many spectators.

Despite the overwhelming pressure of the situation, Yoo Ji-woo maintained his composure and began warming up with Javier Casero.

"Those people yelling over there, are they your family?"

"…Yes."

"Wave to them, at least."

"I'll do it later."

He stayed focused on his warm-up.

He passed the ball back and forth over a distance, adjusting his touch and getting a feel for the ball. When it was time to head back to the locker room, Yoo Ji-woo glanced toward his family.

"Two minutes won't hurt. Go say hi," suggested Sebastián Lancellotta, who noticed Yoo Ji-woo looking at his family.

But Yoo Ji-woo shook his head.

"I'm fine."

"Really?"

"I'll talk to them after I win. That'll be enough."

Soon, La Bombonera, known as the holy ground of Argentine football, was packed with 50,000 fans, ready to witness the opening match.