The U20 training field hummed with the familiar chaos of youth football—shouts echoing across the pitch, balls thumping against boots, the occasional burst of laughter cutting through the drill instructions. Thiago stood near the sideline, watching João weave through a group of younger players with that same effortless flair he'd had since they were kids kicking a ball in the favelas. The sun hung heavy in the late morning sky, sweat already drying against Thiago's collar as he waited for a break in the action.
He'd planned this carefully.
When the whistle blew for water, João spotted him immediately, jogging over with that trademark grin. "Look who decided to grace us peasants with his presence."
Thiago rolled his eyes, tossing him a bottle. "Still running circles around kids, I see."
"Someone's got to teach them how it's done." João took a long swig, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "What brings the first-team superstar to our humble pitch?"
