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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Teens
- Theme: Inspirational
- Subject: Character Based
- Published: 12/08/2023
way back to the top
Born 2010, M, from Nuevo leon, MexicoThere once was a kid called Lamine who lived in the crowded city of Rio de Janeiro. There soccer was more than a sport, it was a lifestyle. Playing soccer was the thing that connected him to the other people in the city. His flashy passions and exciting gameplay were what separated him from most others and was the drive to his success. But under that passion, was a sense of nervousness and lack of precision in decision. He was in a team called FC Janeiro that had the best players like R9, Neymar and Ronaldiño.
As FC Janeiro made it to the soccer final, excitement filled the air. They were against their biggest rivals Sao Paulo CF. Lamine´s heart pounded with anticipation, and the cheers from the crowd carried the team's hopes. The game was intense, and as the clock counted down, FC Janeiro found themselves trailing by a goal. Laqoun, Lamine´s teammate, beat two defenders and flung the ball over to Lamine. The ball landed at Lamine´s feet, and the whole crowd held their breath.
“ It's the future of soccer, Lamine will possibly be the title decider. Score and become a hero and miss and become lost in history.” The commentators announced.
With a powerful kick, Lamine aimed for the goal, the ball soaring through the air. Time seemed to stop as the goalie leaped desperately, fingertips brushing against the ball, redirecting it away going towards the post. It hit the inside part and doinked to the other post. Luck was not at Lamines side as the ball was cleared by the defender. The referee's whistle blew, ending the game. Lamine and his teammates collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. Lamine threw himself on the ground and stared into the sky with tears almost coming out of his eyes.
In the locker room after the game, not a single word was heard in the locker room. While the other team blasted music and sprayed confetti, the FC Janeiro locker room was dead silent. Sighs and shuffling feet filled the space. Lamine felt what was 100 tons of weight on his shoulder for letting everyone, including himself, down. Missing the tying goal was tough, and the disappointment on his teammates' faces hurt more than any defeat. Tension thickened as blame circulated, unfairly landing on Lamine.
"Come on, guys, it wasn't just Lamine's fault," his teammate tried to defend him.
"But he had the chance, and he blew it!" Saqoun retaliated, his frustration evident.
“I shouldn't have passed the ball to you. I should have taken the shot because I would have scored. Next time try not to disappoint everyone” Laquon whispered to Lamine. Lamine walked out of the field. In the locker room there are several scouts talking to the coach.
“ Coach, we are here to scout a player. We are interested in your two best players Lamine and Laquon. Maybe we will take a look at the next game and decide who to take.” A scout said
“ Seeing that today I will take Laquon over Lamine,” the coach responded. Lamine hears that from the locker room. I need to perform better. I want to get scouted for my mom and dad. The coaches walked towards the locker room and called the players.
“Guys, well played today. We have another final next week. Next there will be scouts looking at some of you to invite to their team so play your best.” The coach said. Everyone nodded. The whole team walks towards the bus. As Lamine is sitting down. Laquon comes up to him on the bus:
“Hey guys, this is the guy that made us lose. Look at him and his skinny legs. No wonder why he couldn't score. You´re a loser, Lamine. You should just give up soccer.” Laquon taunted him. Lamine, frustrated, turns on his music and ignores him. Laquon snatches his phone off Lamine.
“Hey, give it back!” Lamine shouted towards Laquon.
“If you can take it from me.” Laquon said while laughing. Laquon is 6 inches taller than Lamine with a 6 ft 10 wingspan. Lamine was jumping and tugging on Laquon making him look like a toddler.
The locker room in the next few days separated into 2 parts. One who blamed Lamine and one who thought it wasn't his fault. Stares at Lamine made him feel nervous. Insults thrown at Lamine made him want to hide into a hole and never come out.
One evening, with the sun setting, Lamine´s father, Miguel, found him alone on the porch, staring into the distance. He walked up to him and sat next to him. Miguel in his prime was a skilled soccer player even being compared and said to be the next Rivaldo. Knowing the challenges that came with the game. He had witnessed Lamine's dedication and passion and could see what the game had done to him.
"Hey, Lamine," Miguel finally broke the silence, "I know it's tough right now. But remember, the game is as much about resilience as it is about skill. Don't let one setback define you.” Lamine sighed and shrugged off his dad.
“ Dad, maybe I'm not built for this game. I can still pursue other careers.” Lamine said under his breath.
Miguel patted Lamine on the back “ Lamine even the greatest players like Pele started missing chances. I have learned the hard way is better now that in bigger moments this can happen.”
Encouraged by his father's words, Lamine got up and hugged his dad. For the next few days before the other final, Lamine and Miguel spent mornings and late evenings on the field, practicing his shots, improving his speed, and improving his skills.
The next game arrived, and FC Janeiro found themselves once again facing their rivals. The locker room chatter had dimmed, replaced by a quiet determination that spread through the team. Before the game started Lamine got a phone call by an unfamiliar number 1 hour before the game.
“ Sorry to inform you Mr. Lamine but your dad got into a car crash and is now in the hospital.. We are sorry you had to hear it this way.” An unfamiliar voice said. Lamine was in shock. He didn't know what to do. He hung up the phone and rushed out of the locker room sprinting past everyone. What ´s going to happen with my dad? I don't know what to do. I feel so lost. Hey, Lamine, the game doesn't matter. I gotta go visit dad and check. That's the best thing and the correct thing to do. Lamine assured himself.
“ Hey Lamine, where are you going?” asked one of his teammates. Lamine ignored him and sprinted out of the stadium running towards the hospital. Once there Lamine quickly sprinted up to his dads room where his mom greeted him by the door.
“ Mom, is dad ok?” Lamine asked desperately. His mom with her eyes covered pointed towards his dad. He bumped into the doctor on the way.
“ Sorry to tell you kid but your dad will be here for 6 months, maybe even 8.” Lamine ignored her and sprinted to his side and grabbed his hand. He put his forehead towards his arm, his eyes covered in tears.
“ Lamine,” Miguel said in a small voice.” Sorry, I can't attend your game today. I lost a lot of my energy and as you can see, I am in no state to go to your game. I'm sorry to worry you so much,” Miguel continued. “Go win the game.” Miguel said with his remaining strength. Lamine hearing his dads wishes started to contemplate and parallel the two roads upon him. Dad is only telling me this to assure me. What if he is lying so I don't worry. But dad wouldn't lie to me, would he? Also everything he has told me so far only benefited me. After thinking a while, Lamine sprinted back to the stadium and only 30 mins remained until the game started.
“Lamine, where were you? I was searching for you all this time.” The coach shouted angrily. “ There are many scouts looking at our talent and I recommended you to them. So I expect a big performance from you.” The coach said to Lamine.
As the game unfolded, Lamine found himself in a familiar position which had taunted him for a few weeks, a chance to score. The memories of the missed opportunity from the previous game haunted him, but this time, he was determined to make it count. With a swift move, he dribbled past defenders and, in a moment of perfect timing, launched the ball into the back of the net.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Lamine's teammates surrounded him carrying him to the sidelines to celebrate with the team. Gatorade flew through the air and shin pads fell to the ground. FC Janeiro secured its first trophy in 7 years, and Lamine's performance caught the attention of the scouts. After the game someone with a suit came up to him.
"Hello, Lamine. I was impressed by your performance today. We'd like to invite you for a trial with FC Barcelona. Are you interested?"
Lamine couldn't believe his ears. The dream he had been chasing seemed within reach. The journey that began with disappointment had now opened doors to possibilities beyond Lamine's imagination.
Lamine quickly went to the hospital where Miguel was in a better condition laying in his bed.
“ Dad. We won the championship and I scored the winning goal! After the game a scout told me I had a trial for FC Barcelona!!” Lamine said excitedly towards Miguel.
“ I'm proud of you son. When I get out of here I'll show you my signature move back in my day.” Miguel said. Lamine went to hug his dad and mom.
“ We'll do our best as a family.” Lamines mom said, smiling.
way back to the top(Seungwook Kim)
There once was a kid called Lamine who lived in the crowded city of Rio de Janeiro. There soccer was more than a sport, it was a lifestyle. Playing soccer was the thing that connected him to the other people in the city. His flashy passions and exciting gameplay were what separated him from most others and was the drive to his success. But under that passion, was a sense of nervousness and lack of precision in decision. He was in a team called FC Janeiro that had the best players like R9, Neymar and Ronaldiño.
As FC Janeiro made it to the soccer final, excitement filled the air. They were against their biggest rivals Sao Paulo CF. Lamine´s heart pounded with anticipation, and the cheers from the crowd carried the team's hopes. The game was intense, and as the clock counted down, FC Janeiro found themselves trailing by a goal. Laqoun, Lamine´s teammate, beat two defenders and flung the ball over to Lamine. The ball landed at Lamine´s feet, and the whole crowd held their breath.
“ It's the future of soccer, Lamine will possibly be the title decider. Score and become a hero and miss and become lost in history.” The commentators announced.
With a powerful kick, Lamine aimed for the goal, the ball soaring through the air. Time seemed to stop as the goalie leaped desperately, fingertips brushing against the ball, redirecting it away going towards the post. It hit the inside part and doinked to the other post. Luck was not at Lamines side as the ball was cleared by the defender. The referee's whistle blew, ending the game. Lamine and his teammates collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. Lamine threw himself on the ground and stared into the sky with tears almost coming out of his eyes.
In the locker room after the game, not a single word was heard in the locker room. While the other team blasted music and sprayed confetti, the FC Janeiro locker room was dead silent. Sighs and shuffling feet filled the space. Lamine felt what was 100 tons of weight on his shoulder for letting everyone, including himself, down. Missing the tying goal was tough, and the disappointment on his teammates' faces hurt more than any defeat. Tension thickened as blame circulated, unfairly landing on Lamine.
"Come on, guys, it wasn't just Lamine's fault," his teammate tried to defend him.
"But he had the chance, and he blew it!" Saqoun retaliated, his frustration evident.
“I shouldn't have passed the ball to you. I should have taken the shot because I would have scored. Next time try not to disappoint everyone” Laquon whispered to Lamine. Lamine walked out of the field. In the locker room there are several scouts talking to the coach.
“ Coach, we are here to scout a player. We are interested in your two best players Lamine and Laquon. Maybe we will take a look at the next game and decide who to take.” A scout said
“ Seeing that today I will take Laquon over Lamine,” the coach responded. Lamine hears that from the locker room. I need to perform better. I want to get scouted for my mom and dad. The coaches walked towards the locker room and called the players.
“Guys, well played today. We have another final next week. Next there will be scouts looking at some of you to invite to their team so play your best.” The coach said. Everyone nodded. The whole team walks towards the bus. As Lamine is sitting down. Laquon comes up to him on the bus:
“Hey guys, this is the guy that made us lose. Look at him and his skinny legs. No wonder why he couldn't score. You´re a loser, Lamine. You should just give up soccer.” Laquon taunted him. Lamine, frustrated, turns on his music and ignores him. Laquon snatches his phone off Lamine.
“Hey, give it back!” Lamine shouted towards Laquon.
“If you can take it from me.” Laquon said while laughing. Laquon is 6 inches taller than Lamine with a 6 ft 10 wingspan. Lamine was jumping and tugging on Laquon making him look like a toddler.
The locker room in the next few days separated into 2 parts. One who blamed Lamine and one who thought it wasn't his fault. Stares at Lamine made him feel nervous. Insults thrown at Lamine made him want to hide into a hole and never come out.
One evening, with the sun setting, Lamine´s father, Miguel, found him alone on the porch, staring into the distance. He walked up to him and sat next to him. Miguel in his prime was a skilled soccer player even being compared and said to be the next Rivaldo. Knowing the challenges that came with the game. He had witnessed Lamine's dedication and passion and could see what the game had done to him.
"Hey, Lamine," Miguel finally broke the silence, "I know it's tough right now. But remember, the game is as much about resilience as it is about skill. Don't let one setback define you.” Lamine sighed and shrugged off his dad.
“ Dad, maybe I'm not built for this game. I can still pursue other careers.” Lamine said under his breath.
Miguel patted Lamine on the back “ Lamine even the greatest players like Pele started missing chances. I have learned the hard way is better now that in bigger moments this can happen.”
Encouraged by his father's words, Lamine got up and hugged his dad. For the next few days before the other final, Lamine and Miguel spent mornings and late evenings on the field, practicing his shots, improving his speed, and improving his skills.
The next game arrived, and FC Janeiro found themselves once again facing their rivals. The locker room chatter had dimmed, replaced by a quiet determination that spread through the team. Before the game started Lamine got a phone call by an unfamiliar number 1 hour before the game.
“ Sorry to inform you Mr. Lamine but your dad got into a car crash and is now in the hospital.. We are sorry you had to hear it this way.” An unfamiliar voice said. Lamine was in shock. He didn't know what to do. He hung up the phone and rushed out of the locker room sprinting past everyone. What ´s going to happen with my dad? I don't know what to do. I feel so lost. Hey, Lamine, the game doesn't matter. I gotta go visit dad and check. That's the best thing and the correct thing to do. Lamine assured himself.
“ Hey Lamine, where are you going?” asked one of his teammates. Lamine ignored him and sprinted out of the stadium running towards the hospital. Once there Lamine quickly sprinted up to his dads room where his mom greeted him by the door.
“ Mom, is dad ok?” Lamine asked desperately. His mom with her eyes covered pointed towards his dad. He bumped into the doctor on the way.
“ Sorry to tell you kid but your dad will be here for 6 months, maybe even 8.” Lamine ignored her and sprinted to his side and grabbed his hand. He put his forehead towards his arm, his eyes covered in tears.
“ Lamine,” Miguel said in a small voice.” Sorry, I can't attend your game today. I lost a lot of my energy and as you can see, I am in no state to go to your game. I'm sorry to worry you so much,” Miguel continued. “Go win the game.” Miguel said with his remaining strength. Lamine hearing his dads wishes started to contemplate and parallel the two roads upon him. Dad is only telling me this to assure me. What if he is lying so I don't worry. But dad wouldn't lie to me, would he? Also everything he has told me so far only benefited me. After thinking a while, Lamine sprinted back to the stadium and only 30 mins remained until the game started.
“Lamine, where were you? I was searching for you all this time.” The coach shouted angrily. “ There are many scouts looking at our talent and I recommended you to them. So I expect a big performance from you.” The coach said to Lamine.
As the game unfolded, Lamine found himself in a familiar position which had taunted him for a few weeks, a chance to score. The memories of the missed opportunity from the previous game haunted him, but this time, he was determined to make it count. With a swift move, he dribbled past defenders and, in a moment of perfect timing, launched the ball into the back of the net.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Lamine's teammates surrounded him carrying him to the sidelines to celebrate with the team. Gatorade flew through the air and shin pads fell to the ground. FC Janeiro secured its first trophy in 7 years, and Lamine's performance caught the attention of the scouts. After the game someone with a suit came up to him.
"Hello, Lamine. I was impressed by your performance today. We'd like to invite you for a trial with FC Barcelona. Are you interested?"
Lamine couldn't believe his ears. The dream he had been chasing seemed within reach. The journey that began with disappointment had now opened doors to possibilities beyond Lamine's imagination.
Lamine quickly went to the hospital where Miguel was in a better condition laying in his bed.
“ Dad. We won the championship and I scored the winning goal! After the game a scout told me I had a trial for FC Barcelona!!” Lamine said excitedly towards Miguel.
“ I'm proud of you son. When I get out of here I'll show you my signature move back in my day.” Miguel said. Lamine went to hug his dad and mom.
“ We'll do our best as a family.” Lamines mom said, smiling.
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