From Reject to Legend

December arrived, and Málaga CF continued to defy all expectations. With 14 matches played, they sat comfortably at the top of La Liga with a perfect record of 14 wins and 42 points, along with a couple victory in the first 2 round of the Copa del Rey. Their dominance was unprecedented, and the football world was in awe. The team that had been written off as relegation candidates after Isco's departure was now the talk of Europe, and at the heart of it all was Adriano Riveiro.

Adriano's stats were nothing short of extraordinary—16 goals and 19 assists in 14 matches. He led both the scoring and assist charts, and his performances had drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in the history of the game. The media couldn't get enough of him, and fans across the globe were captivated by his talent, humility, and charisma.

But with success came scrutiny. Rumors of a winter transfer began to swirl, with top European clubs like Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly ready to break the bank for the young prodigy. Adriano, however, remained steadfast in his commitment to Málaga.

It was chaos. Every day, new headlines surfaced.

But Adriano stayed calm.

At a press conference after Málaga's 3-1 victory over Valencia, a journalist asked him directly:

"Adriano, top clubs are fighting for you. What do you think about a transfer in January?"

He leaned into the microphone and smiled confidently.

"I'm flattered by the interest, but my focus is on Málaga. We're having an incredible season, and I want to see it through. I'll stay here until the end of the season, at least."

The Málaga fans erupted in cheers.

He was becoming more than just a star player.

To them, he was already a legend in the making.

A day later, something unexpected happened. Adriano's phone buzzed. A  message from a verified user.

His heart nearly stopped when he saw the name.

Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano: Hey, Adriano. I've been watching your games. I'm happy that another talented player has come from Portugal.You're doing amazing. Let's meet up when you're free.

Adriano stared at the screen in disbelief.

He had grown up idolizing Ronaldo and Figo.

Posters of CR7 covered his childhood bedroom walls. He had watched every video, studied his movements, his work ethic, his mindset.

And now, his idol wanted to meet him?

With shaky fingers, he typed a response.

Adriano: Thank you, Cristiano! It would be an honor to meet you. Just let me know when and where.

After setting the appointment with Ronaldo, Adriano returned his focus to Málaga. The team's next match was against Sevilla, one of their toughest opponents yet. The game was held at La Rosaleda, and the atmosphere was electric.

From the first whistle, Málaga dominated. Adriano was at the heart of everything, his vision and passing creating chances for his teammates. In the 22nd minute, he delivered a stunning through ball to Joaquín, who slotted it past the keeper to give Málaga the lead.

1-0.

The crowd erupted in cheers, and Adriano ran to the sidelines, pointing to the sky in a silent tribute to Hailee.

Sevilla fought back, but Málaga's defense held firm. In the 68th minute, Adriano sealed the victory with a powerful shot from outside the box. The ball flew into the top corner, leaving the keeper with no chance.

2-0.

The final whistle blew, and Málaga's players celebrated another victory. Adriano was once again the hero, his two-goal contribution proving decisive.

After the match, Adriano joined Pellegrini for the post-match press conference. The room was packed with journalists, all eager to hear from the young star.

"Adriano, another incredible performance," one reporter began. "How do you manage to stay so consistent?"

Adriano smiled. "It's all about hard work and focus. I have an amazing team behind me, and we're all pushing each other to be better every day."

Pellegrini nodded in agreement. "Adriano is a special player, but what makes him truly exceptional is his humility and work ethic. He's always looking to improve, and that's why he's having such a great season."

The questions continued, but Adriano handled them with ease. He was no longer the shy, uncertain trialist. He was a superstar, and he was ready to shine.

A few days later.

Adriano sat at a quiet table in one of Madrid's most exclusive cafés, his hands resting on the smooth wooden surface. The atmosphere was refined, the kind of place where the elite came to talk in hushed voices over espressos and fine pastries. But right now, none of that mattered.

Because sitting across from him was Cristiano Ronaldo.

Even after playing against some of the best in La Liga, Adriano still couldn't fully believe it. The man he had idolized as a kid, whose posters had covered his bedroom walls, whose goals he had tried to replicate in the streets of Lisbon, was now sitting with him as an equal.

Cristiano, dressed casually in a fitted black shirt and jeans, exuded a natural confidence. Yet, there was warmth in his demeanor, a sharp contrast to the ruthless competitor Adriano had watched dominate world football for nearly a decade.

"Relax man ," Ronaldo said with a smile, sensing Adriano's lingering nerves. "I don't bite."

Adriano chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not every day you get to sit across from your idol."

Ronaldo leaned back, taking a sip of his coffee. "That's funny, because I've been watching your games lately. I've become a fan of yours as well."

Adriano raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Of course," Ronaldo said. "You're all over the news. A 17-year-old leading La Liga in goals and assists? That's not normal. People are already comparing you to some of the greats. Not to mention you took down Barcelona a peg." He chuckled.

Adriano scratched the back of his neck, feeling both proud and a little embarrassed. "I just try to play my game."

Ronaldo nodded approvingly. "That's the right mentality. But tell me, how are you settling in? Spain is different from Portugal."

Adriano relaxed slightly at the change of topic. "Yeah, it's different. The weather, the culture… even the food."

Ronaldo grinned. "Let me guess—you miss your mother's cooking?"

Adriano laughed. "Every day. My mom used to make Bacalhau à Brás every weekend. Now? I have to settle for whatever the club chefs prepare."

"Ah," Ronaldo smirked. "That's the real struggle of being a footballer. No one cooks like our mothers."

Adriano smiled, then glanced down at his cup. "It's been an adjustment, but I can't complain. Málaga has been amazing. The fans, the club… they've given me a chance when nobody else would."

Ronaldo studied him for a moment. "What about your family? Do you visit often?"

Adriano's expression softened. "I try. My parents still live in Lisbon, I plan to buy a house for them here if I stay long. They've sacrificed a lot for me to be here. I just want to make them proud. I was planning to head back home in next break. "

Ronaldo nodded, his expression knowing. "That feeling never changes. No matter how many trophies you win, you always want to make the people who believed in you proud."

Adriano could see the sincerity in his idol's eyes. It wasn't just empty words.

Ronaldo then playfully asked, " And what's about your love life? I heard you were dating an upcoming hollywood star ?"

Adriano chuckled and replied, " It's a long distance relationship we are trying to work out. What about you? Are you dating currently?"

Ronaldo sighed, " I am not actually. I've been dating around ever since I got some fame, but I've never really found anyone who is perfect for me. Most would just cling to me for exposure and fame. I was young and didn't know better, what can I say!"

He laughed and then added, " Take this advice from a oder guy, never rush into a relationship when you're famous. Most women would only like you for the persona you have on media, they don't know the real you. You have to find the right person to settle down. Otherwise you'll only suffer from it, not to mention it affects your form and mindset ."

As Adriano was about to ask another question, Ronaldo glanced at his watch, then looked toward the entrance. "Actually, I have someone else who wants to meet you today."

Before Adriano could respond, a tall, well-dressed man entered the café. The moment Adriano saw him, he recognized him immediately.

Jorge Mendes.

The most powerful football agent in the world. The man who had brokered deals for Ronaldo, Di María, and many more superstars.

Adriano's heart rate spiked.

Mendes walked over, offering his hand. "Adriano. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Adriano quickly stood, shaking his hand. "Likewise, sir."

Mendes smiled as he sat beside Ronaldo. "I've been following your career closely. What you're doing in La Liga is… remarkable."

Adriano tried to stay calm. "I'm just focusing on playing well for Málaga."

Ronaldo grinned. "That's what I like to hear."

Mendes leaned forward slightly. "I won't take much of your time today. Just know that when the time comes—when you're ready to take the next step—you'll have plenty of doors open for you."

Adriano nodded slowly. "I appreciate that."

Mendes smiled, exchanging a look with Ronaldo before excusing himself. "I'll leave you two to your conversation. We'll talk after you two finish chatting , Adriano."

As Mendes walked away, Adriano turned to Ronaldo, exhaling slowly. "That… was unexpected."

Ronaldo chuckled. "You better get used to it. You're not just a promising player anymore, Adriano. You're becoming a superstar."

A Serious QuestionAfter the brief distraction, Ronaldo's tone shifted slightly. He leaned forward, elbows on the table, his expression thoughtful.

"Tell me," he said. "What are your future plans?"

Adriano hesitated. "I… I honestly haven't thought too much ahead. Right now, I just want to finish the season with Málaga."

Ronaldo nodded. "Good. Focus is important. But you'll have to start thinking about your next steps soon."

There was a pause. Then, Ronaldo's gaze sharpened. "And what about the national team?"

Adriano sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know. I haven't received an official invitation from either Brazil or Portugal yet . And to be honest, I doubt they'd use me anyway. I'm still too young."

Ronaldo frowned slightly, leaning back. "I can't speak for Brazil, but Portugal? We would be lucky to have you."

Adriano looked up, surprised at the conviction in Ronaldo's voice.

The older man exhaled, glancing out the café window before continuing.

"I've achieved many personal things in my career," Ronaldo admitted. "Champions League titles, Ballon d'Ors… But do you know what my greatest regret  is?"

Adriano remained silent, listening.

"Not winning a Trophy with Portugal."

His voice was softer now, but filled with raw emotion.

"Winning a national trophy … it means everything to me. It wasn't just about personal glory—it was about giving something back to the country that made me who I am."

Ronaldo then looked directly at Adriano.

"And Portugal needs you, Adriano."

Adriano blinked. "Me?"

Ronaldo nodded. "We have some great players. But what we don't have is a midfielder like you. Someone who can control the game, dictate the tempo, create something out of nothing. Our midfield needs to create more chances to take the pressure off the forwards. That role would be perfect for you."

Adriano listened intently.

"It's your decision," Ronaldo continued. "But I'll tell you this: if you say you want to , I'll talk to Coach Santos myself ."

Adriano's eyes widened. "You'd do that?"

Ronaldo nodded. "Yes. Because I believe in you. I believe that you can be the future of Portugal team with proper guidance , and I'm not getting any younger," He joked.

A rush of emotions hit Adriano all at once. This wasn't just anyone telling him this.

This was Cristiano Ronaldo.

His idol, The world's best player, was looking at him with respect—not as a kid, not as a fan, but as a potential teammate.

Adriano swallowed, his voice quieter now. "If Portugal officially calls me up… I will seriously consider it."

Ronaldo smiled. "That's all I ask."

For the first time since sitting down, Adriano felt truly equal to the man across from him.

He wasn't just a rising star.

He was being recognized as a future leader for Portugal.

That was something even greater than he had ever imagined.

Mendes, who had been listening quietly from the side joined them, finally spoke again.

"Now that we've settled that… Adriano, do you have an agent?"

Adriano blinked. "No, not officially. My dad helps with everything money related ."

Mendes smiled. "Then let's make it official. I want you to sign with me."

Adriano nearly choked on his drink. "Wait—seriously?"

Mendes chuckled. "Of course. I only represent the best. And right now, you're the best young talent in La Liga."

Adriano hesitated, still processing.

Before he could respond, Ronaldo laughed.

"I just hope Mendes won't drop me once you become a star," he joked.

Mendes smirked. "You, Cristiano? Never. But Adriano here… he might be my next Ballon d'Or winner."

Adriano couldn't believe what he was hearing.

With a deep breath, he extended his hand.

"Alright. Let's do it."

Mendes shook his hand firmly. "Thanks for your trust Adriano, I'll definitely help reach your full potential."

Mendes leaned forward. "Now, let's talk business. We'll negotiate a new sponsorship deal for some brands, and discuss a possible wage increase from Málaga. But listen—Málaga won't be able to keep you after this season. They won't be able to match your value. It will also hamper your growth."

Adriano frowned. "So you're saying… I should leave?"

Mendes nodded. "I'm saying you should start thinking about where you want to go next."

Adriano exhaled.His journey had only just begun. But now? The biggest decision of his life was coming.

He replied calmly, " I'll consider things after the season ends. We don't know how my performance will be at the end of season and how much that would change things. Not to mention the world cup is coming."

Mendes smiled, " That's a smart move. I'll be looking forward to your performance."

Ronaldo also added, " Make sure you don't get injured. We'll need you at 100% ."

Adriano smiled and shook hands with them amd left the cafe.

Unknowingly , this scene was captured by some paparazzis who published a news " Adriano meeting Ronaldo and signs with Mendes? Is he preparing to join Madrid, or the Portugal world cup team?"

This news sent another wave to the fans who started speculating about the possibility of Adriano playing in the world cup as one of the youngest players ever .