From Reject to Legend

Adriano Riveiro's debut for the Portuguese national team was nothing short of spectacular. A hat-trick and two assists in a 6-0 victory over Peru had sent shockwaves through the football world. The media couldn't get enough of him, and fans across the globe were captivated by his talent, humility, and charisma.

The headlines the next day were effusive in their praise:

"Adriano Riveiro: The Future of Portuguese Football"

"Hat-Trick Hero Adriano Leads Portugal to World Cup Glory"

"Ronaldo Passes the Torch to Adriano in Stunning Debut"

Social media was ablaze with reactions. Portuguese fans were ecstatic, while fans from other countries marveled at the young prodigy's performance.

Portuguese Fans:

"Adriano is a generational talent! The future is bright for Portugal!"

"Ronaldo and Adriano together? We're winning the World Cup!"

"A hat-trick on his debut? This kid is unreal!"

International Fans:

"Adriano is the real deal. Portugal has found their next superstar."

"I can't believe he's only 17. The sky's the limit for him."

"Brazil must be kicking themselves for losing him to Portugal."

Even Brazilian fans, many of whom had criticized Adriano's decision to represent Portugal, couldn't help but acknowledge his brilliance.

"Okay, I'm still mad he chose Portugal, but that was an incredible performance."

"He's not Brazilian-style, but you can't deny his talent."

"Maybe we should've fought harder to keep him."

The media frenzy surrounding Adriano reached new heights. Every major sports outlet wanted an interview, and his face was plastered across newspapers, magazines, and TV screens. He was no longer just a rising star—he was a global phenomenon.

In an exclusive interview with Marca, Adriano reflected on his debut.

"It was a dream come true. To play for Portugal, to score a hat-trick, and to contribute to such an important victory—it's something I'll never forget. But this is just the beginning. We have a World Cup to prepare for, and I'm focused on helping the team succeed."

When asked about the pressure of being compared to Ronaldo, Adriano remained humble.

"Cristiano is one of the greatest players of all time. I'm not trying to be the next Ronaldo. I'm just trying to be the best version of myself and help the team in any way I can."

Ronaldo, ever the supportive mentor, also weighed in.

"Adriano is a special player. He's got the talent, the work ethic, and the mentality to achieve great things. I'm proud to have him as a teammate, and I know he'll be a key player for Portugal in the World Cup."

Amidst the celebrations and media attention, Adriano couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He had tried calling Hailee multiple times after the match, but his calls kept going to voicemail. Texts went unanswered, and her social media accounts were eerily silent.

At first, he thought she might be busy with her filming schedule or dealing with the paparazzi. But as the days passed, his concern grew. Finally, he received a message—not from Hailee, but from her assistant.

Hailee's Assistant: Adriano, I'm sorry to reach out like this, but Hailee asked me to let you know that she won't be able to contact you for a while. Her parents have decided to homeschool her for the next two years, and they've asked her to cut off all outside communication, including with you. She's really sorry and hopes you can understand.

Adriano stared at his phone, his heart sinking. He read the message again, trying to process what it meant. Hailee's parents had forced her to cut off contact with him? Homeschool her for two years? It felt like a punch to the gut.

He immediately called her assistant, his voice trembling with urgency.

"Can I talk to her? Just for a minute? Please."

There was a pause on the other end.

"I'm sorry, Adriano. She's not allowed to take any calls. Her parents are very strict about this."

Adriano clenched his fists, frustration and helplessness washing over him.

"Can you at least tell her… tell her I just want to know what did she really think of us?"

The assistant sighed. "I'll pass on the message. But Adriano… don't get your hopes up. Her parents are very determined."

A few days later, Adriano received an email . It was from Hailee. His hands shook as he opened it, his heart pounding in his chest.

Dear Adriano,

I don't even know where to begin. I'm so sorry for everything. I never wanted to hurt you, but my parents… they've made it clear that I have to focus on my career and my education. They don't think a long-distance relationship is good for me right now. They also decided to limit my outdoor activities, and to homeschool me for the next two years. I won't be able to contact you during that time.

I feel like my heart is being torn . I care about you so much, Adriano. You're the first person I got so close to, in such a short time. But I can't choose between you and my family. I just can't.

I hope you can forgive me. I hope you can understand how hard this is for me. You deserve someone who can be there for you, someone who doesn't have to choose.

I'll always cherish the time we had together. You've changed my life in ways I can't even put into words. I love you, Adriano. And I'm so, so sorry.

Yours always,

Hailee

Adriano read the letter over and over, his vision blurring with tears. He felt a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, and helplessness. He wanted to fight for her, to find a way to make things work. But she clearly chose to follow her parents wish. Not that he blamed her, she wouldn't pick a guy she knew for a month over her parents.

It just felt too surreal. She was the first girl he got close to after his journey began. It's Like a story ending before it even began. Her parents just decided that he wasn't good enough without even knowing him. And her just accepting that. This all felt so unfair, as if his life had became a cosmic joke.

Adriano sat in his childhood home in Lisbon, staring at the letter on his phone's screen for what felt like the hundredth time.

Each word from Hailee's email cut through him like a blade.

How could something so perfect be ripped away so suddenly?

His fingers trembled as he scrolled through the message again, looking for something—anything—that would make it easier to accept.

But there was nothing.

No loophole. No second chances. No "maybe someday."

It was over before it could even truly begin.

He clenched his jaw, fighting the wave of anger and frustration that threatened to overwhelm him.

He wasn't angry at Hailee—he knew she had no choice.

But her parents? They had decided he wasn't good enough before even meeting him.

They had taken her voice away.

And there was nothing he could do about it.

A deep sigh escaped his lips as he tossed his phone onto his bed and leaned back against the wall.

Outside, the sounds of his mother cooking and his father watching TV filled the house, comforting in their familiarity.

It was strange how life moved forward, no matter how much your own heart felt like it had stopped.

He closed his eyes and exhaled.

He had to let it go.

Because the only thing he had left was football.

And he was going to pour every ounce of himself into it.

After spending a few days with his family in Portugal, Adriano returned to Málaga, determined to channel his emotions into his game.

He stepped onto the training ground with a new intensity, his usual focus sharpened by the weight of his heartbreak.

His teammates noticed the shift immediately.

"Man, he's locked in today," Joaquín muttered to Juanmi as they watched Adriano fly through the drills.

"Yeah… but something's different," Juanmi replied. "He looks like a man going through some bad stuff ."

Pellegrini also took note. After training, he pulled Adriano aside.

"You alright, kid?"

Adriano nodded, though the hollowness in his chest remained. "Yeah. Just focused."

Pellegrini studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Good. Because we have two big games coming up. First, Villarreal. Then… Real Madrid at the Bernabéu."

Adriano's expression didn't waver.

"I'll be ready."

El Madrigal was buzzing as Málaga arrived to face Villarreal in an away match.

Villarreal was a solid team—quick, aggressive, and dangerous in attack. But tonight, Adriano was unstoppable.

The first goal came early.

Adriano, playing in an advanced role, picked up the ball 25 yards out, danced past a defender, and let fly with a rocket of a shot.

The goalkeeper barely reacted as the ball slammed into the top corner.

GOOOAAALLLL!

0-1, Málaga!

The Málaga fans in the corner of the stadium erupted in celebration, while Adriano barely reacted.

He jogged back to his position, a cold determination in his eyes.

No celebration. No smile.

This wasn't joy—this was a statement.

Villareal tried to push forward, but Málaga caught them on the counter.

Joaquín sprinted down the right wing, then squared the ball to Adriano at the edge of the box.

With one touch, Adriano created space.

With the next, he buried the ball into the bottom corner.

0-2, Málaga!

Again, no wild celebration. Just a focused intensity as he nodded toward Joaquín in appreciation.

His teammates could feel it.

Adriano wasn't just playing.

He was on a mission.

In the second half, Villarreal finally pulled one back, making it 1-2.

But then Adriano finished them off.

A Málaga corner curled into the box, and as the ball dropped, Adriano met it with a powerful volley.

GOOOOAAALLLLL! HAT-TRICK!

He turned toward the Málaga bench, his jaw clenched, fists tight.

0-3, Málaga!

By the time the final whistle blew, Málaga had crushed Villarreal 5-1, with Adriano scoring three and assisting one.

The fans chanted his name, but his expression remained unreadable.

Because in his mind, this wasn't enough.

He wasn't done.

He had one more message to send.

uPellegrini gathered the team in the dressing room after the match.

"You were brilliant tonight," he said. "But next week is different."

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.

"We're going to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid."

Silence.

Everyone knew what this meant.

The Galácticos.

BBC Trio, Ramos, Carvajal, Modric…. Each and every one of them are stars of the highest calibre.

Málaga had been flying high, but Madrid was another level entirely.

Pellegrini's eyes fell on Adriano.

"I know what you're thinking," the coach said. "You want to prove yourself against the best."

Adriano's gaze was steely.

"I don't just want to prove myself," he said, his voice calm but intense. "I want to beat them."

Joaquín smirked. "I like the sound of that."

The team laughed, tension breaking for a moment.

Pellegrini smiled. "Then let's get to work. Because if we win at the Bernabéu… the world will know Málaga isn't just a fairy tale."

Adriano nodded, his hands tightening into fists.

This was the game he had been waiting for.

A chance to stand on football's grandest stage.

A chance to show Real Madrid, the world, and himself that he was ready for the next level.

A chance to bury the pain of his heartbreak in the only way he knew how.

By becoming unstoppable.