Rise of a Football Prodigy

Richard Blake woke up to a crisp winter morning in Dortmund, his heart pounding with anticipation. Today was the day he would be officially unveiled to the fans—a moment he had dreamed of since he was a kid watching superstar signings walk onto the pitch, draped in club colors, greeted by thousands of roaring supporters. Now, it was his turn.

The Build-Up

The day began with a series of media obligations at the club's training center. Alongside his agent, Evan Cadwell, Richard met with Dortmund's media team, who briefed him on the schedule. He would first record a few promotional videos, then attend a press conference before heading to Signal Iduna Park for his grand presentation.

"Just be yourself," Evan advised as they prepared. "The fans already love your playing style. Today's about making them love you."

Karl-Heinz Bauer, the club's sports director, walked in with a grin. "We've already sold a ton of jerseys with your name on them, Richard. The fans are buzzing. Ready to give them a show?"

Richard nodded, suppressing his nerves. "I was born ready."

Before stepping out to the fans, Richard faced the media. Journalists from across Germany filled the room, eager to hear from Dortmund's record winter signing.

Coach Schmidt sat beside him, along with Karl-Heinz Bauer and Evan Wright. The questions came fast:

"Why Dortmund over Tottenham?"

Richard smiled. "I respect Tottenham, but Dortmund offers the best environment for young players to grow. I want to make an immediate impact, and I believe this is the perfect place to do that."

"How do you feel about the pressure?"

"I'm used to pressure. I welcome it. I know what the fans expect, and I plan to deliver."

"Some say you were overpriced at €15 million. Thoughts?"

Richard chuckled. "That's for the club to decide, not me. My job is to prove my worth on the pitch."

Walking Into the Yellow Wall

After the press conference, it was time. A black and yellow scarf draped over his shoulders, Richard made his way through the stadium tunnel, accompanied by club officials. As the doors to the pitch opened, a deafening roar erupted from the Yellow Wall.

Thousands of fans packed into the stadium, waving banners, scarves, and chanting his name. The sight was overwhelming. Even as someone used to crowds, the sheer passion of Dortmund's supporters was unlike anything he had ever seen.

He walked onto the field as the announcer's voice echoed through the speakers.

"Borussia Dortmund fans, please welcome our new number 8… RICHARD BLAKE!"

The roar intensified as Richard waved, taking a deep breath to soak in the moment. He bounced a ball on his foot before juggling it with ease, ending with a perfect flick into the air before volleying it toward the crowd. It was a simple trick, but the fans ate it up, chanting his name even louder.

Soon, a club representative handed him a microphone.

"First of all, Danke!" Richard said, his voice carrying through the stadium. "I've dreamed of playing for a club with fans as passionate as you. I promise to give everything on the pitch for Dortmund and make sure we fight for every trophy!"

The crowd responded with a deafening "Blake! Blake! Blake!" chant.

As Richard took pictures with fans and signed jerseys, Karl-Heinz Bauer and Evan Cadwell watched from the sidelines.

"He's already won them over," Bauer said with satisfaction.

Evan nodded. "Now he just has to back it up on the pitch."

Richard knew this was just the beginning. The fans had embraced him, but now came the real test—proving himself in black and yellow.

----

Richard Blake sat across from his agent, Evan Cadwell, in a sleek, modern office space in Dortmund. The walls were lined with framed jerseys of football legends, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. His first week at Borussia Dortmund had been a whirlwind—medical tests, meeting teammates, training sessions, and the grand unveiling to the fans. But now, it was time for another major milestone: his first sponsorship deal.

Evan leaned forward, sliding a thick contract across the table. "Alright, Richard. This is your first big endorsement offer. Adidas wants to sign you as one of their rising stars."

Richard's eyebrows raised slightly. "Adidas, huh? That's huge."

Across the table sat Johannes Fischer, a senior marketing executive from Adidas. He was a sharply dressed man in his mid-40s, exuding the calm confidence of someone who had negotiated with football's biggest stars.

"We see massive potential in you, Richard," Johannes said, smiling. "Dortmund is one of the biggest clubs for developing world-class talent. We believe you're next in line. This deal will put you in elite company."

Evan flipped through the contract, summarizing the key points.

Base Contract: €2 million per year, increasing based on performance milestones.

Performance Bonuses: Additional payouts for achievements like making the Bundesliga Team of the Season, winning trophies, or getting a national team call-up.

Signature Boot Line: If Richard's brand grows, Adidas would create a personalized boot in his name, potentially within two years.

Ad Campaigns & Media Appearances: Commercials, photoshoots, and special events with other Adidas-sponsored players.

Richard let out a low whistle. "That's some serious money."

Johannes nodded. "And this is just the beginning. If you perform well, you'll be one of Adidas' premier athletes in no time."

Evan tapped the contract. "Nike and Puma were interested, but Adidas came in strongest. Plus, Dortmund is an Adidas-sponsored club—it's a perfect fit."

Richard leaned back, weighing his options. He had grown up idolizing players who wore Adidas boots, and the thought of having his own signature line someday was surreal.

"Alright," he said with a grin. "Let's do it."

The Signing & Photoshoot

Johannes slid the contract back to him. "Welcome to the Adidas family."

Richard picked up the pen, signed his name, and shook hands with Johannes, sealing the deal.

Minutes later, he was taken to an in-house studio where a professional photographer snapped pictures of him lacing up a fresh pair of Adidas Predator Elite boots. His black and yellow Dortmund jersey contrasted sharply against the all-white background.

The social media team wasted no time. Within hours, Adidas' official pages announced:

"Borussia Dortmund's new wonderkid Richard Blake joins the Adidas family! The future is now. ⚽🔥 #DareToCreate"

The post instantly went viral, with fans debating whether Richard would follow in the footsteps of past Adidas legends or forge his own path.

As they left the office, Evan smirked. "First of many, kid. Next stop—bigger deals, bigger money."

Richard chuckled. "As long as the money doesn't distract from the football."

Evan clapped him on the back. "Then go out there and make sure Adidas never regrets signing you."

Richard had secured his first major sponsorship. Now, it was time to prove he was worth every penny.

Richard sat in the passenger seat of Evan Cadwell's car, staring out at the bustling streets of Dortmund. It had been a few weeks since his move, and life was moving fast—training, endorsements, media appearances—but there was one thing he hadn't sorted yet: his driver's license.

"I can't keep relying on taxis and teammates," Richard muttered as they pulled up to the Dortmund Verkehrsamt (DMV equivalent).

Evan chuckled. "You could just hire a driver."

Richard shot him a look. "Nah. I like having my freedom."

Stepping inside, Richard noticed a long line of people filling out forms. He walked up to the receptionist and confidently said, "Hi, I'd like to apply for a German driver's license."

The middle-aged woman behind the desk blinked at him, then rattled off a string of rapid German.

"…Ähm, ich verstehe nicht?" Richard hesitated, his German still at a beginner level.

Evan sighed. "Yeah, I figured this would happen."

The woman, unimpressed, pointed at a stack of forms—completely in German.

Richard groaned. "You've got to be kidding me."

Evan smirked. "Didn't I tell you to take German classes seriously?"

"Man, I've been busy," Richard muttered, pulling out his phone. "Hold up, let me use Google Translate."

After five painful minutes of trying to scan the form with his phone, he sighed in frustration.

"This isn't working."

Luckily, a Dortmund staff member, Lukas, had tagged along and stepped in to help. "Don't worry, I'll translate for you."

Lukas guided him through the questions, from personal details to past driving experience.

"You have a valid UK license?" Lukas asked.

"Yeah, but I need the German one to drive here legally."

Lukas nodded. "Then you only need to take a written test and a short driving test. But…"

"But what?" Richard asked warily.

Lukas glanced at the form. "You need proof of completing a first aid course. It's required for all new drivers in Germany."

Richard blinked. "Wait. I need to take a first aid course to get a driver's license?"

Evan burst out laughing. "Welcome to Germany, mate."

Richard groaned. "So now I have to take first aid classes before I can even take the test?"

Lukas grinned. "Yup. And they're only held on certain days. Looks like you're stuck riding shotgun for a bit longer."

Richard sighed in defeat. He had come in expecting a quick process, but now he had another hurdle to clear.

"Fine," he muttered. "Guess I better start learning how to save lives before I learn how to drive."

Evan clapped him on the back. "Look on the bright side—if one of your teammates collapses on the pitch, you'll know what to do."

Richard rolled his eyes. This was not how he expected his driving journey to start.