The Boy Off The Stars

First Love, Second Football

Dylan, the hero of Barcelona, was at the peak of his football career. The headlines cheered him, the fans chanted his name and his heart beat to the rhythm of the goals. But in the midst of glory, something was missing: the balance between his life in the countryside and his personal life.

One sunny afternoon, after an exhausting workout, Dylan received a message on his phone. It was Alexa, who after her injury they distanced themselves a little, the distance and the demands of soccer had created a gap between them. Alexa was a talented designer. His laughter was like a melody that Dylan longed to hear more often.

Dylan decided to surprise Alexa, I bought her a plane ticket to Barcelona and when I arrived. He took her to a small cafe on the cobstled streets of Barcelona. They sat at a table next to the window, overlooking the Parc de la Ciutadella. Dylan told him about the matches, the goals and the victories, but also about the injuries, the pressures and the lonely nights in luxury hotels. Alexa listened attentively, her eyes shining with admiration and she told him about all her great works.

Dylan promised Alexa that he would find the balance. I didn't want to lose her because of her career. He began to devote more time to it. On weekends, instead of going out with her teammates, Dylan called her and they talked about her week,

Alexa also had surprises for him. He gave him a leather notebook to write down his thoughts and dreams. On one page, he wrote: "For Dylan, the soccer player and the dreamer." He also taught her how to play the piano. But it was not the same as seeing her in person. The notes filled her House, creating a soundtrack for her love story.

In a crucial match against Atlético de Madrid, the score was tied. Dylan received a pass in the area. Instead of shooting, he paused. In his mind, he saw Alexa smiling as she played the piano. Goal. The Camp Nou roared. Dylan had scored the most important goal of his life.