Chapter 5
Chapter 5
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 5
Chapter Title: Pouring Love Calls (1)
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U-17 World Cup match between South Korea and Spain.
It was a game that nearly every scout team from football clubs around the world was watching closely.
Spain was one of the top favorites to win the tournament.
Most of their players were already high-quality prospects drawing attention from big clubs worldwide.
Seeing a powerhouse like Spain crumble against South Korea—and to the overwhelming performance of a single player—was nothing short of shocking.
——
The moment the match ended.
This was when the real work began for agents and club scout teams across the globe.
"Yeager Ban? Where's this player from?!"
"...No pro match data available!"
"What!?"
Most clubs could only scrape together basic info like his name and age.
Even teams with Korean connections struggled to get through.
"We have to block his move overseas somehow."
"This is our chance to boost K League's popularity."
"Contacting Yeager Ban comes first. You set up a meeting, right?"
"That's... we can't reach him!"
——
After returning home, an avalanche of calls poured in.
From close acquaintances to distant ones.
TV shows, ad deals—everyone trying to capitalize on the spotlight now on me.
I turned down everything except one and stopped checking Instagram altogether.
You Quiz on the Block.
The talk show hosted by national MC Yoo Seok-jae—basically the go-to for inviting influencers.
I decided to appear for two reasons: first, to address the public's burning questions about me.
Second, it had to be in a friendly format without any risk of negative spin.
Once my appearance was announced, the football communities lit up again.
Turning down all ads for just You Quiz? That's based af lol
The old-school belief that footballers should focus solely on football.
That was why I'd avoided media appearances as much as possible.
——
You Quiz on the Block filming set.
They shoot three guests a day; I was second up.
The first was some famous female idol, but I wasn't particularly interested.
"Please wait inside here!"
"Got it, thanks~"
I followed the staffer's lead into the waiting room.
"Oh! Hello there, Yeager Ban."
"Ah, hello."
A sharply dressed man approached and greeted me.
"Here's my card. Haha. Loved watching your match."
"Thank you."
Never expected to run into someone like him here.
I'd been dodging K League folks to avoid headaches, and now this.
"By any chance..."
"Haha, no recruitment pitch, I swear. Pure fanboy vibes. You're the future of Korean football. Mind signing this?"
His notebook looked expensive at a glance.
"On the front cover, please."
"Sure thing."
Lee Dae-yong took back the signed notebook, beaming as he pocketed it.
Seemed like a genuine fan.
His reaction was just like that middle-aged fan from yesterday who'd been thrilled with my autograph.
"Yeager Ban! You're up!"
"Got it~"
Wanted to chat more with him, but no time.
"Mind if I reach out sometime soon?"
"...! Absolutely! Anytime."
Didn't plan it, but looks like I picked up a solid connection.
——
"When did you first dream of becoming a footballer?"
"After watching the 2018 World Cup Germany match... that's when I started playing."
"Ahh! So you were 6 then..."
"Yeah, yeah. Pretty much."
"Man~ When we beat Germany, it was total chaos~"
"Yeah, that's when I dreamed of winning the World Cup with the Taeguk mark."
"World Cup win?!?"
"Yeah. I was a kid. But I still feel the same."
"Wow... Most regular fans don't even dream that big~."
"As a footballer, you gotta aim for the top. Especially with fans cheering you on."
"Whoa... that's seriously cool!"
"Jo-sep, wipe your drool~"
The talk flowed casually in a relaxed vibe.
Yoo Seok-jae knew his football, which made it easy to chat.
"That term from your recent interview that's blowing up—'trequartista'. What exactly is it? Break it down~!"
"Super simply, it's an attacking midfielder. But I think 'classic 10' fits me better."
"Classic 10! Like Maradona, Zidane..."
"Exactly. Spot on."
"How do you even know that?"
"Jo-sep, I love football~"
The show went smoothly, low-key.
Perfect for crafting a spotless image.
——
A week later, the episode aired.
"Son, Dad's rooting for you."
"Thanks."
Dad, little sis, and me—whole family gathered for dinner and the show.
"Oppa, World Cup win is really your goal?"
"Yeah."
"Hmmm..."
Inspired by Korea's World Cup miracle, dreaming of football... still chasing that trophy.
They blended footage and BGM to turn a corny, unrealistic story into pure romance.
"Oh..."
Football fans watching went nuts for all sorts of reasons.
How's a guy's name Yeager Ban? lol Euros love it tho
Question is if it translates to senior level. No.2 U-19 prospect flopped hard...
This guy's always here on Yeager posts lol
Did autographs solo at airport for over 2 hrs after landing
Yeager Ban's arrogant playstyle and goals.
Paired with dominating Spain, stellar fan service, and star-level looks—it all came together irresistibly.
In sports, that's not arrogance; it's called 'romance'.
——
Two weeks after the Spain match.
The U-17 World Cup champion was crowned.
Spain crushed Brazil 3:0 in the final.
The team that showed overwhelming dominance all tournament—and the only one to beat them, South Korea—started getting re-spotlit.
"Ahem... Yeager."
"Yeah, Dad."
"Lately, everyone's talking about you—friends, news, everywhere."
Since coming home, I've been spending all non-training time with family.
Dinner's non-negotiable family time.
Sis too.
"Yerin, this is good."
I topped her spoon with samgyeopsal, and she freaks.
"W-Why?!"
"You used to beg me to feed you as a kid."
"Th-That was ages ago!"
True, it's been a while.
Dad raised us solo, always late from work, so Yerin and I were super tight.
We grew more awkward like typical siblings.
"Good?"
"..."
Why couldn't I do simple stuff like this in my past life? Regretted it all after losing everything.
Dad too.
Back then, I lowkey dismissed him.
Figured no need for advice from a guy who retired from K League after two years.
"Dad."
"Yeah~?"
"I wanna play for an overseas team."
"..."
"Help me out? Still young, need your support."
I waited, tense, for his reply.
"Duh..."
"Huh?"
"Of course. Just say the word! Book flights now? Got a team in mind?"
"Dad... we'll figure that out next."
——
A flashy debut sacrificing Spain.
An interview drawing massive football world interest, regardless of outcome.
Overwhelming talent matching the buzz.
Clubs already lining up to sign me.
Now it was my turn to evaluate them.