Chapter 44 – From Noise to Notes
Monday mornings at the training center were usually slower—video analysis, recovery, a few tactical drills for the reserves. But today, the mood was different. Livelier, somehow. Not noisy, exactly, but... crackling.
Thiago noticed it even before stepping onto the grass.
As he walked through the main corridor, towel slung around his neck, he passed a group of younger academy players crowding a phone. Someone was watching a highlight clip, volume low, but the gasps weren’t.
"Did you see that goal?""He spun the defender and nutmegged the keeper—same touch."
Thiago didn’t even need to ask.
Neymar.
The name was in the air now, more than ever. Santos’ golden boy had scored again the night before—this time a brace in the Copa São Paulo. One of the goals had already gone viral on local youth-football forums. Another step, another spark.
"Thiago!" A staffer waved him into the AV room. "Team review’s starting."
He turned away from the huddle and stepped into the dim film room, shaking the thoughts from his head. Today was about Guarani. Not Santos. Not Neymar. Not the noise.
Video Review Session
Eneas stood by the projector, arms crossed, face unreadable as always. The analysts clicked through key plays from the match. Mistakes. Positives. Momentum.