From Arsenal to the Ball God

Compared to others, Puma still lacks a truly standout star player.

The world of football has clearly entered the era of the two greats dominating, with the third-best player in the world trailing significantly behind them.

To compete with Adi and Nike for the football fan market share, they must find that young talent who can rival these two in the future and turn the football world into a competition between three greats.

Looking at it now, their initial prediction was correct, Ma’el is highly likely to be that person!

18th in the Golden Ball Award, a feat no one has ever achieved before!

Although Alto has been quietly absent lately, in reality, he’s been holding countless meetings within the company about Ma’el, getting overwhelmed several times.

They’re thinking about how to offer the player some additional benefits in a manner that maintains dignity for both parties.

Not only to make the player accept it comfortably but also to bring them closer together, creating a sense of familial bond.

Alto has vetoed countless subordinate’s suggestions, but he really couldn’t think of a good way himself either.

Until a few days ago, when he was discussing with Mendes about the last contract signing, Ma’el’s desire for signature shoes... shoes, this piece of equipment seems to carry special significance for players.

If Puma develops a line of signature shoes for the player and offers him profit sharing, wouldn’t they essentially become one family?

”We’ve made our decision.”

Alto briefly explained his intentions and reasons to Ma’el, of course, using words that were well-crafted to please the player.

After saying this, he smiled and said, ”I hope you don’t mind some errors in my previous expression, I never thought you weren’t worthy of having your own signature shoe.

”Clearly, a top scorer who has comfortably sat at the top of the Premier League goal-scoring chart for three months deserves a series of signature shoes.

”Whether it’s FG, TF, MG, or AG, we will design two basic styles for each type of stud, as well as a special edition and a collector’s edition.

”The design concept will focus on ’shooter’, aiming for a sharp appearance and optimizing for shooting.

”Of course, once the trial versions are out, you can also make adjustments based on your own requirements, as these are shoes created for you, born for you.”

Listening to Alto, Ma’el’s expression gradually brightened; he was very interested, as he had always been.

He valued shoes highly; people always cherish what they initially lacked, just like when Casemiro achieved fame and developed a fondness for drinking Yakult, which he couldn’t afford as a child.

”It’s an honor.”

He nodded to Alto to express his interest, clearly seeing that the other party was prepared to take this seriously, not just trying it out to fool him.

Judging by the numbers, they plan to design a total of 8 basic models, 4 special editions, and 4 collector’s editions.

The 8 basic models, with possibly different color combinations, are likely what will be widely available in the market.

The special editions might be released as limited offerings or given away during events.

As for the collector’s editions, they will be of higher value, and Puma will likely have him sign them with limited serial numbers for release, maybe even through auctions.

This is quite common in the world of signature shoes.

Overall, the basic models aim to drive sales, while the latter two editions are to enhance the overall value and impact of the signature shoe line, making it a complete system with all aspects considered by Puma.

”We have two proposals.”

Alto handed a contract to Mendes, ”One is for you to receive 45% of the profit after subtracting costs associated with the signature shoes, including design, production, promotion, and so on.

The other is for you to receive 12% of the total sales revenue. You don’t have to worry about anything else; for every pair sold, you’ll immediately get 12% share.”

Mendes looked at the contract, glanced at Ma’el, trying to hint he should pick the second one, but hesitant to make obvious signals in front of Alto.

Just as he was about to suggest they discuss it further, he didn’t expect Ma’el to decisively say, ”I’ll choose the second one, thank you very much Mr. Alto for the opportunity to choose.”

Mendes secretly sighed in relief as he continued reviewing the contract; taking a percentage of the total sales is indeed a more reassuring option.

Don’t be swayed by the 45% after costs; once the deductions come in, it might be around 12% of total sales, and if someone within Puma decides to withhold some funds, they could create nonexistent costs and potentially reduce it to below 12%.

At this point, it’s not like they would ruin the relationship over demanding to audit the books.

”Pleasure working with you.”

Alto felt like he completed an important task, his demeanor improved significantly as he got up and offered his hand; ”In about two months, the prototype of the shoes should be ready, and we’ll work on the adjustments together.”

”Sure.” Ma’el exhaled a long breath, feeling very cheerful, and said with a smile, ”Pleasure working with you.”

He had been thinking about getting his own signature shoes for a long time, not expecting Puma to propose it today, fulfilling a long-held wish!

He’s very much looking forward to seeing the final appearance and comfort of the shoes, hoping they will be his preferred choice on the field.

As he left the office, it was time to part ways with Mendes again.

”I’m going to record your show tomorrow, remember to pay me 1 Pound for the appearance fee.”

Mendes gave Ma’el a hug, full of affection and admiration for the player under his agency, along with a bit of reluctance, ”After recording I’ll be leaving, we might not see each other until the end of next month.