God Of football

Chapter 182: Reactions and Upcoming Challenge

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With the 8th spot secured on the most Valuable list, Izan topped the list of most valuable teenagers with Barcelona’s gem of a player, Lamine Yamal following behind on second with an €80M valuation after the latter’s dazzling performances in the Laliga and the UCL.

The rest included names like Palmeiras’ Endrick, Paris Saint-Germain’s Zaïre-Emery, Manchester United’s Garnacho and a few others all with €60M to €40M evaluations.

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The footballing world was left buzzing when the latest Global Football Index (GFI) market value rankings were released.

Amongst the familiar names of global superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, a stunning entry at number eight caught everyone’s attention:

16-year-old Izan of Valencia CF. With a valuation of €125M, he not only became the youngest player in the top 10 but also claimed the title of the most expensive teenager in football.

The announcement sent shockwaves through clubs, pundits, and fans alike, sparking debates about Izan’s meteoric rise and his position among the game’s elite.

The clubs that had their eyes on Izan now knew they had to redouble their efforts after the valuation since Valencia hadn’t said anything about Izan’s release clause.

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A source within one of Europe’s top clubs was quoted as saying:

”Izan is a generational talent. He’s already showing maturity beyond his years. Every big club will have their eye on him, but Valencia will hold out for a record fee.”

Reports suggested that Valencia received congratulatory messages from a few club executives, with many admiring the youngster’s growth and Valencia’s role in nurturing him.

However, behind the scenes, whispers of future bids in the €150M to €200M range were already being floated.

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Football analysts offered varying opinions on Izan’s ranking. On popular football shows, experts debated whether the €125M valuation was justified.

Gary Neville: ”I’ve watched clips of this kid, and he’s the real deal. What’s impressive is how he controls games at 16—he’s fearless.

But let’s not rush him. The pressure of such a price tag can be a lot for young players.”

Max Xully: ”Izan at €125M might raise eyebrows, but when you consider the market and what he’s done already, it’s not outrageous. He’s outperforming players twice his age.”

La Liga Icon Gaizka Mendieta:

”Valencia have unearthed a diamond. Izan’s technical ability and decision-making are astonishing for someone his age. If he stays grounded, there’s no ceiling for him.”

Others cautioned against premature hype, with some noting the risks of placing such high expectations on a teenager.

Didi Hamann: ”We’ve seen this before—huge valuations, big transfers, and then players fail to live up to the hype. Izan has talent, no doubt, but football is littered with stories of what could have been.”

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Izan’s placement in the rankings also drew attention from fellow players.

Many of football’s biggest stars took to social media or interviews to acknowledge his talent.

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): ”Izan’s ranking is well-deserved. We’ve all seen him, and he’s got something special. Can’t wait to see what he achieves.”

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Lamine Yamal: ”Izan is a phenomenal player. Being compared to him motivates me to keep improving. It’s great to see young players pushing boundaries

Some say I would have been the most talked about teenager if Izan wasn’t there.

Well, that’s why he’s there. I pray I get to play alongside him for the upcoming European tournament..”

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The news was a significant moment for La Liga, as Izan’s rise brought renewed attention to the league’s ability to develop world-class talent.

La Liga’s official channels celebrated his ranking with a post that read:

”La Liga: Home of Future Legends. Congratulations to Izan, the most valuable teenager in football!”

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Valencia CF wasted no time celebrating their star’s achievement. The Club president issued a statement:

”Izan is a symbol of what Valencia represents: hard work, passion, and talent.

His €125M valuation reflects not just his ability but also the environment we’ve created to nurture him. He’s focused on the present, and so are we.”

Head coach Rubén Baraja, who worked closely with Izan, remarked in a press conference:

”This is just the beginning for Izan. He has the potential to achieve great things, but the key is to keep his feet on the ground and let his football do the talking.”

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Media outlets worldwide were quick to cover Izan’s unprecedented rise.

BBC Sport: ”Izan: The €125M Teenager Taking the Football World by Storm.”

Marca: ”Valencia’s Jewel: Izan Tops Global Rankings as the Most Expensive Teenager.”

L’Équipe: ”Izan Enters Football’s Elite Club at Just 16.”

ESPN: ”Can Izan Live Up to His €125M Tag? The World Watches.”

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The footballing world may be divided on whether Izan’s valuation is justified, but few doubt his potential.

Fans, players, and pundits alike agree on one thing: Izan is a once-in-a-generation talent, and his journey has only just begun.

As one fan aptly put it on Twitter:

”Izan isn’t just football’s future—he’s already its present.”

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Valencia’s Paterna training ground was buzzing, but not just because of the upcoming La Liga clash against Sevilla.

The release of the Global Football Index market valuation list had placed the spotlight squarely on their teenage prodigy.

Izan had become the talk of the footballing world—and his teammates weren’t about to let him off the hook

During warm-ups, Pietro saw an opportunity to rib Izan. Stretching beside the teenager, Pietro turned to him with a dramatic sigh.

”You know, Izan,” he began, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, ”€125M? That’s insane. Do you have to pay extra taxes on yourself now?”

The group of players around them burst into laughter with Correira chiming in, ”Careful, Pietro. If you tackle him too hard in training, Valencia might fine you for damaging company property!”

Izan, used to the banter by now, grinned and shot back, ”Don’t worry, Pietro. With your touch, no scout would believe we’re on the same team.”

The laughter grew louder, with Pietro clutching his chest in mock pain. ”Ouch, I’d challenge you to a one-on-one, but I wouldn’t want to devalue the club’s biggest asset.”

As the squad moved to passing drills, Pietro wasn’t done. Partnering with Mouctar Diakhaby, the team’s centre-back, they kept the teasing alive.

Mouctar glanced at Izan and said, ”You know, I heard they’re thinking of renaming the club ’ Izan CF.’ Makes sense with all that money tied to you.”

Pietro added, ”And here I thought my last League bonus was impressive. Turns out, all I had to do was be born in 2007 and score a few wonder goals!”

Izan rolled his eyes, but his smile remained. ”Keep talking, Pietro. Maybe I’ll use my €125M to buy someone else a spot in the starting lineup.”

The playful banter kept spirits high, a welcome distraction from the pressure of the Sevilla match and the media frenzy surrounding Izan.

Head coach Rubén Baraja, observing the team’s camaraderie, let the jokes play out for a while before stepping in.

”Alright, alright,” Baraja called out, clapping his hands. ”Let’s focus. Sevilla isn’t going to care about anyone’s market value—they’ll care about who wins.”

He approached Izan during a water break, giving him a firm pat on the shoulder. ”Ignore the noise, Izan. It’s just numbers. What matters is what you do on the pitch.

Remember, the best way to silence the doubters—and your teammates—is with another performance, say like winning a Europe troph-”

”Come on Coach, not you too,” Izan cut Ruben Baraja off before he could finish. The manager walked away laughing after that with Izan continuing with his training.

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As the session ended and the players walked off the pitch, the banter gave way to genuine admiration.

Despite the jokes, it was clear to everyone that Izan’s talent was extraordinary, and they were proud to have him as part of the team.

Gaya jogged up beside him and slung an arm around his shoulders.

”Seriously, kid. Just remember, no matter what the papers say, we’ve got your back. Now, let’s beat Sevilla, yeah?”

Izan smiled. ”Yeah. Let’s do it.”

Amidst the teasing and laughter, the team’s unity shone through—a crucial ingredient as Valencia prepared to face Sevilla and continue their strong run in the league.

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After a few days, Valencia CF’s players arrived at the airport with a calm yet focused demeanour, dressed in their sleek club travel attire that exuded professionalism.

The players moved through the terminal in a coordinated manner, drawing the attention of fans and travellers alike.

Some stopped briefly to sign autographs or take selfies with supporters, while others remained engrossed in their own routines—headphones on, eyes fixed ahead.

On the plane, Sosa who had brought a portable console inhaled in some games with Izan.

The hum of quiet conversations mixed with the occasional bursts of laughter, while some players scrolled through tactical notes on tablets or rewatched clips of their previous matches.

The flight to Seville was smooth, with the Andalusian landscape unfolding beneath them as they neared their destination.

Upon landing, they were met by a small but enthusiastic group of Valencia fans, their chants echoing through the terminal as the team made their way to the awaiting bus, ready to take on the challenge ahead.