It had been only a few days since Barcelona's commanding win over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. The team was flying high, confidence pouring from every touch of the ball, and the city buzzed with excitement for what this new Barcelona generation might bring. And at the center of it all, a rising star named Luca—now not just a promising player from La Masia or Barcelona B, but a real weapon in the first team.
That morning, Luca woke up early, the Mediterranean sun casting a soft glow through the window of their new apartment in the Les Corts district. His father, now retired from work at Luca's insistence, was already sipping coffee in the kitchen, scrolling through football news.
Luca stepped out of his room with earbuds in and a hoodie draped over his head. Today wasn't about footballs or boots—it was about contracts and conversations.
"You ready?" his father asked.
Luca nodded. "Yeah. Let's go."
A Meeting with Influence
At a high-rise office overlooking the heart of Barcelona, Luca and his father walked into the pristine headquarters of Gestifute, the agency owned and run by Jorge Mendes—a name that carried weight in every boardroom in world football.
Mendes wasn't just an agent—he was a force. Known for landing record-breaking contracts and placing his clients in Europe's elite clubs, his network stretched from Manchester to Madrid, from Lisbon to Los Angeles. If anyone could shape the future of a young star like Luca, it was him.
Luca had been courted by other agencies too. Stellar Group, Wasserman, even CAA Base. But none felt right. It wasn't just about who was the biggest, it was about trust—and Mendes, with his connections to La Liga and deep ties with clubs like Barcelona, felt like the perfect fit.
They were led into a sleek meeting room by Mendes' assistant, and after a short wait, the man himself entered. Dressed in a tailored navy suit, Jorge Mendes shook hands with both Luca and his father, his charm and professionalism immediately noticeable.
"Luca," he said, in his soft but assertive tone, "You're the real deal. And I don't say that lightly."
Luca smiled nervously. "Thank you, sir."
"No need for sir. You're part of the family now."
The Conversation
Mendes outlined everything: not just representation, but long-term planning. Career trajectory. Brand development. Sponsorship strategy. The timing of media exposure. Future negotiations with the club, and eventually the national team.
"You've made headlines already," Mendes said, swiping on his tablet and showing a Marca headline: 'Luca – Barça's New Secret Weapon.' "You're on the radar of every journalist, scout, and manager in Europe. My job is to make sure that attention turns into legacy."
They discussed endorsements. Possible boot deals. Nike, Adidas, Puma—everyone had shown interest. Mendes promised to bring options to the table within a month, and Luca would choose based on comfort and values, not just money.
Then came the actual paperwork. A standard agent agreement—five years of exclusive representation, clauses for annual reviews, and clear terms on percentage cuts and services.
Luca and his father exchanged a look. It was a big decision, but they'd talked about it for weeks. They both knew: this was the right move.
Luca signed.
Post-Meeting Clarity
After the meeting, Mendes invited Luca and his father for lunch. Over seafood paella and light conversation, Mendes gave subtle insights into the world that awaited.
"Right now," he said, "your job is to stay humble, stay sharp, and keep playing like your life depends on it. I'll take care of the chaos outside the pitch."
Luca nodded, absorbing every word.
By the end of the day, the news broke:"Jorge Mendes signs rising Barcelona star Luca – future looking brighter than ever."
The football world took notice.
Back at the Apartment
That night, Luca sat on the balcony, looking out over the city. His father joined him with two mugs of hot chocolate, a quiet tradition they'd kept since Luca was a kid.
"You nervous?" his father asked.
"Not really. I feel... ready. This just made it feel more real."
His father smiled. "You've always been ready. The world is just catching up."
Luca leaned back, the cool breeze brushing against his face. He wasn't just playing football anymore. He was building a career. And with Mendes in his corner, Barcelona on his chest, and the city behind him, the sky truly was the limit.