Chapter 8 – Crowned at Eighteen
August 13th, 2019 – Milan, Italy
The sun was still rising over Milan when Enzo woke up. The city was humming quietly beneath his window, light filtering through sheer white curtains that danced in the warm breeze.
Today wasn't just another summer day.
It was his 18th birthday — the day a boy legally became a man, and for Enzo Sky Vito, a day that marked his arrival at the pinnacle of football and fashion.
He sat up in bed, shirtless, his golden hair tousled, eyes still adjusting. His phone buzzed with hundreds of notifications.
Donnarumma had sent a video message:
"Buon compleanno, fratellino! We celebrate in training — or maybe after with gelato if you score against the seniors!"
Leão had posted a photo of them laughing in the locker room, captioned: "Mio fratello biondo turns 18 — already a star."
But it was what waited outside his apartment door that made his jaw drop.
Two sleek black boxes. One with a Nike swoosh, the other marked YSL in silver foil.
He opened the Nike box first. Inside, nestled in dark velvet, were custom-made Mercurials — crimson and obsidian, with metallic gold trim and his name "Sky Vito" etched in cursive on the heel.
Taped to the lid was a note handwritten in Italian:
"To the new icon of Milan. Fasten your wings. It's time to fly."
– Nike Europe
The YSL box contained a limited-edition leather jacket and a luxury fragrance line in development — with his face on the concept packaging.
It didn't feel real.
But the truth was, this was the life he had built.
Not just through viral clips or youth trophies — but through sweat, sacrifice, and a style of football so electric, it forced the world to look.
Casa Milan – Press Room, August 14th
The following day, Enzo sat under spotlights next to the club directors, pen in hand.
He had just signed a long-term contract extension with AC Milan.
Highest-paid U20 player in Serie A.
After his Breakthrough season ( Golden Boy)
A lifetime committed to the red and black.
Reporters fired questions.
"How does it feel?"
"Do you think you're ready to lead this team?"
He smiled coolly, fixing the collar of his black Milan jacket.
"I don't just want to be ready," he said. "I want to become unforgettable."
Social media lit up.
Photos of him holding the jersey number 19, captioned simply: "Now the real journey begins."
AC Milan 2019–20 Squad – Preseason Camp
Back at Milanello, the squad embraced him like a brother.
Veterans like Romagnoli and Musacchio clapped him on the back. Kessié joked about him being "too pretty for football." But the bond that deepened most was with Rafael Leão, who had also joined that summer.
In training, the two clicked like magnets — cheeky flicks, instinctive combinations, wild celebrations even after small-sided games.
"Bro," Leão said, stretching on the grass after a double session, "You play like the ball is your dance partner."
Enzo laughed. "Because it is."
Off the pitch, their friendship thrived — shared playlists, late-night FIFA duels, fashion debates, and impromptu freestyle sessions in the parking lot.
Even Çalhanoğlu, his mentor from last season, gave his blessing.
"You're ready," he told him, handing him a captain's armband during a friendly
scrimmage. "Now lead with joy."
Birthday Night – Milan Fashion District
Later that week, YSL hosted an intimate celebration in his honor in a rooftop venue overlooking the Duomo.
Fashion icons, club reps, and even music artists filled the space. But Enzo remained grounded. His parents stood quietly in the corner, watching their son glow beneath the lights.
His older brother, suited and sharp, raised a glass:
"To the boy who made it. And the man he's becoming."
Enzo stood beside a giant digital screen looping his goals — and paused when he saw the overhead kick against Fiorentina, his first goal for the senior team last spring.
He smiled to himself. Not with arrogance — but gratitude.
"The world is starting to see me," he thought, "but they still don't know what's coming."
Closing Scene – Watching Himself on Sky Italia
Back home, shirt off, Mercurials on his desk, Enzo flipped through TV channels and landed on Sky Italia.
A segment was running: "The Next Golden Boy?"
Clips of his goals, his sprints, his footwork — slow motion, dramatic soundtrack.
Pundits discussed his brand. His influence. His ceiling.
"He's not just flash. He has substance. Milan must build around him."
His phone buzzed with another notification — Nike posted his birthday photo globally.
His name trended in Italy within minutes.
He turned off the screen and looked out the window, city lights twinkling like stars. His dog rested at his feet.
And in that silence, Enzo whispered:
"This is only the beginning."