In the early summer of 2023, Neil Goyal, an 18-year-old Indian high school student, burned with a love for football. He dreamed of joining a professional club after his college entrance exams, picturing himself scoring in packed stadiums.
On June 10, 2025, now 20 and struggling in a minor league, he faced a grim reality. Injuries and fading hopes crushed him as he checked his phone for a failed pro trial.
Overwhelmed, Neil trained on a wet pitch, his mind racing with disappointment. He slipped, his head slamming the ground, and passed out in a flash.
In his coma, Germany's rolling hills appeared, vibrant and alive with energy. Football legends and Bundesliga giants clashed, a vision of epic battles unfolding.
Gradually, lush fields and a brisk breeze felt like destiny calling him. It drew Neil into a deep intoxication, a second chance looming.
"Neil, Neil, are you alright!" a burly man with a thick beard shouted. Neil opened his eyes, standing on a football field, surrounded by concern.
Several young players in Borussia Dortmund jerseys checked on him anxiously. "Reus's powerful shot was intense," one said, "you tried to head it, Neil."
The burly man asked, "Neil, how many fingers am I holding up?" He waved two fingers, searching for a sign of clarity.
Neil caught his breath, noting his training boots and striker's kit. Both teams wore Dortmund's yellow and black home kit or sleek black away.
It was an internal academy scrimmage, buzzing with youthful drive. He glanced at the man's tag: "Borussia Dortmund Academy Coach, Thomas Tuchel."
He spoke, at ease: "Coach, what happened? I feel dizzy." But Neil knew he'd regressed—2025 memories faded, now July 2008. Jürgen Klopp had just taken charge of the main team. A new era at Dortmund was beginning.
Tuchel sighed, "It's just a training match, why go all out?" A young Marco Reus patted Neil's shoulder, apologetic. "Mate, sorry! Didn't mean to blast it right at you!" His regret was clear, a teammate's bond showing.
The referee chimed in, "If he can play, let him, or rest him." "Strikers rotate anyway—let him recover and jump back in." Tuchel nodded, motioning players to guide Neil to the sideline. He needed a moment to gather himself.
Sipping water, Neil eyed the roster and nearly choked in shock. The date: July 2, 2008! The list read: Neil Goyal, Striker, Indian nationality, 18 years old. Height 1.80 meters, weight 72 kilograms, Borussia Dortmund Academy.
Neil thought: I regressed! Back 17 years, I'm in Dortmund's academy! He'd landed in 2008-09, Jürgen Klopp's first season, ready to shine. The Bundesliga awaited, and his legacy was about to begin.
A mature female voice echoed: "Congratulations on your regression journey!" "Striker skill point allocation panel activated! Congratulations on maximum finishing!" "You've gained multinational language ability!" "Every goal earns stat points: 3 for stronger teams, 2 for same level, 1 for weaker!"
A panel flashed, showing 32 indicators in total! Striker attributes: Finishing (20, maxed), Dribbling, Shooting Power, Long Shots. Also Heading, Volleys, First Touch, Ball Control, Crossing, Movement Off the Ball.
Mental attributes listed: Passion, Aggression, Determination, Decisions, Creativity, Bravery. Teamwork, Work Rate, Influence, Flair, Composure, Positioning, Concentration, Anticipation. Each trait a key to mastering the game's mental side.
Physical attributes followed: Stamina, Balance, Jumping Reach, Strength, Agility, Acceleration. Endurance and Pace, all vital for a striker's edge. The system announced: "Abilities range from 1 to 20, finishing at 20, others 7!"
"Current overall rating is 70, just average," it continued. "Highest is 200—score goals to earn points and improve!" Neil, a Football Manager fan, grinned inwardly at his maxed-out finishing. Goals against strong, equal, or weak teams meant 3, 2, or 1 stat points to shape his path!
An uproar hit the field as Team A led Team B 3-0. Per scrimmage rules, strikers rotated after defensive breakdowns. Team B's lanky striker trudged off, frustrated, replaced by Neil's roommate Lukas. The match was heating up fast.
Neil noted Team A's new senior squad signings—summer transfers and fringe players. Team B mixed academy talents for evaluation, a test of potential. Team A boasted Polish winger Jakub Błaszczykowski, German star Sven Bender. Young playmaker Mario Götze and rising defender Mats Hummels stood out.
Neil burned to showcase his maxed-out finishing, eager to stun future stars. Stat points awaited his goals, fueling his rise to greatness. Five minutes later, Team A broke through again, the pressure mounting. Team B's coach, Tuchel, shouted, "Lukas, you can't finish today? Off!"
He turned to Neil: "Recovered, kid? Can you play?" Neil leapt up, did a quick sprint, and grinned wide. "I'm in top shape! My boots are itching to score!" His confidence surged, ready to seize the moment.
Lukas whispered, "Neil, careful, their defense is tight today!" Neil replied, "Don't worry! With your man Neil here, I'll rip through!" Lukas looked puzzled—why was Neil so bold today? A year older, Lukas trained with Klopp, yet Neil felt like the veteran.
Neil smirked, stretching by the penalty area, eyes sharp. A long ball from Błaszczykowski soared toward him, a perfect chance. He chested it down, evaded a defender with ease. From 20 yards, he unleashed a fiery strike—a curling meteor to the top left corner!
The net rippled, and the crowd roared in awe. Team A, with senior signings, was stronger than Team B's academy. Neil's first goal of the journey landed big. Three stat points earned—his legacy was off and running!