Genius - Chapter 553: The Leo Award Is Established! (Patreon)

On March 29, after beating Everton, Klopp naturally gave the players some time off.

Proper rest was essential if they wanted to compete for the title, so Leo stayed home and called Barnett twice just to bother him. When he heard that Barnett was busy at the office, he enjoyed it even more and called him a third time.

After that, Leo called Firmino, but Vivian answered instead. She told him Firmino had gone out partying with Fabinho and had no idea when they would be back.

Maria was in Spain dealing with work, so she wasn't home either.

With nothing much to do by himself, Leo decided he might as well watch a movie. Just then, however, an important guest suddenly arrived.

The FIFA President had come to Leo's house once again.

Whenever the FIFA President visited, the two usually discussed football related endorsement matters.

This time, though, the news he brought left Leo completely stunned.

"Wait. Did you just say you're going to get rid of the Golden Boy Award, create a new award, and name it the Leo Award?!"

"How is that possible?"

"I'm only 23. You want to replace the Golden Boy Award with one named after me?!"

Leo could hardly believe it, but the FIFA President kept nodding, repeatedly assuring him that FIFA had already finalized the plan.

"We've been discussing this for a long time. We believe that establishing an award in your name to recognize young players around the world will help football discover even more talented players."

"Once the Leo Award is established, every year we'll select the three best young players from around the world. They must be under 21, play in one of the top ten leagues recognized by FIFA, and have performed at an outstanding level."

"So in effect, we're expanding the pool of eligible players while also increasing the number of winners."

"Young players who win the Leo Award will receive one million euros in prize money. We'll also provide them with endorsement opportunities, increasing their exposure and helping more football clubs notice them."

The FIFA President was convinced that this selection system would allow more young players to receive the recognition they deserved, something he believed world football needed.

"A lot of young players don't begin their careers in the top five leagues, but that doesn't mean they aren't exceptional."

"That's why we want these players to be eligible for the award during the year when they're performing at their best, rather than forcing them to wait until they move to one of the top five leagues before they can be considered among football's top young talents. We want the selection process to be fairer."

"Most importantly, even though you're only 23, over the past six seasons you've accomplished things that almost no other player could."

"You're the standard young players aspire to. You represent the highest level a young player can reach. That's why we've decided to establish the Leo Award."

Leo looked shocked on the outside, but inside, he was thrilled.

Who would turn down the chance to have an award capable of influencing world football named after them?

So once he realized FIFA was completely serious about it, Leo agreed.

After reaching an agreement with Leo, FIFA quickly made the announcement public.

"FIFA Announces That Starting Next Season, the Golden Boy Award Will Officially Become the Leo Award, With New Selection Criteria to Be Introduced!"