Chapter 1: Will the prince become king?
Chapter Text
Lando Norris, Manchester United's supposed “savior”.
Lando Norris, “the prince” Will he ever become king?
The Guardian.
Lando Norris reached to the top of football, delighting all fans—regardless of which team they support—with his wonderful passes, touches, and goals, but above all with his charming personality. According to records, the now 25-year-old Englishman played in several championships with the English under-15, under-16 and under-17 football teams, with the latter winning the under-17 World Cup. After this glorious triumph, the world's biggest teams, such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, PSG, A.C. Milan and even Liverpool, offered him lucrative deals to sign the young striker after his exquisite performance in the championship.
The young player born in Bristol (United Kingdom), at just 18 years of age, surprised the whole world by finally signing for one of the most historic teams in the world, Manchester United. Club presidents Joel and Avram Glazer, together with the new signing (Lando Norris), gave a press conference in which all three were very smiling. The team's new star striker said he was “very happy because I had signed for the club of MY dreams, which I had watched and supported since I was a child, or else you would have to ask my parents, who were never very happy with me every time I watched a match”, causing laughter and loud giggles from both the president and the reporters.
Sports journalists from around the world interviewed fans who always said that Norris “was going to take them to the top of the world”. It was not difficult to guess the commotion that would be created once the striker's signing was announced, as within hours of the announcement, the official shops (both online and in-store) sold out of all the player's shirts. Everyone was excited about the Englishman, after his surprising career in the Bristol City Football Club youth academy and after the two goals that gave the English U17 football team victory in the 2017 Club World Cup.
Now, almost five years later, the excitement felt by United fans has gradually faded. Norris started his career with the team like a rocket, scoring 22 goals in his first season and leaving the whole country and the rest of the world speechless, but as time went by, injuries took their toll and his shots went wide and never found the back of the net. This sparked fury and anger across the internet, with some fans going so far as to call him “useless, who only knows how to get injured, give the ball away to the opposing team and shoot the ball into the stratosphere instead of the goal”.
The team's star player gave several interviews talking about his mental health, how all those injuries affected him, later the Covid pandemic, but above all, the hate messages on the internet. According to the young man, 'I care a lot about what people say about me. After a match where (I am aware) I haven't played very well, I always try to stay away from social media as much as possible, but often it's too late, and all those nasty, hateful comments stick in your mind. Because obviously you're always going to pay more attention to those who tell you you're useless than to those who support and encourage you'.
"I even considered quitting football. All that passion and happiness I felt every time I touched the ball, every time I scored a goal or every time I heard the crowd chanting my name as I entered or left the pitch was gradually fading away, you know? Because as I was getting ready to go out on the pitch, I felt anxiety creeping in and I couldn't stop thinking that I was going to play badly. And that's how it was a lot of the time."
Despite all the hate he received, the young man never lost his smile, always attentive to his fans and reporters. Even so, with each passing day, the footballer felt the weight of having so many eyes on him, knowing that not only did a football team need him, but also that the club was not going through its best moment, with many debts, fires and unable to bring in more players.
Last year, the 2024 Eurocup was held in Germany, where the English team did not make a very good impression at first, drawing in almost all of their matches and even going to penalties in some of them. Even so, the team managed to reach the final, which was played against the Spanish football team, which undoubtedly surprised all the fans. The Manchester United player did not have a great presence in the match, and as a result, he suffered another barrage of criticism.
A year later, after almost five years, Manchester United striker Lando Norris' contract is coming to an end. Throughout the season, but especially during the Eurocup, there were many rumours about the future of the young star, who initially joined the team to contribute and take the club to the top, nicknamed “the prince” from the outset. FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund were among the teams interested in signing him.
Now, with less than two weeks to go before the start of the 2025/2026 season, the rumours continue to swirl. Various offers come and go, but the future of football star Lando Norris remains uncertain.
Manchester United
@ManUtd
After so long, our player @LandoNorris bids farewell to the club and the fans. Thank you so much for everything, Lando! We wish you all the best at @AS_Monaco. Good luck!
AS Monaco
@AS_Monaco
We announce this season's star signing. @LandoNorris signs a 4-year contract with us. Welcome Lando!
Fabrizio Romano
@FabrizioRomano
BREAKING: Lando Norris to AS Monaco, here we go! Deal in place with Manchester United for free in excess of €40 million.
Chapter 2: The beginning
Notes:
I must say I didn't think I'd update so soon, but honestly, I'm excited and have so many ideas that the sooner I write and publish it, the better. It's also because otherwise, I'll probably I put the fic aside as has happened to me with so many other fics I've wanted to write.
I'll be going on vacation soon, so I don't think I'll be able to update (I'll still try to leave a couple of chapters written to keep things updated). And as soon as I get back from vacation I start university again, but even so, I have promised myself that I will continue updating whenever I can (I hope I can keep it).
Anyways, I hope you enjoy the story. I want to remind you that I don't ship them in real life; this is all fiction, and it's because I enjoy writing. I respect them and their partners.
Please don't post this fic anywhere drivers can find it, and if you're going to share it, do it somewhere safe!
Finally, I would like to thank, as always, Google Translate and DeepL for their help in translating.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Lando loved football. Although he didn't always do so. He remembers how his father always took him to watch matches when he had some free time. He remembers how he would always get excited when he put on his favourite player's shirt, how he would vibrate with excitement in the car. When the team's anthem was playing and all the fans were singing in harmony.
He still remembers like it was yesterday the first time he decided he wanted to play football. He was nine years old and his mother received a call from his school. One of his teachers suggested to Cisca, his mother, to sign him up for some kind of sport or after-school activity, as he had too much energy during the day and many of his friends or classmates would not be able to keep up with him.
When his dear, sweet mother proposed it to him, he rejected it absolutely. He didn't understand the fun of running after a ball for almost two hours. No. No way. They didn't bring it up again until another one of Lando's teachers called his mother again, telling her the same thing the other teacher had said. That's when his mother ignored Lando's complaints and the next day, after school, he found himself dressed in orange trousers and an orange T-shirt.
While his mother finished tying his boots and pulled up his socks, Lando begged and begged her to go home and never set foot on the field again. Obviously his mum didn't listen and almost had to drag him out of the changing room. Cisca was so excited for him that they arrived quite early so when they went out onto the pitch there was a group of boys much older than Lando training. Lando was amazed by the passes, the touches and the ease with which the boys moved. He was hypnotised. He wanted to be like them but still wasn't quite convinced that he would like it.
So when it was time for training with his group, Lando approached the group with uncertainty and nervousness as he said goodbye to his mother. Cisca turned back to her car. She was worried that it wasn't what her sweet little Lando wanted to do. So when she returned to pick him up almost two hours later she was surprised when her son came running out of the locker room until he came to her telling her how amazing he had been, how he had made so many friends and that when he was an adult he wanted to be a professional player.
And so he was.
At the age of 18 he reached the top of the sport with hundreds of clubs of different reputations, some more famous than others, making him million-dollar offers. But he turned them all down and decided to play for the team he had supported all his life, Manchester United.
The sun was shining brightly as Lando returned to the present. He climbed the last steps of the plane as he pulled the hood of his hoodie down even further. He didn't want those media vultures who called themselves journalists to see his tired circles under his eyes and his eyes red from crying. He understood that it was their job to ask questions (sometimes too uncomfortable or personal). At first he didn't mind being criticised, he was very clear that this would happen as soon as he got more recognition, but especially in the last two years, when he could hardly play any minutes because of the damned injuries, they were all over him with criticism and insults.
He knew all along that he was carrying a heavy weight, especially after being nicknamed 'the prince' or as many United fans called him 'our saviour'. The young Englishman really thought he would retire in that team, that despite all the doubts among fans and journalists about his performance, the club would continue to support him no matter what. He was wrong. He was aware that he had not had a very good streak, but even so, he still had the potential he had when he came to the team. Perhaps, he thought, the only thing he lacked was the trust that thousands of people had placed in him. Maybe all he needed was to regain his self-confidence; and to show the world, but especially all the people who had criticised and insulted him, that he was still capable of shining on the pitch, that he was still capable of scoring goals.
But none of that mattered right now. He had to accept that his time at Manchester United was over. He had to accept that he had to leave behind the team, his teammates, but most of all, his family. He sat with a sigh in one of the farthest seats of the private plane. He didn't want anyone to disturb him at that moment, not even his manager, not even his bodyguard. No one. He put on his headphones and chose the song Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men, which he played at full volume. He closed his eyes and let the songs calm him down.
The time on the plane flew by, because by the time he realised it, they were already landing at Nice airport. From the window of his seat he could see dozens of journalists and some fans waiting for him. They came down the stairs and quickly put him in the car. He didn't even have time to fasten his seatbelt when the car started. Lando sighed again, but this time out of exhaustion. He just wanted to get to his new home, unpack the few possessions he had brought with him and sleep, if possible for another five years. But most of all he wanted everyone to leave him alone for a while. The music was still playing loudly from his headphones as he looked at the beautiful scenery that was rapidly passing in front of his eyes.
When they finally reached his building, the young Englishman grabbed his things and said a quick goodbye to his companions as he made his way to his building, almost running. He avoided an elderly couple leaving the lift and pressed his floor as he leaned against the wall. He only had to wait a few more seconds and he would be in the comfort and quiet of his new home. Just a few more seconds, he repeated himself.
Lando almost jumped for joy when the lift doors opened. Without hesitation he slipped the key into the lock, though not without difficulty as his hands trembled slightly. He opened it and accidentally made a strange noise of surprise, which he tried to hide with a cough as a mother and child came out of the flat next door. He smiled at them and made some silly faces to make the little boy smile and look at him curiously.
Saying goodbye, he went into his flat and went to the living room where he left his things in a very messy way. He would pick it up another time as his mother could no longer surprise him at home, so he would never find out. Lando walked around the house, opening the windows wide and letting in the sunlight and a cool breeze that touched his face as soon as he stepped out onto the balcony.
Like a zombie he made his way to his room where he had left some suitcases and threw himself onto the soft, comfortably padded bed. He settled back against the pillows and unintentionally fell asleep.
Notes:
This story is somewhat inspired by the harassment that Ferran Torres (player for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national football team) suffered for several seasons. Unfortunately, due to his poor performance and lack of goals lots of people through social media threw hate at him, his family/friends and even his pets.
In the Netflix documentary La liga: más allá del gol There's a chapter where Ferran talks about everything he suffered because of the hate. He even considered quitting football. Unfortunately, this harassment came not only from fans but also from the journalists.
Despite not being a fan of FC Barcelona, I have a lot of respect for Ferran, both at the club and with the national team. He's not only an incredible player, but also a great person. And with this, I want to give a shout-out. Bring visibility to all the harassment that elite athletes suffer (or celebrities). No one deserves to receive hateful messages or threats, no matter how much you don't like the person.
We are all human beings, sometimes we do things, but still no one deserves to be bullied.
Chapter 3: The winner
Notes:
Hope you like the chapter!
As always, I want to clarify that I don't ship them in real life, it's all fiction. I don't want to assume their sexuality (either of them) and I respect them, their partners and their relationships.
Please, if you're going to share this fic, do it somewhere drivers won't find it and somewhere safe!
These weeks I won't be able to update as often but I'll still try!
Chapter Text
'Oscar Piastri wins the Hungarian Grand Prix!'
Oscar celebrates and thanks his team as he does the cool-down lap waving to the fans who had travelled to the circuit. He was happy. It was his second race win after the horrible disaster at Silverstone. He's happy for Daniel, he really is. He deserved to win especially after the terrible races he had. Despite all the hype among the fans (some made up lies saying Oscar was angry with Daniel, which was a total lie) he was really happy for his teammate. But that didn't take away the pride and satisfaction that now ran through his veins, as with this victory the points gap between him and his teammate was getting bigger and bigger.
Oscar felt the tiredness and pressure getting heavier and heavier as time went on and the end of the season approached. He loved what he was doing, of course he did, but still he couldn't help but be glad to know that he would have three weeks ahead of him with nothing to do but visit his family, stay at home sleeping, eating and practising on his SIM simulator. He wanted to be ready for the final races.
He always wanted to be a Formula 1 racer. He remembers the first time he saw a Grand Prix on TV. He must have been around 7 years old when it happened. They had dinner together as a family as usual and as soon as they finished eating, the Australian jumped out of his chair and ran to the sofa waiting anxiously for the race to start. His parents looked at each other and giggled, as they never thought their son would be interested in such things.
Don't get them wrong, they knew very well that Oscar loved everything to do with cars from a very young age. Especially sports cars, because, according to little Oscar, they sounded great when they went boom-boom, they were beautiful and they went very fast. So when his father told him that there was a sport about fast and 'cool' cars (as he used to say), Oscar begged and begged his parents to let him watch it. And he was amazed. From that moment on it was clear to him what he wanted to do and it didn't take much to convince his parents to sign him up for karting, as they could see how excited their little boy was.
It didn't take long for both his coach and his parents to realise how talented he was. Oscar remembers how his coach at the time told both his parents and him that he saw a great future for him, and a few days later, when the two of them were alone training, he told him that if he kept working as hard as he had been doing so far, he would one day become a champion.
And time passed. Oscar moved to England to an exchange school where he started racing professionally as well. It was there that he met his old girlfriend, Lily. He loved her, of course. She was beautiful, polite, funny and very intelligent. But still, Oscar didn't feel complete. He felt something was missing.
It didn't take him long to discover what it was that had been tormenting him for years. One day, when his group of school friends got together after Oscar had come from a competition, Dylan, one of his closest friends, started talking about a girl he was meeting. He felt a sick feeling in his stomach and his heart began to beat a lot faster than usual. He congratulated Dylan and joined in the jokes of his friends, but even so, it didn't take him long to leave, complaining of headaches and travel fatigue. When he got to his room, he threw himself head first onto the bed, realising that the knot was jealousy. Jealousy that his very attractive friend had a partner and it wasn't him. He was in love with one of his friends.
Tears kept falling from the pain and fear until he fell asleep. The next day when he woke up his head was pounding and his eyes felt swollen. He was fucked. Really fucked up. That day Oscar didn't go to class. He didn't answer his friends' calls and messages. He didn't answer his mother's calls. He isolated himself completely from the world, until almost at sunset when he got dressed in sports clothes and went for a run. He ran without knowing where he was going, with the music playing in his headphones at an unacceptable volume. He ran until his lungs screamed at him to stop.
As he stopped he realised where he was. In the building of his girlfriend, Lily. He knew that unconsciously he would get there at some point to talk about it. He was afraid, very afraid. But despite everything, Oscar climbed the steps and when he was in front of the door of his girlfriend's flat, he took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. He was lucky that it was his girlfriend who opened the door and not her parents. He didn't want to explain his dark circles and bags under his eyes or why he was breathing like he'd just run a marathon.
He knew Lily knew that as soon as he opened the door, but he still invited her in. They had a long, extended conversation, where Oscar opened up in a way he had never done before. He loved his now ex-girlfriend, of course he loved her, but not in a romantic way. She understood him, though not without pain. They both cried (for different reasons) as they hugged. Lily asked him for time and he agreed, because despite everything, he didn't want to lose her friendship.
He had a hard time accepting herself as she was. Even so, he always had the help and support of his parents, his friends and his team. But, in spite of everything, he was still afraid. Afraid that (if he ever got the chance to race in Formula 1) his secret would come out, and the fans, his teammates and his team would hate him and he would lose his job.
But none of that mattered anymore. He had just won another race. He was on top of the championship. Even though he was fighting with Daniel for the drivers' championship, he had full confidence that he was going to win. He had confidence that he was going to rise up as a winner in his third year. That fear was still there. Oscar knew it would never completely go away, but now, after all the years, after all the tears shed, after all the times he thought about giving up driving, he didn't mind at all if it came out.
-Thank you guys. Good job," Oscar congratulated his team over the radio. He couldn't be happier.
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
Finally, after hours of media, cold showers and team meetings, he boarded his private plane for Monaco. Of course, he wasn't alone, on the plane were Charles, Carlos and Alex, who were playing poker and clowning around. Oscar let out a giggle as he made himself more comfortable in his seat, ready to fall asleep for the short flight.
He was woken with a start when a hand came back to shake him. 'Oscar, here we are mate'. Still asleep, he packed up his things and said goodbye to his friends as he climbed into his car on his way home to Monaco. God, he was so tired. But he still smiled happily as he remembered he had a three-week holiday. Three weeks where he was going to do absolutely nothing.
When he arrived at his building, he handed the keys to a worker and said goodbye and headed for the lift.
Chapter 4: Night
Notes:
They are going to meet each other soon!
I don't think I've ever written so much in one chapter but here we are. I tried to summarise the match because I didn't want to write too much about it and make the chapter boring. But still let me know if you would like me to make the match summaries longer.
I'd like to know if you're okay with the conversations being like this or if you'd prefer them to be scripted, so please let me know.
I'm watching the Champions League draw as I'm uploading this and I have to say that unfortunately we are going to be eliminated too soon but I hope not.
As always, I don't want to assume their sexuality and I don't ship them in real life, this is just for fun. I respect them and their partners/relationships.
If you're going to share this story, make sure it's somewhere where the pilots won't find it.
Chapter Text
The following weeks passed quickly for Lando. He had his official presentation at the team's stadium, Louis II, which was full of journalists and Monaco fans who welcomed him with open arms. Lando realised that all the fans were really excited about his arrival, both on social media (he received dozens and dozens of messages about how excited they were) and on the pitch on the day of the presentation, with crowds of people chanting his name.
He later had medical checks where he had too many tests, which the young Englishman didn't understand why they needed them as his former club had gone to the trouble of sending Monaco. But he still understood that it was something obligatory that no player liked to do as they all wanted, after a long summer relaxing on paradisiacal beaches with friends or girlfriends, to start directly on the pitch shooting balls or scoring goals.
Anyway.
Lando woke up with the sound of the street, the sounds of car engines and people chattering. He grabbed his phone, which he kept on his bedside table, and sighed as he realised that he had woken up an hour before his alarm clock was supposed to go ring. God, he was so nervous. He'd never had a problem with meeting new people, he'd done it before. Whether you like it or not, from a young age every football player or any other sport learns how to socialise with strangers; but mostly you learn how not to get too attached to your teammates because you never know when you'll see them for the last time.
Still, the Englishman's heart was racing. From the moment his arrival at the club was officially announced, he was warmly welcomed by club staff, coaches... and teammates as well. Many of them even offered him to stay at their home until he could get used to the change and settle down a bit or find a flat to live in. He felt a slight tingle in his chest when he saw all the support he had received from his new teammates since he arrived. Despite turning down offers, Lando went to all the dinners that had been held since he arrived in the country, he was new so he wanted to make a good impression, especially on the older ones.
The training sessions started days later. They came out of the changing room chatting in groups. The man with curly hair tried to chat with everyone to get to know them little by little. He felt his time at the club was going to be a long one, and weirdly, he didn't mind. Obviously he would always miss United and all the teammates he had during those years, but he could feel a different air about it. Perhaps it was that there wasn't as much pressure at Monaco as there might have been at his old club. He was known, yes, but the Red Devils were much better known either for all their history (one of the greatest teams in the world) or for all the awards they have won along the way.
Lando always dreamed of being a historic player at Manchester United, like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo or Bobby Charlton. Sadly, it was not to be, yes, he knew he had broken records and he shined for a few seasons but he never achieved what they did. But he was fine with it. He knew he was an inspiration to many boys and girls who love football as much as he does.
Ever since he started to move up through the different categories in different leagues, he felt that this was his true passion. From time to time, when he was training with his teammates, he saw some other kid, much younger than him, in the stands watching them attentively at every pass, every instruction or correction they made. From that moment on, but especially from the moment he was called up for the first time to play for the England U15 football team, he knew that despite the fame and the money he would earn, he wanted to inspire the little ones with his game. He wanted to blow the world away. But above all, he wanted to teach children that perseverance and hard work always pay off.
His road to success was not an easy one. Quite the contrary. Unfortunately, he was always very susceptible to injuries, as many articles pointed out throughout his career. But still, no matter how much it hurt or how much he wanted to give up and retire from football, he never did, because he promised himself after his first class while they were in the car on the way home that he would never give up.
Never.
The first match of the season was at home against Le Havre. Lando was finishing his preparations in the dressing room. As he finished tying his laces and pulled on his socks, he could feel the excitement, nerves and adrenaline coursing through his veins, as he always did before every game. That day he would start as a substitute, and although he never liked that he understood it, as it was his first game in the team and he was still getting used to the dynamics, the way of playing and the rules of the League.
The game started incredibly well for the team. In the 4th minute, just a few minutes into the game Jordan Teze came very close to scoring the first goal, but unfortunately it went just a bit wide of the post. The team continued trying in every way possible to get close to their opponents' area. The opposition also had a number of chances but all were saved by the goalkeeper. In the 32nd minute, a Le Havre player had the misfortune to score an own goal which put Monaco ahead. The team, despite the fact that none of their players scored, went wild with celebration.
In the blink of an eye it was half-time. The players went to the dressing room while the substitutes took to the pitch to train just in case. In the meantime, fans sang along to the songs playing over the stadium's loudspeakers or many children came down to the edge of the pitch asking for photos or T-shirts of their favourite players.
By the time Lando realised it, the match had resumed and in the 61st minute another goal came for the team. While some of his teammates were celebrating, the coach came over to tell him to start warming up harder. At that point, the Englishman felt those nerves return. As he waited for the changes to be announced, he took several deep breaths as his psychologist had advised him to do when he felt the anxiety coming on.
When one of the on-field assistants raised the screen announcing the changes, Lando tried to relax and mentally repeated over and over again that he had to play the way he only knew how to play. But above all he had to try to impress, not only the coach to get a place in the starting 11, but also the fans. He wanted them to love him and trust him every time he stepped on the pitch. It had been that way for years at United until suddenly everything changed. But he wasn't about to think about how his career almost stalled at his dream club.
His teammate approached him on his way to the bench and as he passed him he gave him a high-five and a hug, wishing him luck. He was finally stepping onto the pitch of the Louis II stadium for the first time. Many players had a ritual before going out onto the pitch, such as praying, crossing themselves, jumping twice... Lando also had one. He entered the pitch stepping twice with his right foot, a habit he had had since he started training as a child. After so many years he felt that he didn't play the same way if he didn't do that little ritual.
The whole stadium seemed to fall when he took his position. At first he didn't understand what was going on as he was trying to understand what one of his teammates wanted to tell him but before the referee whistled for the corner kick he could hear the whole crowd chanting his name. He felt his chest contract, but this time it was out of pure happiness. Yes, he had to make his fans happy and prove that he had come to the club to stay and give them some joy.
The rest of the game passed too quickly for his liking but that was always the case when he felt comfortable on the pitch or when the game was going too well. And so it was. Despite the fact that the opposing team scored a goal in the 74th minute, Lando was running like a lunatic down the right side of the pitch in the direction of the net. His eyes were focused on the ball in front of him as he ran and ran. As he got into the area, he looked up and saw Maghnes running a few steps behind him. He kicked the ball, which passed between the two defenders and the goalkeeper, all the way to his teammate who shot and easily put the ball into the net. Everyone went to a corner to celebrate, and while Maghnes did his usual celebration, his other teammates were patting him on the back or head.
He hadn't been the one to score the goal, but knowing that he had helped to do it also gave him great satisfaction. The dressing room radiated a happy energy, with music playing loudly, the younger players chanting at the top of their lungs and some even goofing around as they danced. Lando couldn't stop laughing as some of his teammates patted him on the back as they passed him on their way to the showers.
When the young striker came out of the shower the changing room was almost empty. Only a few stragglers were left talking to each other or finishing packing up. Lando made his way to his locker, where he began to dress slowly from the fatigue of the day, both physically from the match and mentally from the nerves he had suffered during the day. 'Dude' Thilo said leaving his backpack on the seat next to him, but surprised Lando who wasn't expecting anyone to approach him 'I don't know if you've heard but the guys have been talking about going out for dinner tonight at a really good restaurant. Are you up for it?' he asked with a smile 'we'd love to have you there, especially after today's performance, so we get a chance to chat and get to know you a bit more' he finished. Smiling from ear to ear the Englishman replied with a 'Sure, man, I'd love to be there' 'Great. I'm sure they'll send the details through the group chat, but if you have any questions, just write me' the German said goodbye.
Lando finished packing his things and made his way to his car. There was some traffic as there were still a few straggling fans who were still celebrating the victory. When he finally arrived home he re-confirmed his attendance via the team chat and showered again. It was another one of his habits, although this last one he picked up when his anxiety started due to all the criticism and threats he started to receive at one point or another. He dressed casually but elegantly in baggy black trousers and a white shirt that he rolled up to his elbows for a more casual look. As always, he wore his necklace, his lucky bracelets (one given to him by his family when he turned eighteen and some bracelets made by fans) and the occasional ring. He put on his Ralph Lauren cologne and grabbed his keys and wallet, a jacket just in case it got cold, and headed out.
When he arrived at the restaurant the rest of his mates were already there but there was still a riot when they saw him walk through the door. He sat down in the gap left for him between Mika and Denis. When their food arrived the conversation continued to flow normally. Lando felt so at ease that it seemed as if he had known the team for many years. They were well into their second course when he noticed another group of boys sitting at one of the corner tables.
His eyes scanned the table and he couldn't tell that everyone seated there was very attractive but still his gaze lingered on one of them. The boy was wearing a simple dark black T-shirt that hugged his toned chest. He had brown eyes and brown hair with blond highlights that weren't very noticeable in the low light of the restaurant. But what he couldn't look away from were all those freckles and moles all over his face and part of his neck and although Lando tried to repress those thoughts he couldn't help but wonder if he had more of them on his body.
The Englishman forced himself to look away when he realised that Maghnes, who was sitting across from him, was talking to him. He tried to continue the conversation but his gaze strayed back to the mysterious boy when he heard him laugh, revealing a pair of buck teeth, which Lando found very cute. 'Stop it, Lando' he mentally reproved himself 'you can't fall in love with strangers you're only going to see once'. The gods must have taken mercy on him because everyone started to get up from the table as some of them said their goodbyes. Lando was also one of them, who said goodbye on the grounds that he was too tired from the match.
They all patted each other goodbye and he headed for home. When he arrived, he changed into a pair of gym shorts and jumped into bed. He replied to several messages from friends and family that he hadn't had time to answer after the game and texted his mother, Cisca, confirming his call tomorrow. He connected his phone and got under the covers, letting out a sigh. He still couldn't understand everything that had changed his life, and without wanting to, his mind travelled back to the restaurant, remembering that handsome boy. He really wanted to see him again, but even so, he didn't think he was going to be lucky, as most of the people he passed on the street were tourists, so it was likely that this young man was one too.
'I wish I could see him again.' He thought.
Chapter 5: Caramel
Notes:
Well, I'm a bit behind with the chapters. So much has happened these past weeks and I haven't written anything. I'm starting university again soon and will be very busy but I'll still try to post regularly.
It's been a couple of hours since the Monza race finished and as an Oscar fan I'd rather not comment on the horrible strategy and what happened at the end. But I'm not surprised because this is McLaren we're talking about.
Anyway, I can't wait for the Champions League to start and to be able to enjoy listening to the anthem in my beloved stadium after so many years. And of course, the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup have started, I can't wait for next summer.
As always, I hope you like the chapter. I want to make it clear that I don't ship them in real life, this is completely fiction. That's why I don't want to assume their sexuality and I completely respect them and their partners/relationships. If you are going to share it, please do it in a safe place and where drivers or their friends and family won't find it.
Chapter Text
Lando Norris makes a good start to his Monaco career.
Lando Norris, the 25-year-old English forward who many saw as a failed prodigy, has been the subject of much attention in recent weeks. The forward started his career in football when he was very young and at the age of 18 he signed for Manchester United, a team that has not performed well in recent years. He surprised, and a lot, because in his first season he managed to score 22 goals and give as many assists, but even so, over the years he stopped shining as he used to do and gave way to all the injuries (some very serious, which left him without playing for months).
But people wonder if he is so good at playing, why he was never called up to the men's national football team until recently? It's a mystery we'll never know. Because yes, the Englishman played in almost every youth team for England; he even played in the final of the U17 World Cup, where England won, and Norris (at the time a rising star) scored two of the winning goals.
Many people claim that he never made it into the national team because of injuries, or because the team (or even the player himself and his managers/family) decided that was better not to be called up and turn down those incredible offers, because who in their right mind would refuse to go with the national team of your country, which can give you much more visibility and make big teams want to bet on you and sign you?
Lando Norris has been compared on many occasions with his countryman Jude Bellingham, who at the age of 19 was signed by Real Madrid, leaving behind his incredible season with Borussia Dortmund, who were also interested in signing the forward from Bristol. Both have unquestionable skill on the ball, the way they move around the pitch is simply hypnotic. And of course, there was a huge amount of buzz on social media and in many media organisations when it was announced that the England midfielder (Bellingham) would be taking part in Euro 2020.
It came as a surprise to everyone when the national coach, Gareth Southgate, announced that Lando Norris would take part in Euro 2024, which would be held in Germany. Despite being called up, the striker didn't have much of a presence during the competition (which was a complete disaster for the national team) and when he was on the pitch, he didn't get much of a chance to score, and in the final, the few chances he had (not just him but the whole team) were intercepted by the Spanish national football team's goalkeeper, Unai Simon, until one of the stars of the moment, Cole Palmer, scored the goal that gave the tie and forced the two teams to go to extra time, where the English team ended up losing because of a goal by Mikel Oyarzabal a few minutes before the end and go to penalties.
Throughout the Euro and the 2024/2025 season there were many rumours circulating about the possible future of the young English star, as his contract expired in the summer of 2025 and neither the team nor the player himself wanted to give answers to all the questions that were asked during press conferences about his future. Would the Reds re-sign him or would he have to find a new team and leave the club of his dreams behind?
All those questions were answered when, in August 2025, AS Monaco announced the signing of the player. Absolutely nobody expected him to go to Monaco, and not because they are not a good team and are in the fight to win several competitions every year, but because the Englishman had many offers and some very juicy ones from very big and very relevant teams.
All eyes were on him when the A League started, as everyone wanted to see how he performed in the new team. No one was surprised when the forward took the field and the team and the way they played took a drastic turn for the better (that's not to say that the team wasn't playing well until then). You could tell that the young man was hungry to play football again and show the world and his critics what he was capable of, as in his first game he provided an assist, something not all footballers can do.
In interviews afterwards, you could sense in the atmosphere and from the coach how happy they were with their new signing, claiming that they were very excited about Lando's new phase in the team. Critics and fans alike are aware that the season has only just started and that anything can happen, but even so, everyone believes that the Englishman's season will be full of joy and plenty of goals, both in the league and in the Champions League.
Lando got out of his car and in the car park met Mika, with whom he had become very close in recent weeks. The two of them walked together into the team building where everyone had been meeting to watch the draw for the Champions League 2025/2026. He was nervous, he wasn't going to lie, he had never had the chance to play in Europe's most demanding competition, where the best teams from each country competed against each other so that only one could be proclaimed the 'King' of Europe.
The Englishman had played in Europe before, of course, both for the national team and for United. Last year he had the opportunity to play in the Europa League final in San Mamés against Tottenham, against whom he ended up losing after a disastrous game where they had few chances to score and where the opposing team was far superior for most of the game.
Still, the team was happy to have reached the final after a very tough semi-final against Athletic Club, who did not stop fighting until the end, even when they were 4 goals down. He remembers how there was a big commotion after both matches, as there were many fans from different teams claiming that the referee was on the side of the red team and that UEFA wanted to have an English final.
Bullshit.
This was a new challenge for him, so even though he was nervous he was mostly prepared for it. The two went into the dressing room where most of the staff were already talking to each other and placing bets on which teams they were most likely to play. At one point, his coach came over to ask him how the problem he had been having with his foot was going. It was nothing serious, or so the club's doctors and physiotherapists had told him, but during one of the training sessions he didn't fully walk and hurt his left foot, forcing him to miss the last game against Lille, against whom they lost by a goal.
The team was sad and disappointed for a few days after the game, as the first games of the season were always the most important to determine which teams were most likely to win the league. And although everyone wants to win every game, the first few games were very important in order to be the highest in the standings, and to be able to secure the European places.
Still, the team preferred to put that game aside and concentrate on the next matches. Suddenly, several shouts and a lot of 'shut up, shut up' echoed throughout the dressing room. Lando sat down at his locker, from where he had a very good view of the TV. Many of his other teammates seated themselves in their lockers or next to their friends, though a few sat on the floor between each other's legs.
As the choir began to sing the anthem, the young Englishman felt his skin rise with excitement. He couldn't believe he was going to play in the Champions League for the first time in his life. Although Monaco were in Pot 4, they were still keeping an eye on the rest of the draws. Lando was praying internally that they would be playing against "easy" teams, although he knew there was no such thing as an easy team, no matter what division or league he was talking about.
He discreetly folded his fingers as he watched the presenters approach the bowls in which the teams were placed. They all sighed with relief when they saw that they would not have to face PSG, champions of the Champions League 2024/2025. But they were not so lucky. Next in the draw for Pot 1 was Real Madrid, one of the biggest and most titled teams in Europe, a team that even if they were not on a good run, everyone feared, so a chorus of shouts of surprise and a few others of frustration and sadness filled the room when the machine announced that their team would have to compete against them. Lando put his hands to his head. He couldn't believe that they were going to compete against one of the biggest teams in the world. Ansu Fati, who was sitting next to him muttered a 'we're screwed' which made Lando chuckle under his breath.
The draw went ahead, and their next opponent would be Manchester City. A cold shiver ran through the light-eyed man's spine. He would return home, though he would not be facing his old team, this could not happen to him. Still, despite his initial displeasure (and don't get him wrong, he will still love United until the day he dies, but right now he was starting a new life in a different team many kilometres away. And he knew that, even if it wasn't the same team or the same fans, a lot of people wouldn't be happy to see him there) he couldn't hold back a smile as he realised he would be reunited with some of his old friends like Phil Folden, who was one of his closest friends while they were in the youth teams and also in the national team.
When the presenters announced that Monaco would be playing Juventus, an explosion of joy could be heard across the room, with some of his teammates shaking each other's hair or even patting each other on the back. Lando understood that the excitement of knowing they would be facing a team like Juventus was a cause for joy, although inside he thought they were celebrating because they thought they were an easy team to eliminate, but he didn't believe that. No team was easy to eliminate, no matter what category they were in or at what time. Guys,' said the coach, 'the next team we'll face is Brugge' and another burst of cheers filled the room.
‘Well, there are not many draws left to do. So let's start with draw 3' said one of the presenters. The first ball brought Tottenham and Lando crossed his fingers that they wouldn't be drawn. Obviously everyone preferred to play teams that hadn't won any recent competitions, and of course Tottenham had won the Europa League last year, so no thanks, but he didn't want to play them. The names of the teams that would have to face the team came up and Lando began to relax as he realised that at the moment Monaco hadn't come up, until the last team came up and, as it seemed that the karma of his whole generation was being paid for by him, Monaco came up. 'I can't believe it' said the Englishman loudly as he ran his fingers through his perfectly curled curls. Mika, who was sitting between his legs, gave him a few consoling pats on the knees as he giggled under his breath, and Lando, like the mature and responsible adult he was, pulled his hair without hurting him in any way.
When there were only two teams left in the draw, Lando took it for granted that they would not be playing against any more teams, until they announced that they would be playing against Bodo/Glimt, a Norwegian team, who although not well known worldwide, had been in the Champions League for many years, which showed that they were a very good team, but the striker wasn't too worried about playing against them either, in fact, he was sure that they would beat them. Finally came the last draw, the one his team was in, and as a result, the nerves became more present in the dressing room even though they already knew half of their opponents. The last two teams they would face were Galatasaray and Paphos. Both teams were tough enough to beat at their home stadium, but even so, Lando tried to remain confident, both in his team and teammates as well as in himself.
Well, that seems to be it,' said coach Adi Hütter. 'We know that we've been up against some very difficult teams to beat, some of them we've met before, but despite that, we have to keep our confidence and think we have a chance of beating them. Because if we already think that Real Madrid or City are going to knock us out, we're screwed. So, now, go home, rest and we'll see you tomorrow in training to start preparing for all the games. Good afternoon’. As soon as he finished his talk, everyone started to get up and walk out the door as they said goodbye to the staff and their teammates.
I could feel the nervousness but also the desire to play their first Champions League. Any boy or girl who likes football or who has dreamed of being a footballer has dreamed of playing and winning the Champions League. He wasn't going to lie, Lando was one of them and knowing that now that dream was going to come true filled him with joy.
It was Sunday and they were playing again, but this time against Strasbourg at home. The dressing room was in commotion as the coaches and staff went over strategies and positions and the players finished preparing and stretching. Lando was sitting at his locker talking to Thilo when suddenly a shout echoed through the room. Everyone turned to see Christian, who had shouted, when he shouted again while saying 'Daniel DNF! Daniel DNF!' Lando didn't understand anything that was happening, neither who this Daniel was, nor that he was DNF, nor why most of his teammates had surrounded him to see his phone. 'What's going on?' the Englishman asked the German who was still beside him laughing at the sight of his teammates commenting on whatever it was they were watching. 'Nothing, man. There was Formula 1 racing today, so that'll be it,' he replied with a smile.
What happens' commented Vanderson as he arrived at his side 'is that Daniel Ricciardo, who is second in the standings and is fighting to win his first championship against his teammate, has just left the race with a car failure and you know what that means? That means Oscar Piastri is 34 points behind him, leading the championship' he finished excitedly. 'Ah' let out a confused Lando 'I've never heard of that'. 'What, you really don't know what F1 is?' asked a very shocked Christian. 'Oh, my friend, that has to change. For the next race, you're going to come home and we're all going to watch it together' the cheers rang throughout the locker room and Lando could do nothing but laugh. 'Alright guys. Let's cut the crap and finish getting ready. 3 minutes left' the voice of their coach boomed in the room making everyone go to their lockers to finish getting ready.
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