The press conference after the Champions League quarterfinal had started like a dream. Cameras flashed. Reporters jostled for questions. Leo stood tall, soaked in sweat and glory, having just scored the winning goal. The room buzzed with electricity until everything changed in the blink of an eye.

Coach Thorne’s suspension.

The Adidas deal collapsing.

The words landed like a punch to the gut. The air vanished. Reporters froze mid-sentence. The celebration curdled into confusion.

“What ...