Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 133: I’m Lost For Words

Chapter 133: I’m Lost For Words

Benjamin sat at the counter with the folder spread open before him like a treasure chest waiting to be explored.

Ashley leaned over, resting her elbows on the counter as she watched his expression shift from excitement to intense focus.

He flipped to the first page, where Nike’s logo stood bold at the top. "Alright, let’s see what they’re offering."

***

{Company: [Nike] }

Duration: [Five years.]

Annual Payment: [€300,000 with a 10% increase after the third year.]

Performance Bonuses 1: [€10,000 for every ten goals scored and €5,000 for assists.]

Performance Bonus 2: [€50,000 for achieving 20 goals and 12 assists in a season]

Additional Perks: [Custom-designed football boots named after Benjamin, invites to Nike events, and an optional clause for collaboration on a personalized clothing line.]

Campaign Focus: [Nike’s "Next Gen" series, spotlighting rising football stars.]

A global advertising campaign featuring Benjamin was already outlined, promising widespread exposure.}

***

The contract showed their long-term vision for him, offering not just money but a clear role in Nike’s future branding.

However, it came with an exclusivity clause—no other sportswear endorsements allowed during the term.

Ashley pointed to a highlighted section. "Nike’s deal is straightforward but solid. They’re offering a five-year sponsorship deal, starting with €300,000 annually."

"That’s just the base, though. They’ve also included performance-based bonuses. For instance, if you hit 25 goals and 12 assists in a season, there’s an extra €50,000."

Benjamin’s brows shot up in contemplation. "20 goals and 12 assists? That’s... manageable."

"Exactly," Ashley said with a smirk. "They’re also planning to launch a limited-edition boot line with your name if you sign with them. Think sleek, cutting-edge designs with your personal logo."

Benjamin traced the words with his finger, imagining his name etched on a pair of boots. "Not bad," he muttered. "What’s next?"

He flipped to the Adidas proposal. The sleek layout and bold fonts of their contract details screamed professionalism.

***

{Company: [Adidas] }

Duration: [Four years, with an option for a two-year extension.]

Annual Payment: [€350,000 with performance bonuses up to €150,000 annually based on specific milestones like: League or Cup wins (€70,000, and individual awards (50,000).]

Perks: [A limited-edition football boot release named after Benjamin, along with immediate access to Adidas’s high-performance gear.]

Market Expansion: [Heavy focus on the Dutch market, positioning Benjamin as a primary ambassador alongside other talents like Memphis Depay and Viktor Fischer]

Media Exposure: [Guaranteed features in Adidas’s global campaigns, particularly those promoting their Predator boot line.]}

***

Adidas offered a higher upfront package but it seemed more focused on short-term impact and market presence. Though, the perks were appealing, and the milestones felt achievable.

"Adidas," Ashley began, her tone shifting. "They’re offering €350,000 annually for four years. Slightly shorter term but with higher upfront money. They’ve also added milestone bonuses—€100,000 for every team title and €50,000 for individual awards, like Player of the Month."

Benjamin let out a low whistle. "They’re betting big on success."

"They are," Ashley agreed. "But here’s the kicker—they’ve already got a marketing strategy for you. They want to feature you alongside big names in their next ad campaign. Think global visibility, Ben. Billboards, commercials, the works."

Benjamin’s fingers lingered on the page, his mind flashing with images of himself standing shoulder to shoulder with football giants.

"Not bad at all," he murmured.

Ashley smirked. "You haven’t even seen Puma’s yet."

Benjamin turned the page to find Puma’s bright and bold pitch in its simplicity.

***

[Company: [Puma] }

Duration: Five years, renewable based on mutual agreement.

Annual Payment: [€300,000 with performance bonuses up to €180,000: 40 Goals contribution milestone (€60,000), Individual awards (€40,000) and team League/Cup win (€80,000)

Key Feature: [A personalized boot line entirely designed around Benjamin’s playing style.]

Puma planned to use him as the face of their innovation campaign, focusing on breaking new ground in football technology.

Additional Perks: [High involvement in product development, input on branding, and invitations to exclusive Puma events.]

Risk Factor: [Puma’s market share in football was still growing, meaning Benjamin would play a critical role in their strategy.]}

***

The offer felt tailored for him, but it carried the weight of responsibility. Puma was betting on him to elevate their brand, which could be risky but also immensely rewarding.

"They’re playing the long game," Ashley explained. "Their offer is €300,000 annually, but they’re throwing in a lot of personalization."

"You’d be the face of their new football boot line, designed entirely around your playing style. Think speed, agility, and precision—everything you embody on the pitch."

"Sounds interesting," Benjamin said, narrowing his eyes.

"It’s a risk, though." Ashley admitted. "They’re not as dominant as Nike or Adidas in football, but they’re hungry to make a mark. With you, they’re looking to disrupt the market."

Benjamin nodded slowly. "They’re ambitious... I like it."

Finally, he turned the page to the last proposal. Red Bull’s offer was noticeably different, with vibrant graphics.

***

{Company: [Red Bull] }

Duration: Four years, with potential extensions.

Annual Payment: €400,000 with additional €100,000 for participating in off-field ventures.

Unique Opportunities: [Red Bull offers collaborations across its vast portfolio—eSports, extreme sports, commercials, and even documentaries. Benjamin could become the face of campaigns that extended beyond football.]

Perks: [Access to Red Bull’s athlete training facilities, partnerships with other Red Bull-sponsored teams, and participation in major events.]}

***

Unlike the others, this deal wasn’t tied to exclusivity within football gear, leaving room for separate boot endorsements.

The proposal felt unconventional, promising Benjamin not just a sponsorship but a platform to explore multiple opportunities]

Ashley leaned in, her voice taking on a more animated tone. "Red Bull’s offer is... Out of the ordinary. €400,000 annually for four years, plus they’re giving you a chance in their extreme sports and eSports campaigns."

"You’d get to feature in commercials, attend major events, and they’re even offering a documentary deal. ’Benjamin: Beyond the Pitch.’"

Benjamin blinked, taken aback. "I’m lost for words..."

"I understand," Ashley said with a grin. "They’re thinking outside the box."

He leaned back, rubbing his chin as he stared at the spread of sports contracts before him. Each one was tempting in its own way, each offering a unique path forward.

Ashley watched him for a moment before speaking. "So? What’s going through that overworked brain of yours?"

Benjamin chuckled, glancing at her. "This is harder than I thought. They’re all incredible offers."

"They are," Ashley agreed. "But remember, it’s not just about the money. Think about your long-term goals, your image, and the kind of legacy you want to build."

"Legacy..." He muttered with a pensive expression, her words sinking in. "You’ve just given me a crazy idea."