Prologue

What if the greatest football players of all time never faded into history-but were reborn as AI-powered clones, competing in a World Cup like no other?
Samuel Arena was the last great Italian football player-a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, a Sicilian icon, and a voice of his generation. But on May 24, 2016, he vanishes in a mysterious eruption on Mount Etna... only to wake up in 2088. In this future, football as he knew it is extinct. The sport is now ruled by the Legendominus-cybernetic clones of history's most legendary players, engineered for flawless performance. Without an identity in a world that no longer values human athletes, Samuel is given one impossible mission: infiltrate the Legendominus World Cup, lead Italy's cyber-team to victory, and secure the resources to return to his time. To succeed, he must outthink AI-enhanced versions of Pelé, Maradona, and Messi, all while uncovering the dark truth behind the tournament's corporate overlords. But if perfection has replaced humanity, what future is left for him?