Publisher's Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Luca Hartmann stands at a crossroads. On the field, he's a dazzling soccer prodigy, a rising star for SV Falkenhorst, a fictional Bundesliga team. Off the field, he carries a secret that threatens to unravel his carefully constructed world: he's gay. This novel explores the complexities of Luca's double life, the pressures he faces from his homophobic father, a former professional player, and the casual homophobia he encounters from some of his teammates. The world of professional soccer, often portrayed as a bastion of masculinity, presents a stark contrast to Luca's inner life, creating a constant tension between his public persona and his true identity. However, Luca finds solace and support in unexpected places. An online LGBTQ+ sports community becomes a lifeline, offering him a space to connect with others who understand his struggles and share his dreams. He also finds an unlikely ally in Finn, a barista at the stadium cafe, whose unconditional acceptance provides a much-needed counterpoint to the judgment and prejudice he faces elsewhere. The novel delves into the emotional turmoil that Luca experiences, the anxieties of potential exposure, the fear of losing his career, and the constant weight of hiding a significant part of himself. It also explores the broader societal issues surrounding LGBTQ+ acceptance in professional sports, examining the systemic challenges, the lack of representation, and the fight for equality that is constantly being waged. Through Luca's journey, we witness the power of resilience, the importance of allyship, and the transformative impact of self-acceptance. This is not just a story about soccer; it's a story about courage, identity, and the fight for a future where athletes of all sexual orientations and gender identities can pursue their dreams without fear of judgment. It's a story about finding community, about the transformative power of love and acceptance, and about the ultimate triumph of authenticity. It is a story that aims to challenge assumptions, spark conversations, and inspire us all to work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting world, one goal, one pass, one story at a time.
