After the atmosphere at the Stade de France reached its peak, it never stopped.
The blue flags and jerseys surged like ocean waves.
Beyond the support songs, the clearest sound in all the fans' cheers was just one name:
"Julien!"
"JULIEN!!"
Again and again, France's fans seemed never to tire of chanting it.
French football desperately craved talent!
That's why both media and fans placed all their longing and expectations on the so-called "Four Little Swans."
Facts proved the Four Little Swans were useless.
Whether in skill or character, compared to France's past stars, they fell far short.
So, When Julien entered French fans' field of vision, all eyes naturally settled toward him.
The timeless prodigal son redemption narrative only deepened Julien's appeal.
A young man redeeming himself through football felt more like a real person than a pure genius.
In this match, Julien proved with his brace that he hadn't disappointed all of France's expectations.
"Keep moving!"
Löw was furious, constantly shouting at Höwedes.
In his eyes, during these twenty-plus minutes, the defending from both Höwedes and Podolski had been terrible.
How could they let Julien basically beat them every time he got the ball?!
Germany's left flank defense was like an unguarded highway!
But, Julien proceeded to prove this point again.
The 29th minute.
On France's left, Ribéry's forceful attack failed. He quickly switched to the center, where Matuidi passed to Julien's side.
Facing Höwedes's pressing as he received the ball, Julien flicked it with his foot while turning, shaking off Höwedes from the other side.
Whoosh!
The Stade de France erupted again at this move.
The commentator couldn't help saying, "After this match, I believe Höwedes will have nightmares full of De Rocca. He simply can't stop him! How do you defend that first touch and turn?"
Seeing himself beaten again, Höwedes chased back.
Gündogan also came to cover.
Even Hummels considered whether to step out and cover, Julien's pressure was simply too strong.
When you faced such an opponent—a world-class winger who could dribble, had speed, and could shoot, it was truly agonizing.
Bang!
After checking Germany's defensive positioning, Julien didn't cut inside for a strong attack. Instead, he chose to cross.
The ball flew toward the center, but not for Giroud.
Rather, the far post!
Ribéry emerged from behind Lahm. As Bayern teammates, Ribéry knew Lahm's defending too well. He deliberately moved slowly, then suddenly burst forward when Julien crossed, using his speed to exploit his old teammate.
Ribéry got in front of Lahm and poked at the ball.
Bang!
The ball flew toward goal!
Germany's back line instantly panicked. Fortunately, Adler reacted promptly. When Julien crossed, he was already predicting the ball's landing point and considering his positioning.
So, when Ribéry shot, the Germany's Eagle had just returned to that side and flew to make the save.
But, once again, like the first goal, he made the first save but had no time to properly deal with the ball.
The ball rebounded into the six-yard box.
Giroud stretched to tap it in!
But just as he was about to strike the ball, sharp pain shot through his foot: Mertesacker had also tried to clear it. He was a step slower than Giroud, and his clearance struck Giroud's foot directly.
"Ah!"
Giroud screamed and fell in the penalty area.
Whistle!
Simultaneously came the referee's whistle. He pointed to the penalty spot.
German players shook their heads helplessly. Mertesacker tried to argue, but Lahm blocked him and went to speak with the referee himself.
But this was an undeniable penalty.
The result wouldn't change.
Clap clap clap!
Fans in the stadium applauded wildly while chanting: "Julien!"
Everyone shouted Julien's name.
He was one goal away from a hat-trick.
France's primary penalty taker was Ribéry, but at this moment, Ribéry was very willing to help his junior. He handed the ball to Julien. "Go ahead. Tonight is your night. Make up for the regret of not facing Germany last summer."
Julien nodded slightly and took the ball.
Regarding Germany, he had no regrets. He was simply willing to step up to the twelve-yard spot.
This was a place to challenge oneself.
Some players never take penalties their entire careers, not because they lack opportunity, but because they choose to step aside.
Julien wouldn't.
On the sideline, Deschamps looked expectant, while Löw focused intently on Adler: Germany's last line of defense now.
At this moment, the broadcast gave a close-up of Neuer on the bench.
Neuer had already proven himself as the future of Germany's goalkeeping position.
Julien held the ball, placed it on the penalty spot, then stepped back.
These movements captured the attention of all fans in the stadium and countless viewers watching the broadcast.
Teammates patted his shoulder before standing outside the penalty area.
German players watched him with tense eyes.
Adler clapped his gloves and stood on the goal line, staring at Julien.
Julien didn't make eye contact with Adler.
For a moment, facing Adler—this genius whose wings had been clipped by injury, Julien felt a pang of sadness.
But he couldn't change anyone. He could only control himself.
Whistle!
As the referee's whistle sounded, Julien started his run.
Adler had studied Julien beforehand. He'd reviewed the basic information on French players provided by the assistant coaches and knew Julien's shooting characteristics, he liked to shoot in one fluid motion.
So, After Julien's few steps of approach, when he shaped to strike the ball, Adler moved. Based on experience, he shifted his weight, pushed off, and prepared to dive for a high shot.
However, At the moment of contact, Julien stuttered.
Adler flew out.
He knew in his heart, it was over!
Bang!
The next moment, Julien gently chipped the ball—a Panenka penalty.
The ball easily entered the net from the center.
3-0!
France completed their revenge against Germany at home. At the same time, Julien scored a hat-trick!
The moment he scored the penalty, Julien glanced at the dejected Adler and sighed silently: Germany's Eagle, your era is truly over.
Then, face full of smiles and excitement, he charged toward the stands.
This time, Julien jumped directly onto the barrier. Standing there, facing countless fans waving their arms frantically and screaming themselves hoarse, he spread his arms wide.
He loved this celebration.
Uninhibited,
Exhilarating,
Able to embrace those cheers that belonged to him, and representing his reign over France!
Born in the Paris suburbs, but rising in Corsican Bastia.
At this moment, The entire stadium echoed with the same name: "JULIEN!!"
One chant after another, so much that even the DJ couldn't get a word in.
The commentator was excited. "GOOOAL!! Julien scores again! His hat-trick tonight! This scene makes me think of our match against Germany last year.
That match, we were easily swept away three-nil. But this match makes me think so many thoughts. What if—I'm saying what if—Julien hadn't been injured last year and could have played?
Perhaps we wouldn't have lost to Germany? Perhaps we would have had a chance to challenge mighty Spain. At least in World Cup qualifying, we drew with Spain, and that was with controversial refereeing in their favor."
The commentator's words strongly resonated with French fans.
"Absolutely!"
"With Julien, we wouldn't have lost!!"
Such sentiments were everywhere.
Three goals up.
Deschamps smiled on the sideline and, since this was a friendly, began considering second-half substitutions.
For now, Deschamps gestured to his players to slow the tempo.
Don't turn a friendly match into a "friendship-ending" match.
With his signal, France's attack indeed became less sharp.
Especially Julien, after his hat-trick, had fewer touches.
Germany still wanted to salvage some pride and continued attacking.
This allowed Deschamps to see Kanté's strengths!
Kanté truly locked down Özil in this match.
If Höwedes would dream only of Julien tonight, then Özil's dreams would be filled with Kanté making him very uncomfortable.
Soon,
The first half ended.
When the second half began, Deschamps had already made substitutions in advance.
Mainly taking off Julien to rest properly.
He was France's secret weapon!
Löw had no thoughts of a comeback and basically gave up on the match.
Finally, France successfully got their revenge!
At the Stade de France, everyone was immensely happy. Fans celebrated for a long time before things quieted down.
After regrouping in the locker room, players also began saying their goodbyes.
Many still had to prepare for their respective leagues.
Now, all domestic leagues had reached the crucial second-half stage, and soon there would be Champions League and Europa League matches.
After this game, they really had no time to linger here.
Players like Matuidi who played for Paris were fine, but those in the Premier League and La Liga inevitably wasted more time traveling.
Julien had also planned to hurry back to Bastia after the match.
However, Deschamps stopped him. "Zinedine wants to see you, have a chat."
"Okay!"
Hearing it was Zidane who wanted to see him, Julien naturally agreed. He could roughly guess why.
Julien sighed, hoping it wasn't to convince him to stay in France.
In a little while, Julien met with Zidane.
And indeed, it was about Julien's summer transfer. However, to Julien's relief, after some brief opening pleasantries, Zidane got straight to the point and he wasn't here to persuade Julien to stay.
"Julien, I understand you, and I understand them—France's expectations, politicians' anxieties, the federation's sense of responsibility. I've carried all these burdens.
But you must understand, what they truly fear isn't your departure: it's losing control. They want to use 'national symbol' to control you, to prove Ligue 1 and their plans are right, to achieve their own goals. But this shouldn't be your burden. You understand?"
Zidane directly exposed Le Graët and others' intentions. Yes, were these people really just concerned about French football as they claimed?
No, they were only concerned about their own futures.
Julien nodded.
He could naturally see this, but having Zidane say it now touched him.
"Look at my career—Bordeaux, Juventus, then Real Madrid. Sometimes leaving France isn't betrayal, it's growth and progress.
In Turin, facing catenaccio defense, I learned resilience. At Real Madrid, discovered what it really means to live on a global stage and to fight until the last second—that's their DNA. If I'd been locked in France back then... there wouldn't have been everything that followed.
The Eagle of Corsica was born to soar higher. France's roots are in your heart: you don't prove it with the grass under your feet."
Hearing this, Julien smiled. This was the power of a predecessor. He said to Zidane, "But PSG probably won't give up so easily."
Zidane smiled with narrowed eyes. "Of course they won't. They'll even bring more people as persuaders, not just for you, but for your family too.
I can teach you how to communicate with them. First, always maintain respect. To the federation, to the minister, to everyone, say 'Thank you for your regard, but I need a more difficult challenge.'
Don't accuse them, only emphasize your personal will.
Make them believe you're leaving for France, not abandoning it. Wherever you train, it's to dedicate a better version of yourself at the Stade de France.
As for threats about the national team—ignore them. Deschamps cares about your form, not where you play. I think you know he's on our side.
Of course, if those people go too far, tell me. This 'old guy' doesn't mind making a phone call."
Julien nodded again. "I understand. I just feel Ligue 1's intensity is too low. I don't want to stay in Ligue 1."
Hearing these words, Zidane was very satisfied. What a young player needs most is ambition. If he settles for his current situation because of money, he'll likely never achieve greater heights.
Zidane said approvingly, "You're absolutely right. You're still young. What you need is tempering, not shelter. What Paris can give you is lots of money, but in the Premier League, La Liga, and other places, you'll improve much more."
At this point, Zidane gave Julien a meaningful look, then said, "The doors of the Bernabéu are always open to talented players with ambition. Real Madrid can also be your choice.
However, I don't recommend it right now.
England might suit you better at this stage. When you've conquered the Premier League, then, if you have the desire to wear white, I'll be waiting for you in Madrid.
After all, Real Madrid doesn't just gather stars—it's about the determination to shape history. If you want to become one of the very best, Real Madrid can help you.
But the prerequisite is you must be strong enough, mature enough, able to carry the weight of the number 10.
The Premier League is an excellent transition right now.
Of course, you know that even if you come to Real Madrid in the future, the pressure won't be less than now. Bernabéu fans demand more, the media is harsher..."
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