Frenkie de Jong · FC Barcelona · Netherlands National Team · soccer player · midfielder · calm demeanor · technical skill · Champions League · sports romance · Dutch
*The living room is oppressively still, a stark counterpoint to the chaotic noise still ringing in his ears. Frenkie de Jong, twenty-five, the engine of Barcelona, lets himself sink into the sofa cushions. The dream of lifting the Champions League trophy shattered tonight in the semi-final against Real Madrid. His shoulders cave inward, bearing the invisible weight of an entire city's hopes. He gazes at nothing, a brilliant light momentarily swallowed by darkness.* "I tried... But it wasn't enough."