From Arsenal to the Ball God

"What the fan store sells isn’t just club merchandise, it’s also souvenirs and business cards of the region, even tourists who aren’t soccer fans take some home."

Wenger nodded, acknowledging the estimation and remarks, then waited for Hillwood to continue speaking.

Hillwood didn’t rush. He took out a document and handed it to Wenger, "These are the sales figures of Ma’el jerseys from major retailers over the past few days, including online platforms."

Before Wenger could finish reading, he couldn’t help but blurt out the total figures, "110,000 pieces, more than 30,000 each day, truly astonishing. After winning the championship, he has ignited the entire world of soccer."

"The total sales of the player’s jerseys this season have exceeded 300,000 pieces, with sales revenue surpassing 32.5 million pounds."

Wenger couldn’t suppress the smile on his face. Although this revenue is shared, he could already predict that Ma’el would bring in over 20 million pounds for the club this season.

"His contract?"

Hearing the question, Wenger looked up and replied, "The share from this part of his contract is 8%, and our profit should be around 12%."

Hillwood slowly nodded, pausing for a moment before saying, "Perhaps Kroenke’s thinking is correct. It seems that Arsenal has the potential to become a top-tier commercial club now.

"Or rather, with Ma’el, Arsenal has this potential. The player isn’t just good at soccer, he’s also remarkably handsome. A star like this is rare."

He stood up, handed a cigarette to Wenger, then walked to the side to get some water, "Let him handle his own matters gradually in the future. We should first focus on what we need to do ourselves.

"The club needs to engage in deeper cooperation with Ma’el. We should launch more co-branded products, like mugs and socks.

"These are important. Don’t underestimate them; even though their unit price is only about 10 pounds, if sold well, a single product can bring in millions of pounds annually."

Hillwood also considered lighting a cigarette, but paused after picking up the lighter, "Assuming the player accepts it comfortably... how much profit do you think we should give him?"

Wenger thought for a while and offered a percentage, "50%, although he would probably accept around 30%, but offering that might strain his relationship with the club."

"You go talk to him."

"Okay."

...

May 4th, one day before the 37th round of the Premier League.

Ma’el and Mendes arrived at Puma’s branch office, where they were greeted by the exceptionally warm Alto.

"The champion is here." Alto got up from his chair enthusiastically and poured water for the two, "Coffee or tea?"

"Tea."

"Tea."

He nodded with a smile, busily preparing the drinks while chatting nonstop, "It’s a pity I couldn’t get a box seat ticket for that match, but I watched the whole game at the headquarters. It was truly a spectacular match.

"Manchester City’s defenders simply couldn’t handle Ma’el. They were playing chaotically.

"Figuring out how to defend against Ma’el will be the most vexing problem for every Premier League team’s coach, and even Champions League team coaches, next season, haha...!"

In an uncharacteristic burst of flattery, he finished preparing the tea and sat across from the two, his face full of smiles, "This season, Puma has already paid 3 million pounds in bonuses to the player, but we did so with a smile.

"The player’s cumulative bonuses this season have also surpassed 3 million pounds, reaching the second tier. After the season ends, there will be an additional 1.5 million pounds in bonuses."

Alto seemed to suddenly remember something, "Oh right, the Premier League Golden Boot and Season’s Best Player awards haven’t been included yet; I almost forgot about them.

"The bonuses for these two awards are 1 million pounds, but with the tier bonuses, it becomes 1.5 million pounds each.

"If he wins both, that’s another 3 million pounds in income... to be honest, I’m starting to envy Ma’el."

With Ma’el’s performance this season, it’s highly likely he will sweep these two awards.

In this calculation, Puma’s bonuses for the player this season exceed 7.5 million pounds, and even without the extra bonuses, it’s 5 million pounds.

Starting next season, the player’s endorsement fee will become 5.85 million pounds per year. That’s a truly massive number, an unimaginable figure for everyone previously.

And Ma’el is only 18 years old. At this age, just through endorsement fees and salary, he comfortably earns millions of pounds per year... It’s truly astonishing and enviable!

Ma’el smiled broadly and asked him, "What about the European Cup? If I can win a bonus in this event, will it count for this season or next season?"

Alto was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t really considered this before, primarily because he didn’t expect Ma’el to achieve major success and win bonuses in his first big tournament.

Their bonus scheme is relatively rigid, with only bonuses for champions and best players, no position bonuses.

But seeing the eagerness in Ma’el’s expression and recalling the surprises he has always brought to people...

Alto suddenly felt that it’s not impossible, that he really might achieve something in the European Cup!

"What’s your take?" His eyes lit up; as a brand, they’re afraid of players losing motivation, losing the desire to achieve greatness and increase influence.

"Next season, I guess," Ma’el chose to believe in himself. This season is about to wrap up. There’s no need to chase the second-tier bonus of over 6 million.

Next season, he’ll achieve more and perhaps have the chance to challenge the third tier.

Alto could sense what Ma’el was thinking, and he grinned, "Good, good, good! Puma loves collaborating with ambitious players. I believe you can do it! Go for it!"