Did I read this book or did it read me!?!? Holy crap y'all Jonny Garza Villa kintsugied the crap out of me throughout Futbolista!!! I was invested from the first page. Gabi's the kind of once in a life time character that changes you at your core. He's funny and flirty and full of so much love. His story is about more than football and falling in love. It's about learning who you are, coming out while coming of age, and reconciling the fact that the world doesn't always want you to be who you are. Gabi doesn't want to be the player that changes the game, but maybe he has to. 

Gabi and Vale's romance is everything I wanted— no needed— and more. It's slow, built off a genuine friendship, and not to quote the bible but it's patient, kind, protective, trusting, hopeful, and persevering. While so many awful, hateful things are happening to Gabi, Vale becomes home for him. They have tough conversations and get to know each other so deeply that their love feels inevitable in the end. If I loved someone even half as much as these two love each other, I could move mountains. 

Read this if you like sports romance, Latine and queer representation, a love that heals, finally understanding philosophy (if only just a little bit), young men just trying their best, and crying (a lot).