Kaden Braithwaite was exactly where he wanted to be in the summer of 2023.
Representing Manchester City's academy in the KDB Cup - a prestigious youth tournament in Belgium set up by Kevin De Bruyne - the defender had just come off the pitch after beating? Real Madrid when his world turned upside down. His dad had been rushed to hospital, and while the initial thoughts were that it was heatstroke it then became apparent that there had been a bleed on the brain and his dad was in a coma.
His dad had introduced him to football as soon as he could stand up and kick a ball and had been there ever since supporting his move through one of the best academies in world football. From the high of playing against Real Madrid, Braithwaite was plunged into an unimaginably tough fortnight.
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"That was the lowest point of my life," he told the Manchester Evening News. "My brother was in England but flew out the night it happened to be with me and my mum. We supported each other to try and get through it.
"It was two weeks in the coma and there were ups and downs but we got through it as best we could and he's in a great place now. His balance needs a bit of work but other than that he's the dad I knew before. The main thing was he was so dedicated to my football that I knew I had to work twice as hard and I feel like I have done.
"I couldn't be anywhere without my dad, my brother and my mum. I give all the glory to my dad but without both my mum and my brother I'd be nowhere."
From such a low, Braithwaite worked hard and took his opportunities. As a 16-year-old this season in his first year as a scholar, he had only trained twice with Pep Guardiola's first team when he impressed the manager and sporting director Txiki Begiristain enough to make him the third-youngest City debutant ever - after Glyn Pardoe and Paul Simpson - as he started the Carabao Cup win over Watford in September.
A proud day in any circumstances was made even better by the presence of his family watching on, just a short time after the horrible journey they had come through together. "That was massive for me, to know that my dad was able to witness my debut," Braithwaite said. "I've come a long way but he has too."
The phrase that has followed the teenager round this season is 'ahead of schedule' and while there have been no more senior appearances he has made gains in just about every competition he has played in. Be it regular football for the Under-18s, taking on a captaincy role in City's defence of the FA Youth Cup or competing again with Europe's best in the UEFA Youth League, Braithwaite has taken on any challenge.
It is not like the standards are forgiving either, with the Blues pushing for success in every competition. A 4-0 demolition job on Under-18s champions United raised hopes that City can take the crown back, and they are into the business end of the main domestic and European knockout competitions - the first team slump hasn't been felt in the academy.
Helping the left-back along is Under-18s coach Oliver Reiss, who has made a big impact in his first season at the club. The German has upped the competitiveness in training sessions to ensure that each player in a talented squad is bringing the best out of their teammates.
"He's very down to earth and knows us well as people which is a main thing. We can work hard for him because of how much trust he puts in us," said Braithwaite.
"I just thank God and everyone behind me and my team. I couldn't be where I am now without my team. They keep me working hard every session - Steph, Divine, Chris, Reigan, Ryan - the list goes on. They're all great and there's massive competition.
"Every session you go into it knowing you're going to get the best out of each other because of the talent that we have, then you go into games and I wouldn't say it feels easier but you're used to playing that high level all the time."
Silverware is the aim in the final months of this season, and another first team shot could also be coming. Guardiola has indicated he will take academy players as part of the group for the Club World Cup as City treat that tournament as their pre-season, potentially giving Braithwaite another chance to impress.
Wherever he ends up between now and the end of the campaign, he can count on his dad and family giving him all the support he needs.
