The extraordinary debut novel by Carnegie Medal-winning author Mal Peet about football, magic and self-discovery.

The award-winning first novel from Carnegie Medal-winning Mal Peet introduces legendary sports journalist Paul Faustino and the haunting tale of the world’s greatest goalkeeper: the man they call El Gato, the Cat . As Paul interviews El Gato, the World Cup stands on the table between them. In the hours that follow, El Gato tells his incredible story - how he, a poor logger’s son, learns to become a World Cup-winning goalkeeper so good he is almost unbeatable. And the most remarkable part of this story is the man who teaches him: the mysterious Keeper, who haunts a football pitch at the heart of the claustrophobic rainforest…