Young Italian football (soccer) star Christian Ferro can't stay out of trouble off the field, but even the police want selfies with the local hero. After one too many public outrages, the team president declares that Christian must earn his diploma or be cut from the team. It turns out that the athletic prodigy was so good he didn't bother finishing school. That Valerio, the professor hired to tutor Christian, has no idea his client is so famous works in his favor—until he must contend with a disruptive entourage that includes Christian's father. After Christian fails his first test, Valerio discovers that the player's comprehensive knowledge of the game is the key to breaking through. But Valerio also hides a deep pain from his past. As the duo struggle to connect, The Champion demonstrates that the path to redemption doesn’t always fly as straight as a soccer ball.—Dave Nuttycombe