Echoes of Greatness: The Rise of a Global Football Sensation

"This is a great victory!" 

In the post-match interview area, Yang Yang faced journalists from all over the world. 

Among the sea of reporters, his eyes caught Wei Zhen, a journalist from China National Television, standing amidst the crowd. 

Yang Yang was drenched from head to toe, as if he had just emerged from a downpour. His clothes reeked of champagne—evidence of the jubilant celebrations with his teammates moments earlier. He had been the main target of the champagne shower, with almost every bottle emptied on him. 

Yet, none of that dampened his mood. He couldn't stop smiling, and his joy was palpable. The reporters could clearly see the excitement radiating from him. 

This was his first major European championship as a key player! 

Last year's Champions League experience had been a stepping stone, but this season's UEFA Cup victory was a crowning moment. Yang Yang hadn't just witnessed Ajax's glory—he had been instrumental in creating it. Tonight's triumph would solidify his place in Ajax's illustrious history as a rising legend. 

"I want to emphasize that this victory isn't due to any one individual," Yang Yang began. "It belongs to everyone on our team. Every teammate, whether or not they played tonight at the Alvalade Stadium, and even our coaching staff and support personnel, they're all heroes. This is a collective achievement." 

Reflecting on the match, Yang Yang highlighted the importance of their strong start. 

"We had a fantastic start," he said. "Before the game, the head coach emphasized how crucial the first half would be. He wanted us to dominate early, control the tempo, and turn our advantage into a victory. And that's exactly what we did." 

Yang Yang praised their opponents, CSKA Moscow, while also acknowledging their own superior first-half performance. 

"CSKA Moscow is a strong team, no doubt about it, but they weren't at their best in the first half. We capitalized on that and converted our chances into goals. That early momentum was vital, and we should all be proud of how we performed in the first half." 

Yang Yang humbly downplayed his own performance—two goals and an assist—and instead showered praise on his teammates. 

"Thomas Vermaelen always jokes that he should play as a striker. The way he reads the game and positions himself in the box is outstanding. My two goals came from great support on the left. I have to thank Maxwell and Pienaar for their precise passes. All I had to do was finish them. They're the real heroes tonight." 

He continued, "Wesley Sneijder was incredible, delivering pinpoint passes all game, and Maicon was phenomenal on the right flank. This was a team victory through and through. No single player can take all the credit." 

When asked about his future with Ajax, considering his Champions League and UEFA Cup achievements, Yang Yang was measured in his response. 

"I love Ajax and am deeply grateful to the club," he said. "But professional football is unpredictable. I don't have any concrete plans right now. Maybe I'll decide after the season ends." 

Looking ahead to the Dutch Eredivisie finale over the weekend, Yang Yang expressed his excitement. 

"This season has been incredible. I want to take a moment to thank someone special—our fitness coach, Winston Bogarde. I owe him a lot. Winston, thank you for all those early morning training sessions. Also, I hope you find a girlfriend soon!" 

Yang Yang's lighthearted comment drew laughter from the journalists. 

"I feel like I'm in great shape," he added. "But we're not celebrating too much tonight. We've agreed as a team to put the UEFA Cup behind us as soon as we leave the Alvalade Stadium. Our focus is on the weekend league match. That's where we can truly let loose and celebrate." 

With a determined glint in his eye, Yang Yang concluded, "If we win the Eredivisie title this weekend and I secure the Golden Boot, then we'll have the biggest and craziest celebrations!" 

... 

... 

When Yang Yang's interviews with the media were broadcast live on TV and aired back in the Netherlands, Dirk Kuyt sat in the living room of his Rotterdam home, glued to the screen. 

As Yang Yang confidently spoke about the Eredivisie title race and his pursuit of the Golden Boot, Kuyt couldn't shake a sense of unease. There was something about Yang Yang's composed demeanor and self-assured smile that made Kuyt feel restless, even irritated. 

For days, Kuyt had been pushing himself to the limit in training, but no matter how hard he worked, he felt like something intangible was slipping away—his edge, his confidence. 

Was it as Louis van Gaal had once warned him? That when the pressure reached a certain point, it became nearly impossible to maintain composure? 

Frustrated, Kuyt ran his hands through his hair, tugging slightly. His mind replayed his missed chances and squandered opportunities from the past few matches. Why had he let his guard down? 

Just a few weeks ago, he had held a comfortable two-goal lead in the Golden Boot race. The media had praised his form, and Kuyt himself had started to believe the accolades. He thought the race was over, that the trophy was as good as his. 

But Yang Yang had proven him wrong. 

The live broadcast continued, showing Yang Yang leaving the interview area, all smiles and laughter as he rejoined his jubilant teammates. They were heading back to the pitch for the trophy presentation. 

Kuyt's thoughts drifted back to last season, when Ajax made history by winning the treble. This year, they were poised for another momentous achievement: defending their Eredivisie title while adding the UEFA Cup to their trophy cabinet, a continental double that would cement this team's place in Ajax folklore. 

The likes of Ronald Koeman, Yang Yang, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, and Zlatan Ibrahimović would all be immortalized in the club's storied history. 

What an era of glory for Ajax. 

And Yang Yang—what a transformation. 

This season, he had become Ajax's talisman, stepping into the void left by the departure of five key players. He wasn't just a promising super-sub anymore; he was the linchpin of Ajax's attack, the driving force behind their success. His record-breaking performances had shattered Ronaldo's decade-long Eredivisie scoring milestones, and he was on the brink of yet another extraordinary achievement. 

If Ajax secured the Eredivisie title this weekend and Yang Yang clinched the Golden Boot, his place among the club's legends would be undeniable. 

The thought consumed Kuyt. He couldn't shake the image of Yang Yang scoring—perhaps just one goal, or two. Maybe a hat trick. 

After all, Yang Yang had been unstoppable lately, even scoring four goals in a single match just weeks earlier. Who was to say he wouldn't carry that momentum into the weekend and deliver another masterclass? 

The more Kuyt thought about it, the heavier the pressure felt. It was suffocating. 

He knew Yang Yang would score this weekend. The question that haunted him was—what about himself? Would he rise to the occasion, or would he falter under the weight of expectation? 

... 

... 

The live television cameras focused on the podium, where the players of CSKA Moscow, representing the Russian Premier League, somberly stepped up to collect their runners-up medals. Under the guidance of their head coach, Valery Gazzaev, they had suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Ajax. 

Meanwhile, across the English Channel in Manchester, a young Cristiano Ronaldo sat in front of his television, his expression tense and his gaze fiery. 

The Estádio José Alvalade, where he had once been adored as Sporting Lisbon's rising star, was now ringing with chants of praise—not for him, but for his rival, Yang Yang. 

Though Yang Yang was not visible on the screen at this moment, Ronaldo could easily picture him: drenched in champagne, basking in the glory of yet another triumph, his name on the lips of adoring fans across Europe. 

"He must be really happy," Ronaldo muttered to himself, the words laced with a mix of frustration and determination. 

Ever since Ajax eliminated Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo had singled out Yang Yang and Ajax as adversaries to surpass. Even as he watched the UEFA Cup final tonight, he found himself rooting against Ajax, hoping CSKA Moscow would shut down Yang Yang and deliver a blow to his momentum. 

But the opposite had happened. 

Instead of faltering, Yang Yang had used the match as yet another platform to shine, turning CSKA Moscow into little more than a stepping stone on his path to greatness. 

It was now undeniable: after tonight, Yang Yang would emerge as the new darling of European football. 

Speculation was already swirling in the British press about Yang Yang's future. Rumors suggested he was preparing to leave Ajax. 

Where would he go next? 

It was almost certain to be a Champions League club—but which one? 

Ronaldo couldn't help but wonder about the possibilities. Manchester United, the club he now called home, seemed an unlikely destination given the turmoil brewing behind the scenes. Sir Alex Ferguson was locked in a bitter dispute with the club's two major shareholders over the rights to the famous racehorse, Rock of Gibraltar. Meanwhile, the American Glazer family was seizing the opportunity to launch a controversial takeover bid. 

In the midst of this chaos, would United even consider making a move for Yang Yang? 

The thought unsettled Ronaldo, though he quickly pushed it aside. 

As the live broadcast continued, the camera panned over the defeated CSKA Moscow players, their expressions heavy with disappointment. Watching them, Ronaldo felt a surge of competitive fire ignite within him. 

He clenched his fists, his mind racing. He would not allow himself to fall behind—not to Yang Yang, not to anyone. 

"I won't lose," he murmured, his voice firm with resolve. 

Cristiano Ronaldo refused to let himself become a mere spectator to someone else's success. He would fight, claw, and rise to ensure he was never on the losing side again. 

... 

... 

When Yang Yang appeared again on the live broadcast, laughing and chatting with his teammates, his joy was clear for all the fans watching at home. The cameras captured every moment of his celebration, transmitting his image across Europe and beyond. 

In Barcelona, Spain, a young Lionel Messi watched the broadcast intently. 

Messi had tuned in for the entire match, and he couldn't help but analyze every aspect of Yang Yang's performance. He had witnessed Yang Yang assist Vermaelen for the opening goal before scoring twice himself, effectively deciding the UEFA Cup final. 

Frankly, Messi was both impressed and puzzled. Yang Yang hadn't relied on his usual signature dribbles or intricate footwork. His movements were simple, efficient, and direct—devoid of any unnecessary flair. Yet, it was precisely this efficiency that captivated Messi. 

Despite his own preference for a more artistic and technical style of play, Messi couldn't deny the brilliance of Yang Yang's approach. The simplicity of his actions belied their impact. He had single-handedly controlled the final, contributing two goals and an assist to secure the trophy. 

It didn't matter that the UEFA Cup was considered a lesser competition compared to the Champions League. It was still a European tournament, and Yang Yang, at just 18 years old, had dominated it with maturity beyond his years. 

Messi, who was still 17, remembered missing Yang Yang's rise during Ajax's Champions League triumph the previous year. Now, watching an 18-year-old Yang Yang conquer the UEFA Cup, Messi felt a powerful sense of both inspiration and envy. 

The live broadcast showed Yang Yang stepping onto the podium to collect his winner's medal. UEFA President Lennart Johansson was among the dignitaries congratulating him. One by one, football's elite figures shook his hand, exchanged words, and offered encouragement. Messi's heart burned with a mix of admiration and longing as he watched Yang Yang bask in the spotlight. 

He wanted that. 

He wanted to stand on that stage, to hear the applause, to be recognized as one of football's brightest stars. 

At that moment, Messi remembered the words of his coach, Frank Rijkaard: 

"Yang Yang is your best role model." 

The words struck a chord, but they also brought unease. 

Recent reports from Catalonia suggested that Barcelona had begun scouting Yang Yang as a potential signing target. Messi couldn't ignore the implications. 

What if Yang Yang came to Camp Nou? 

Would there still be room for him? 

Messi's mind raced with questions. Would he have to leave, like Cesc Fàbregas and Gerard Piqué before him? If so, where would he go? 

The uncertainty gnawed at him, threatening to keep him awake through the night. 

Meanwhile, far away in Lisbon, Yang Yang and his Ajax teammates continued their celebrations at the Estádio José Alvalade. The UEFA Cup triumph reverberated around the globe, cementing Yang Yang's place among Europe's most promising talents. 

... 

... 

Ajax defeats CSKA Moscow! Yang Yang shines with two goals and an assist! 

For the second consecutive year, Ajax has claimed a continental double, cementing their place in football history. 

The UEFA Cup final in Lisbon was a stage for Europe's brightest young talent, and Yang Yang delivered a performance for the ages. The Chinese teenager, only 18 years old, not only led his team to victory but also etched his name into the annals of football history. 

Two goals and one assist—Yang Yang was the king of Amsterdam tonight! 

Under the lights of the Estádio José Alvalade, Yang Yang's brilliance illuminated Lisbon. Fans and pundits alike couldn't help but compare him to Ronaldo in his prime. Who could deny that Yang Yang might truly be the second coming of the legendary Brazilian striker? 

Following Ajax's triumphant win in the UEFA Cup final, media and fans worldwide heaped praise on Yang Yang. His commanding performance as a teenager became the talk of the football world. 

UEFA's official website wrote: 

"Two goals, one assist, and complete domination on the pitch. Yang Yang's display evoked memories of a young Ronaldo at 18—an omnipotent force capable of deciding games single-handedly." 

Dutch media, as expected, lavished accolades on Yang Yang. They heralded him as Ajax's most vital player this season and credited his development as the key to the club's success in both the Eredivisie and UEFA Cup. 

"Ajax had a shaky start to their domestic campaign and struggled in the first half of the season," one prominent outlet wrote. "But after realigning their tactics to focus on Yang Yang as the core of their attack, the team not only unlocked Yang Yang's incredible potential but also showcased his growth and maturity." 

The statistics told the story: in just 27 Eredivisie matches, Yang Yang had scored an astonishing 31 goals, often without playing the full 90 minutes. His efficiency dwarfed that of his closest rival, Dirk Kuyt of Feyenoord. 

"Beyond the Eredivisie, Yang Yang's performances in the Champions League and UEFA Cup have been nothing short of remarkable. After the departure of stars like Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart, many doubted Ajax's ability to maintain their attacking prowess. But this season has silenced all skeptics. Sneijder and Pienaar have admirably filled the creative void left by Van der Vaart, while Yang Yang has surpassed even Ibrahimović in influence and output." 

With the Eredivisie Golden Boot race tied between Yang Yang and Kuyt heading into the final round, the battle for the league's top scorer promised to be just as thrilling as the season itself. 

Yang Yang's brilliance didn't just resonate in the Netherlands. Portuguese media, hosting the UEFA Cup final, also sang his praises. 

"Yang Yang was the decisive figure in this match," one report declared. "His two goals and one assist completely unraveled the stalemate and tipped the scales decisively in Ajax's favor." 

CSKA Moscow coach Valery Gazzaev, speaking to reporters post-match, couldn't hide his frustration: 

"We tried every possible way to contain Yang Yang, but it was impossible. He ruled this final. There was simply nothing we could do." 

Spanish media outlets also turned their attention to the young star, highlighting how his back-to-back European triumphs with Ajax had cemented his reputation as one of the most promising players in the world. The performances had not gone unnoticed by football's elite clubs. 

Reports revealed that both Real Madrid and Barcelona had set their sights on Yang Yang. Spanish newspaper AS disclosed a particularly intriguing detail: 

"Before the UEFA Cup final, Ronaldo personally recommended Yang Yang to Florentino Pérez. The Brazilian superstar described Yang Yang's growth as 'astonishing' and insisted that he had the potential to become the best player in the world. Ronaldo was adamant—such a player belongs at Real Madrid." 

"During last season's Champions League knockout stage, Yang Yang helped Ajax stage an unforgettable comeback against Real Madrid. That night, the Galacticos learned his name for the first time. This season, with his full breakout, Yang Yang has made it clear to Real Madrid and the footballing world that he is now a leader among the new generation of European players." 

Van der Vaart, now playing for Real Madrid, has reportedly been a strong advocate for bringing Yang Yang to the Bernabéu. The Dutch midfielder hopes that reuniting with his former Ajax teammate could bolster his own position at the club and lead to more playing opportunities under the Galacticos' spotlight. 

Insiders suggest that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is also intrigued by the prospect of signing Yang Yang. Beyond his on-pitch brilliance, the young star represents a significant opportunity to tap into the massive Chinese market—a commercial temptation Real Madrid cannot ignore. 

Sources indicate that Pérez has tasked the club's economic team with evaluating the feasibility of signing Yang Yang. Given his current performances, Ajax would likely demand a transfer fee at least equal to or greater than the amounts paid for Van der Vaart or Ibrahimović. Yang Yang himself is said to be eager at the prospect of playing alongside his idol, Ronaldo, at Real Madrid. 

Meanwhile, Barcelona has also entered the race for Yang Yang. Reports from Catalonia suggest that the forward has been added to Barcelona's scouting shortlist. Club president Joan Laporta and head coach Frank Rijkaard are both reportedly interested, with Rijkaard having already made informal inquiries to Ajax about Yang Yang's availability. 

The Catalan press speculated on Yang Yang's potential to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo, who rose to global stardom after moving from PSV Eindhoven to Barcelona. They even hinted that Lionel Messi, the much-touted teenager in Barcelona's ranks, could face a loan move to gain experience should Yang Yang arrive at Camp Nou. 

In England, the speculation is less subtle. British tabloids, including The Sun, have openly declared that at least two Premier League clubs are determined to secure Yang Yang's signature this summer. 

Rafael Benítez's Liverpool, fresh off their remarkable Champions League campaign, is reportedly eyeing Yang Yang as the solution to their attacking woes. With the club set to earn significant revenue from their European success, Benítez has formally requested that the management prioritize signing Yang Yang during the summer transfer window. Reports estimate the potential transfer fee to be between €25 million and €30 million—a valuation that places Yang Yang firmly among Europe's elite talents. 

Chelsea manager José Mourinho has also reignited his interest in Yang Yang. After narrowly missing out on signing him last year, Chelsea opted instead for Arjen Robben. However, Robben's recurring injuries have left Mourinho frustrated, and he remains intent on bringing Yang Yang to Stamford Bridge. Mourinho has reportedly been an admirer since Yang Yang's performance in last year's Champions League, where he saw the young star's potential first-hand. 

Unlike Liverpool, whose financial resources are relatively constrained, Chelsea's coffers are filled to the brim, thanks to owner Roman Abramovich. The club is reportedly prepared to pay up to €40 million to secure Yang Yang's services—a sum that would smash the record set by Manchester United's acquisition of Wayne Rooney. For Chelsea, the key lies in convincing both Ajax and Yang Yang to agree to the deal. 

While the European media continued to buzz with speculation about Yang Yang's potential transfer, the excitement in the Chinese media was unparalleled. 

Yang Yang had already captured the hearts of his countrymen last season when he scored the decisive goal in the Champions League final. It was a moment of immense pride for Chinese football fans. 

However, skeptics remained. Many critics pointed out that Yang Yang had been primarily a substitute during Ajax's Champions League run. His late heroics, they argued, didn't necessarily reflect his ability as a top-tier player. Even his impressive performances in the Asian Cup failed to completely change their minds. 

But now, Yang Yang's commanding display in the UEFA Cup final—two goals and an assist—left no room for doubt. 

The foreign media's coverage of Yang Yang was overwhelming, with praise pouring in from all corners of Europe. The domestic media followed suit, celebrating Yang Yang as the pride and hope of Chinese football. 

Across China, fans were ecstatic about his achievements. For the first time, they could point to a Chinese player who had achieved what no Asian player before him had done in European football. And Yang Yang was only 18 years old! 

Even outside China, his success had forced skeptics to take notice. Japanese and Korean media, which had often dismissed Chinese football, now had to acknowledge Yang Yang's extraordinary accomplishments. His performance was undeniable proof that he had reached a level no Asian player had ever achieved in Europe. 

The AFC itself issued a glowing report on its official website, declaring that Yang Yang's performance wasn't just a triumph for Chinese football, but for all of Asian football. 

China's most authoritative television networks and newspapers ran extensive features on Yang Yang's heroic role in Ajax's UEFA Cup victory. They emphasized his status as the team's standout player in the final, highlighting how he had led Ajax to yet another historic triumph. 

"Three days from now, the Eredivisie will reach its climax," one national broadcaster declared. "The final round will decide whether Ajax can defend their league title and secure back-to-back championships. It will also determine whether Yang Yang can win the Eredivisie Golden Boot after a season-long battle with Dirk Kuyt, potentially becoming the youngest Golden Boot winner since Ronaldo." 

The network went on to call the match "a global spectacle," revealing that they were in talks to secure the rights to broadcast the game live. 

The timing couldn't be better for fans in China. With the Eredivisie's final round scheduled for 1:30 PM in the Netherlands, the match would air in prime time domestically. Enthusiasm was already palpable online, with countless fans expressing their eagerness to witness history. 

Many had taken to social media, voicing their support for Yang Yang. They wished him luck in the crucial match against Groningen, hoping he could outscore Kuyt and clinch the Golden Boot while setting yet another record. 

For Yang Yang, this was more than just a chance to cement his legacy; it was an opportunity to inspire millions back home and across Asia. 

... 

... 

While the world turned its attention to Yang Yang's remarkable achievements, the enthusiasm in Amsterdam was no less fervent. 

The day after Ajax's UEFA Cup triumph, thousands of fans gathered at Amsterdam Airport to welcome their heroes home. 

By noon, the airport was a sea of red and white. Fans of all ages donned Ajax jerseys, waving scarves and banners as they chanted the names of their beloved team and, most loudly, Yang Yang. The scene was so electric that it caught the attention of travelers from around the world passing through the airport, many stopping to take photos or inquire about the celebration. 

When the Ajax players finally emerged with the UEFA Cup in hand, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers. The atmosphere was jubilant, but the sheer excitement of the fans became difficult to contain. Security personnel had to step in to maintain order as the crowd surged forward, eager to catch a glimpse of their heroes. 

Even with the security measures in place, the excitement spilled beyond the airport. Many fans followed the Ajax team bus, either on foot or by car, as it made its way toward the Amsterdam Arena. Along the route, more fans joined the procession, creating an impromptu parade that grew larger with every kilometer. 

Unlike planned celebrations for major trophies, this homecoming was entirely spontaneous, a testament to the deep connection between Ajax and their supporters. 

By the time the team arrived at the Amsterdam Arena, thousands more fans had gathered outside, chanting and singing in unison. The atmosphere was nothing short of euphoric. 

Among the players, Yang Yang was the undeniable center of attention. His name echoed through the crowd louder than any other, a clear sign of his rising status as Ajax's brightest star. Fans waved signs and banners with his name, many urging him to keep up his incredible performances. 

Their hopes were clear: they wanted Yang Yang to lead Ajax to victory in the final league match and secure the Eredivisie title. More than that, they dreamed of seeing him crowned as the youngest Golden Boot winner in Eredivisie history—a feat that would cement his place among the league's legends. 

For the fans, that combination—a league title and Yang Yang's Golden Boot—would be the ultimate ending to an unforgettable season.