Echoes of Greatness: The Rise of a Global Football Sensation

After returning to Amsterdam from Lisbon, Ajax resumed training that same afternoon. Despite the celebratory atmosphere following their UEFA Cup triumph, the players remained focused, knowing the Eredivisie's final round loomed just days away. 

After training, Yang Yang took Chen Tao to a hotel located south of the Amsterdam Arena, where Wei Zhen and several other reporters from China were already waiting. 

When Yang Yang and Chen Tao entered, the reporters greeted them enthusiastically. The energy in the room was palpable, with smiles and eager voices filling the air. 

The conversation began with congratulations for Yang Yang's stellar performance in the UEFA Cup final. He graciously thanked everyone for their kind words and support. Taking the time to accept their interviews, he answered several questions, leaving a positive impression on the reporters. Many wished him well, expressing their hopes that he would break more records in the coming matches. 

Chen Tao's trial journey in Europe had also garnered attention back home. It wasn't just Yang Yang's endorsement that had brought Chen Tao into the spotlight; the strong evaluations he had received from multiple Dutch clubs had also sparked curiosity. 

"This time, I tried training with Anderlecht," Chen Tao explained, his tone both grateful and optimistic. "Of course, I owe the opportunity to Yang Yang, but I also want to thank Arie Haan for his help." 

As a former player and manager with a strong reputation in both the Netherlands and Belgium, Arie Haan had connections at Anderlecht. Upon learning about Chen Tao's trial, he had facilitated the opportunity for him at the Belgian club. 

"How did the trial go?" Wei Zhen asked, clearly invested in Chen Tao's progress. 

"Anderlecht has expressed a very high opinion of me," Chen Tao replied. "They genuinely want to sign me. I've heard from Guido Albers that they had initially planned to bring in two offensive players from other Belgian clubs, but now those plans are on hold while they await my response." 

Hearing this, the reporters exchanged excited glances, understanding that Chen Tao had a real chance to join the club. 

"Anderlecht is a strong team," Wei Zhen remarked. "They regularly play in the Champions League. If you get into their squad, the future is promising. It could be a great stepping stone to one of the top four leagues." 

Yang Yang smiled encouragingly. "I told you, he's capable." 

Chen Tao glanced at Yang Yang, his expression full of gratitude. Yang Yang had gone above and beyond to support him, arranging everything from accommodation to guidance throughout the process. It wasn't about national pride or personal gain—it was simply out of kindness and camaraderie. 

"I've always wondered," a reporter chimed in, "why is it that our youth teams perform well but struggle to transition players into the senior team? Where's the problem?" 

Wei Zhen nodded thoughtfully. "I think part of it comes from disorganization in our youth development system. That said, we've undeniably produced some very talented players." 

Yang Yang agreed, citing examples of capable players like Chen Tao, Zhou Haibin, Feng Xiaoting, and Hao Junmin. He also mentioned other standout talents from the World Youth Championship in Argentina, like Qu Bo and Du Wei, who had drawn interest from clubs like Tottenham. 

"The issue," Yang Yang said, "is the gap between youth teams and senior teams. There's a lack of proper development in that critical stage." 

The group fell silent, reflecting on his words. Those with experience in Chinese football immediately understood the implications. Yang Yang elaborated, "When players grow up in an environment where they only need to give 60% effort to succeed and make money, why would they push themselves to give 80% or even more? Without the right environment, it's almost impossible to reach their full potential." 

He pointed out that players like Chen Tao, despite being strong in the domestic league, could only truly improve by stepping into a more competitive European environment. In Europe, players were surrounded by better competition, forcing them to give their all to earn playing time. This constant challenge unlocked potential that would otherwise remain untapped. 

"No one can remain in a comfort zone forever and still push their limits," Yang Yang added. "That's why, when I feel I've outgrown Ajax, I'll leave without hesitation to find my next challenge. It's the only way to keep improving." 

The reporters nodded in agreement, understanding that the domestic league lacked the conditions needed to nurture elite players. 

Chen Tao's successful trials in the Netherlands and Belgium had already begun to change perceptions of Chinese players in Europe. Clubs in the region saw potential, not just for on-pitch talent but also as a business opportunity—developing young talent and selling them to top leagues later. 

"This year's World Youth Championship is in the Netherlands," Yang Yang said. "Guido Albers plans to invite scouts from Dutch, Belgian, and German clubs to watch the Chinese team play. He hopes to help more players make the move to Europe." 

Guido Albers had gained significant recognition in China for his work. After facilitating Zheng Zhi's move to Mainz and helping Chen Tao secure trials with several clubs, he had become a sought-after figure among domestic players eager to explore opportunities abroad. 

According to Yang Yang, several players from the national youth team had the potential to play in Europe. The real question was whether they were willing to take the leap and whether their domestic clubs would allow them to leave. 

... 

... 

"This is for you." 

While the reporters focused on Chen Tao, eagerly asking questions about his trial and prospects in Europe, Wei Zhen pulled Yang Yang aside. From his pocket, he produced a handwoven rope of vibrant, intertwined colors. 

"This is a lucky charm made by Su Ye for you. Look, your name is on it," Wei Zhen said with a smile as he handed it over. 

Yang Yang examined the bracelet closely. Sure enough, among the colorful threads, his name was carefully stitched into the design: "Yang." 

"When did she learn to make something like this?" Yang Yang asked, chuckling, though his heart warmed at the thoughtfulness behind the gift. 

Wei Zhen shrugged. "I have no idea. She's always surprising me with her little projects. The moment she heard I was coming to Europe, she insisted I bring this to you. And she was very specific—it has to be worn on your left hand. Apparently, wearing it on the left brings good luck and popularity." 

He couldn't help but laugh at the memory. "She has so many of these quirky ideas. We boys will never fully understand her world." 

Yang Yang smiled as he continued to inspect the bracelet, feeling a growing fondness for the small but meaningful gesture. 

Wei Zhen, noticing his interest, added with mock envy, "It's pretty impressive, though. I asked her to make one for me too, but she said she didn't have time. Something about being busy preparing for her college entrance exams." He sighed dramatically before shaking his head. 

Patting Yang Yang on the shoulder, Wei Zhen added with a playful grin, "To be honest, I've realized something. Ever since you appeared in our lives, Su Ye ad her parents seem to treat you better than me. You're like their favorite!" 

"Must be a personality thing," Yang Yang joked, flashing a mischievous smile. 

Still holding the bracelet, he didn't hesitate. "Let's test it out," he said, slipping it onto his left wrist. 

European football regulations allowed players to wear certain types of jewelry, as long as they were properly secured. Rings needed to be wrapped in tape, but lightweight accessories like hairbands or woven bracelets were generally permitted without issue. 

Yang Yang adjusted the bracelet and held up his wrist to inspect it. The colors stood out against his skin, and he decided it suited him quite well. 

"A lucky charm, huh?" he mused, smiling. "Then I'll wear it for the next match. Let's see if it brings me some good fortune." 

"Good luck!" Wei Zhen said with mock seriousness, giving him an encouraging thumbs-up. 

Yang Yang laughed, his spirits lifted by the heartfelt gift and the camaraderie they shared. 

... 

... 

At noon on May 22nd, Ajax hosted Groningen at the Amsterdam Arena in the final match of the Dutch Eredivisie season. 

The stakes couldn't be higher. After Ajax's dramatic reversal of PSV Eindhoven in the previous round, Yang Yang's four goals had propelled him into a tie with Dirk Kuyt for the league's Golden Boot. This final match not only promised to decide the league champion but also whether Yang Yang could surpass Kuyt and become the youngest Eredivisie Golden Boot winner in history. 

The game attracted massive attention from fans and media across the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond. However, for many, the league title was secondary to the question: Could Yang Yang make history? 

Before the match, Groningen head coach Ron Jans had been resolute in his stance. Speaking to the media, he emphasized that his team would not hold back despite the match being inconsequential for their league position. 

"In the spirit of professionalism and sportsmanship, we will give our all and display our best at the Amsterdam Arena. This isn't just about respecting the competition but also about respecting our fans—and respecting Yang Yang," Youngs said. 

True to his word, Groningen fielded their familiar 4-4-2 formation, a system that had served them well throughout the season. 

Ajax, on the other hand, approached the game with the utmost seriousness. Head coach Ronald Koeman acknowledged the physical toll on his players, who had played three demanding matches and traveled over 5,000 kilometers in just eight days. Despite this, he expressed confidence in his squad's resilience and determination. 

"Everyone wants to win another championship," Koeman stated. 

As for Yang Yang, Koeman was unequivocal. "I don't need to motivate him. I know he's fully prepared for this moment." 

Ajax unveiled an aggressive lineup designed to dominate the game and maximize Yang Yang's chances of securing the Golden Boot. 

Maarten Stekelenburg started in goal, while the backline featured Maxwell, Thomas Vermaelen, Johnny Heitinga, and Maicon. In midfield, Tomas Galásek anchored the team alongside Pienaar and Wesley Sneijder. Nicolae Mitea was deployed on the left wing, with Charisteas at center-forward and Yang Yang on the right. 

The selection of Mitea and the attacking setup left no doubt about Ajax's intentions: to give Yang Yang every opportunity to score and claim the title of league top scorer. The entire team and club seemed united in their desire to help him become the youngest Eredivisie Golden Boot winner in history. 

The atmosphere inside the Amsterdam Arena was electric. The stands were packed with Ajax fans eager to witness not just a league championship but a moment of history. 

Yang Yang carried the weight of their expectations. The eyes of the fans, the media's spotlight, and the full backing of the club rested squarely on his shoulders. 

For Yang Yang, this was both an extraordinary motivation and an immense pressure. There was no room to hide, no escape from the challenge ahead. 

With everything on the line, he had only one choice: to step up and face the moment head-on.