Echoes of Greatness: The Rise of a Global Football Sensation

On the morning of April 8th, at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training grounds. 

As Leo Messi approached the dressing room, the lively conversation from within reached his ears before he even stepped inside. 

"Hey, man, did you catch the game last night?" came the familiar voice of Sylvinho, Barcelona's seasoned Brazilian left-back. 

Sylvinho was one of the first teammates to make Messi feel welcome when he joined the first team, easing his transition into the senior squad. 

"Villarreal played well," Ronaldinho chimed in, his unmistakable voice filled with that ever-present warmth. "But it was a shame they couldn't hold on till the end." 

"Ajax had the better game, if you ask me," Deco added, his voice hinting at a more analytical angle. 

"Defensively, they were solid," Ronaldinho countered, always quick to jump in with his thoughts. "They knew what they were doing at the back." 

Deco chuckled, shaking his head. "No, no, I wasn't talking about their defense. I meant that Chinese kid." 

"Yes, that kid's impressive—strong, powerful," Sylvinho agreed, grinning as he recalled the match. 

Ronaldinho tilted his head thoughtfully. "He's got skill, no doubt. That Cruyff turn he pulled off was so smooth—clearly, he's put in the hours. His ball control's excellent, but he could be a bit more... free-flowing, you know?" 

"Not everyone can be as 'casual' as you, Ronnie," Deco teased. "You expect everyone to play with your flair and ease!" 

"Alright, alright," Ronaldinho laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'm just sharing my opinion, that's all." 

"But honestly," he added, "the step-over he did right after the Cruyff turn—that was even better." 

This observation brought nods from around the room. Even the veteran players couldn't help but be impressed. 

"And his speed—he's deceptively fast," one of them added. 

"That's no exaggeration," Deco said, his tone serious. "I faced him in the Champions League final. My teammates, Carvalho and Costa, warned me afterward—they called him a 'slippery loach.' He darts in and out, always finding those dangerous spaces to receive the ball." 

Giuly, Barcelona's lively forward, joined in. "We've played against Ajax too, and Yang Yang is undoubtedly one of their most threatening players. But watching him last night... you could tell he's leveled up significantly." 

"Much more than last season." 

"Back then, his control was decent but not outstanding." 

"And he wasn't that strong physically." 

"Exactly," Deco agreed, nodding. "But from what we saw last night, he's worked hard. His game's developed tremendously, and his presence on the pitch has grown." 

"Only eighteen," Sylvinho remarked, shaking his head in amazement. "If he stays healthy, the kid has an incredible future ahead of him." 

"And Ajax knows how to take care of him," another player noted. "They're managing his playtime, giving him around 60 to 70 minutes per game. Smart move." 

Everyone seemed in agreement as the conversation circled around Yang Yang's promising trajectory. Then Xavi, Barcelona's midfield maestro, who often had a sharper eye for details, shifted the discussion. 

"Let's not overlook Sneijder. He's been backing Yang Yang up and setting him up perfectly," Xavi observed. 

"Ah, and don't forget Maicon," Sylvinho pointed out, nodding toward his fellow Brazilian. "He delivered that beautiful cross at the El Madrigal last night." 

With Brazilian players making up a solid part of the squad, it was only natural that they soon veered towards discussing Maicon's dynamic partnership with Yang Yang on the right flank. The assist for the second goal was a standout moment, a testament to their growing chemistry. 

"I heard every major European club is eyeing Yang Yang closely now," one player said with a hint of envy. "The transfer window could be a frenzy this summer." 

"Which top club wouldn't want a young talent like him?" another added, half-joking. 

Ronaldinho's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'd love to test myself against him one day," he said, the challenge clear in his tone. 

Sylvinho laughed and immediately shook his head. "Dream on, Ronnie. Just leave me out of it." 

As a left-back, Sylvinho would likely face Yang Yang directly on the field, and the prospect didn't seem appealing. "Anyone who has to mark him has their work cut out for them," he added with a grin. 

The room burst into laughter, the atmosphere electric with camaraderie. 

... 

... 

Messi stood outside the locker room, listening in silence. 

Promoted to the first team this season, he had quickly found a family-like bond within the squad, thanks largely to the support of the South American players. From his very first day, the team's brightest star, Ronaldinho, had promised to look after him. It was a gesture that went a long way in helping Messi, a quiet teenager from Rosario, feel he belonged. 

Ronaldinho, Deco, Sylvinho, Belletti, Edmílson, Thiago Motta… these Brazilian and South American teammates embraced him as one of their own. Whether it was laps around the pitch or close-knit group training drills, Messi joined their circle, allowing him to settle smoothly into the team's dynamics. 

His official debut had come in October during the seventh round of La Liga. Barcelona had played against local rivals RCD Espanyol, and Messi came on as a late substitute, though only for eight brief minutes. In the following weeks, he got a few more substitute appearances—ten minutes against Osasuna, a minute here, a minute there. Yet, despite being named to the squad for several consecutive matches, he was largely relegated to the bench. 

In February, Messi accepted an invitation from the Argentine national youth team to participate in the South American Youth Championship, a crucial tournament that served as a qualifier for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup. His performance was strong and impressive, but when he returned to Barcelona, the routine resumed. Back on the bench, with only the occasional handful of minutes. 

His longest playing stretch was in the final group stage match of the UEFA Champions League, when Barcelona had already secured qualification. Coach Rijkaard decided to give him the full 90 minutes, a big opportunity that ended in disappointment as Barça lost 0-2. 

In total, Messi had made the matchday squad 18 times that season, but his actual playing time amounted to just over two hundred minutes, with less than seventy minutes on the pitch in La Liga. 

For Messi, it was disheartening. At seventeen, he was hungry for more than the bench. He couldn't ignore the achievements of his peers. Seventeen-year-old Yang Yang was flourishing in the Eredivisie with Ajax, scoring against top clubs like Arsenal and even netting the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final. 

Meanwhile, he remained a spectator, watching from the sidelines in Barcelona. 

The comparisons were inevitable. His close friend, Cesc Fàbregas, had joined Arsenal and was already a regular in their lineup. Another friend, Gerard Piqué, was seeing action at Manchester United. Yet Messi had chosen to stay in Barcelona, determined to work hard and earn his place. 

When he overheard that Barcelona was looking to sign Yang Yang, his heart sank. 

The prospect was almost paralyzing. He could play both wings, but Ronaldinho was already an undisputed starter on the left. The right flank was his only realistic chance. But if they brought in Yang Yang—another young, hungry, and highly talented winger—where would that leave him? 

He hadn't voiced these thoughts aloud. Naturally reserved, Messi kept his feelings close, though they weighed heavily on him. The promise of a breakthrough felt increasingly distant, and despite his quiet determination, he couldn't help but feel the strain. 

Seventeen years old and waiting… 

... 

... 

"Leo." 

Head coach Frank Rijkaard appeared at the locker room door, his presence unmistakable. Dressed impeccably in a suit, with his usual relaxed smile, Rijkaard was the picture of calm authority. He carried himself like a gentleman, a man who commanded respect without needing to raise his voice. 

Though Rijkaard was well-liked, his assistant, Henk ten Cate, had a reputation that didn't sit as easily with Messi. Ten Cate could be direct—almost to a fault—and his emphasis on discipline sometimes made him seem abrasive. 

"They... they were talking about the UEFA Cup last night," Messi said, forcing a faint smile. 

But Rijkaard, perceptive as always, noticed the unease beneath Messi's expression. As a former player himself, he understood the competitive tensions that came with being part of an elite squad, especially for a young talent like Messi, eager to prove himself. 

This season, Spanish clubs hadn't fared well in Europe. Real Madrid had been eliminated in the quarterfinals, and Barcelona had also fallen to Chelsea, under the tactical mastery of José Mourinho. Villarreal, led by Manuel Pellegrini, had been La Liga's last hope in Europe, and many fans were rooting for them to win the UEFA Cup, hoping to salvage Spanish pride. 

But last night, Villarreal was defeated by Ajax, with the young phenom Yang Yang scoring both goals, overshadowing even the veteran Riquelme. This performance had sent shockwaves through Spanish football, and this morning, every major sports paper—from Marca to AS and El Mundo Deportivo—was splashed with stories about Yang Yang. Rumors had started swirling about interest from Real Madrid, and there were even whispers that Barcelona might make a bid. 

Rijkaard could see the storm of emotions in Messi's eyes. Yang Yang's rise was a clear threat. If Barcelona invested in a talent like Yang Yang, it would almost certainly reduce Messi's chances to make his mark. 

"Leo, don't worry too much," Rijkaard reassured, his voice steady. "For now, there's no indication that the club has made any official contact with Ajax." 

A hint of relief flickered across Messi's face. 

"Recently, when I was back in the Netherlands," Rijkaard continued, "I heard a lot about Yang Yang. They say he's made astonishing progress this season. Do you know what drives him, Leo? He's the first to arrive at the training ground each day, and he only leaves once it's dark. Day in and day out, he dedicates himself to the ball, relentlessly." 

Messi listened, a quiet realization dawning within him. He had talent, but he knew he hadn't shown that same level of dedication. 

"About six months ago, Yang Yang even requested additional strength training," Rijkaard went on. "During the winter break, he worked with the club's fitness coach as a personal trainer, focusing on his physicality. That extra work has transformed him, and his performance since then has skyrocketed." 

The message was clear. Rijkaard was nudging Messi to see beyond raw talent, to understand the value of hard work. A few weeks earlier, assistant coach Ten Cate had suggested that Messi undergo strength training. But, like many South American players, Messi had resisted the idea of spending extra hours in the gym. Physical training was not something he was drawn to, especially when compared to the natural flow of playing on the pitch. 

Rijkaard's words lingered. "Leo, believe me, there's no such thing as a 'genius' in this world," he said, delivering a statement that took Messi by surprise. 

Messi looked up, unsure of what to make of it. The notion seemed to challenge everything he'd heard. 

"Take Ronaldo," Rijkaard explained. "He grew up with a ball at his feet; it became like a part of his body, an extension of himself. People call him a genius because of that connection. Bergkamp? Every single day, he practiced relentlessly, even alone, perfecting his technique by passing against a wall. And Ronaldinho... he's spent more hours with the ball than most of us can imagine." 

Rijkaard's gaze was steady. "These so-called geniuses? They've invested more time in football than most others from a young age. Maybe there's a bit of talent involved, but honestly, that's just one percent. The other ninety-nine percent? Hard, unrelenting work." 

For Messi, Rijkaard's words were a revelation, challenging his understanding of what it meant to excel in football. 

"Yang Yang wasn't even on an amateur team two years ago," Rijkaard continued. "But look at him now—a rising star in European football. He's where he is because he's worked for it, and he's your best example." 

Messi remained silent, absorbing it all. Rijkaard's words struck a nerve, awakening something within him. He knew it would take time to fully process, but the message was impossible to ignore. 

Rijkaard didn't press further. "Think about it, Leo," he said simply. 

As the coach left, Messi's thoughts drifted back to Yang Yang. Was it true that the young Ajax player had worked so tirelessly? Could dedication alone really make such a difference? 

Yet, as he mulled over everything, one thought gnawed at him. Rijkaard had only mentioned that Barcelona hadn't contacted Ajax yet—not that they weren't interested in Yang Yang. 

The possibility left him unsettled once again. 

... 

... 

Ajax's 2-1 victory over Villarreal in Spain sparked a significant reaction back in the Netherlands. 

The media and fans alike couldn't stop talking about Yang Yang, the 18-year-old prodigy who had scored both goals, securing a crucial win for his team. With 22 goals in the Dutch league and another five in the UEFA Cup, Yang Yang's record had become the talk of European football, catching the attention of numerous top clubs. His remarkable form made him not only Ajax's brightest talent but also one of the most promising young players in Europe. 

In the Netherlands, Yang Yang's performances had captivated the media, with many sports outlets and analysts informally hailing him as one of the best players in Dutch football this season. His exceptional displays and potential as a rising star sparked admiration across the country. Ajax fans, in particular, saw Yang Yang as a future legend in the making, someone who could lead their beloved club back to the pinnacle of European football. 

After their return from Spain, Ajax quickly turned their focus to their next challenge in the Eredivisie. 

In the 28th round, Ajax hosted Willem II at the Amsterdam Arena. 

Yang Yang started the match and put in a solid performance over the 60 minutes he was on the field, though he didn't score or register an assist. Nonetheless, he was instrumental in Ajax's first goal, scored in the 20th minute by Pienaar. Yang Yang had pressured a Willem II defender into losing possession in the attacking third, creating a golden chance for Nicklas Bendtner to set up Pienaar's finish. 

After Yang Yang was substituted, Ryan Babel, who came on in his place, scored in the 90th minute, sealing Ajax's 2-0 victory over Willem II. 

Interestingly, both Yang Yang and Feyenoord's Dirk Kuyt failed to score this round, keeping the Dutch league's top-scorer race competitive. Feyenoord, who played NAC Breda away, saw Kuyt on the field for 80 minutes without finding the back of the net. This extended Kuyt's goal drought to five consecutive matches, an unusual dry spell for the prolific striker. 

Meanwhile, Kuyt's teammate Salomon Kalou, fresh off a hat trick in the previous match, added another goal to his tally, bringing his total to 18 for the season. The contrasting fortunes of the two forwards added intrigue to the title race and intensified the pressure on Feyenoord's key players as they pursued their championship ambitions. 

... 

... 

Because Feyenoord's match was scheduled a day later than Ajax's, Yang Yang read the game results in the morning paper over breakfast. 

He frowned slightly as he scanned the headlines. 

"What's wrong?" Chen Tao asked, noticing his friend's expression. 

Chen Tao, fresh from his trial training in Utrecht, was in high spirits. Foeke Booy, the coach, had given him positive feedback, and his agent, Guido Albers, had arranged more trial opportunities with other teams to ensure he found the best fit. This good news had lightened Chen Tao's mood, and Yang Yang was glad to see his friend's spirits lift. 

"Nothing serious—just a bit concerned," Yang Yang replied, folding the newspaper and placing it aside with a sigh. 

"Kuyt still didn't score, right?" Vermaelen, seated across from him, asked, catching on quickly. 

Chen Tao also looked intrigued; he knew that Yang Yang and Kuyt were neck-and-neck in the race for the Eredivisie's top scorer title, each with 22 goals. Meanwhile, Salomon Kalou, Kuyt's teammate at Feyenoord, had been in stellar form, reaching 18 goals and closing in fast. 

"You didn't score either last match. The media's not giving you a hard time about it, are they?" Vermaelen asked, glancing at the newspaper. 

Yang Yang shook his head. "It's not about the media. I'm just concerned that Kuyt is due for a big game soon." 

"What do you mean?" Chen Tao leaned in, curious. 

"Kuyt has these bursts," Yang Yang explained. "He's the kind of player who might go without scoring for several matches, but when he does break his drought, he tends to score in bunches. He went four rounds without scoring earlier, and then he had a breakout game. Now it's been five rounds without a goal, so I feel like he's primed to hit form again." 

Goal droughts can be unpredictable; sometimes, a dry spell feels like it could end at any moment, while other times, it seems to stretch on endlessly. Yang Yang understood the rhythm well and had a sense of the pressure both he and Kuyt were under. 

"Judging by what you're saying, you might be right," Vermaelen agreed. "Feyenoord's next game is against ADO Den Haag, and given their current momentum, there's a good chance he could score." 

"True," Vermaelen added thoughtfully, "but even if he does, you don't need to stress too much. After Den Haag, Feyenoord will play PSV Eindhoven away, and we all know Hiddink's team is hard to break down. If Kuyt manages to score a few against Den Haag, PSV will be a different story. Besides, if Feyenoord can keep up with PSV, that could help us in the title race, even if it means you miss out on the top scorer title." 

Yang Yang shook his head, unconvinced. He knew Kuyt's determination and his knack for showing up in key moments. It wouldn't be easy. 

... 

... 

On April 14th, Ajax faced Villarreal in the second leg of the UEFA Cup quarterfinals. 

With a 2-1 advantage from the first leg at El Madrigal, Ajax aimed to capitalize on their home advantage and eliminate Villarreal from the tournament. From the opening whistle, Ajax took control, pressing forward with an aggressive attack to keep Villarreal under pressure. 

Just eight minutes into the match, Yang Yang executed a powerful run down the right flank, beating his defender before delivering a precise cross into the box. Charlie Charisteas was perfectly positioned and, amid a physical tussle with Villarreal's defenders, managed to score, putting Ajax on the board and extending their aggregate lead. However, Villarreal immediately protested, arguing that Charisteas had used his hand to gain an advantage during the struggle. 

The referee dismissed Villarreal's appeal, fueling tensions. The decision sparked frustration among the Villarreal players, who began ramping up the physicality of their game, particularly targeting Ajax's wingers, Yang Yang and Pienaar, with increasingly harsh challenges. 

In the 17th minute, things took a dark turn. Yang Yang received the ball and attempted to make a move past his marker when Villarreal's left-back, Rodolfo Arruabarrena, lunged in from the side and back. His studs caught Yang Yang's calf, causing a painful cut that left the Ajax winger bleeding. Yang Yang had to be substituted, with De Mul coming on in his place, and the atmosphere grew even more heated as Ajax players sought to defend their fallen teammate. 

Within the next five minutes, tempers flared. Ajax's De Jong and Heitinga, along with Villarreal's Quique Álvarez, Riquelme, and Gonzalo Rodríguez, were all shown yellow cards as the match teetered on the edge of full-blown conflict. 

In the 21st minute, tensions reached a boiling point. Heitinga, while defending Villarreal's José Mari, was penalized for a handball. In response, José Mari shoved Heitinga, igniting a furious reaction from both teams. The referee immediately intervened, and after assessing the situation, decided to show Heitinga a second yellow card, resulting in a red. José Mari was also sent off with a straight red card for his unsportsmanlike conduct. 

In an effort to restore order, the referee summoned both captains, Galásek and Quique Álvarez, instructing them to calm their teammates. Six yellow cards and two red cards had been issued within just 25 minutes, and the game was on the verge of spiraling completely out of control. 

Yang Yang, although injured, remained on the bench after receiving medical attention, unwilling to leave his team during such a heated clash. 

The match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw. Villarreal's Diego Forlán scored in the 72nd minute, leveling the score on the night, but Ajax's aggregate lead remained intact. With a 3-2 victory over the two legs, Ajax secured their place in the UEFA Cup semi-finals. 

However, the cost was high: both Heitinga and Galásek would be suspended for the next match, leaving Ajax with key absences as they prepared for their next challenge. 

... 

... 

Yang Yang's injury was big news. 

Since his debut, he had managed to avoid major injuries. But this recent knock, resulting in early substitution and visible bleeding, caught the attention of fans and media alike. 

Chinese fans, in particular, were anxious. Despite the injury being a minor skin wound—nothing unusual in football—the incident still sparked a wave of concern. As soon as the match ended, Yang Yang's parents, back in China, made several calls to check on him. His friends, Wei Zhen and Wei Zheng, stayed up to call, making sure he was all right. Even Su Ye, though busy with preparations for her college entrance exams and an aspiring actress career, reached out late into the night. 

Uncle Shen Ming, who lived nearby in Almere, drove straight to Yang Yang's home in Oude Kerk that night, reassuring his parents that Yang Yang was fine. 

Yang Yang couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and concern. Yet, it warmed him to see so many people genuinely care about his well-being. 

The media, however, added fuel to the fire. Reports speculated wildly, with some suggesting Yang Yang might miss the rest of the season. Yang Yang could only shake his head at the rumors, finding it all somewhat amusing and frustrating. 

Ajax quickly released an official statement, clarifying that Yang Yang's injury was minor. However, for precautionary reasons, he would miss the next match against Den Bosch. With Den Bosch already destined for relegation, Ajax had little at stake in this game, so there was no pressure for him to play. 

Yang Yang had initially wanted to push through and play, but the team's fitness coach, Kruitenberg, turned down his request. That weekend, Ajax won comfortably, defeating Den Bosch 2-0 with goals from Daniel de Ridder and Maduro. Yang Yang and Chen Tao watched from the stands at the Amsterdam Arena, noting the relaxed pace; Ajax's players hadn't needed to push themselves. 

But Yang Yang was more focused on the Feyenoord match later that day. Feyenoord was set to face ADO Den Haag, and with Kuyt in contention for the top scorer title, Yang Yang knew it could be a pivotal game. Alongside Chen Tao, Vermaelen, Maxwell, and Maicon, Yang Yang settled in to watch the live broadcast with anticipation. 

As he had expected, Feyenoord dominated from the outset. In the 14th minute, they opened the scoring. Then, with goals in the 23rd and 38th minutes, they extended their lead, thanks in large part to Kalou, who notched a goal and an assist. 

However, things took an unexpected turn in the second half. Feyenoord seemed intent on breaking Kuyt's scoring drought, and Kalou provided him with an easy cross just minutes after the restart. Kuyt tapped the ball into an open net, ending his dry spell with the simplest of goals. 

Yang Yang and his friends stared at the screen, stunned. 

"Is this for real?" someone muttered. 

It felt like Feyenoord was doing everything they could to help Kuyt break his drought, and Den Haag players seemed to notice as well. In a quick turnaround, Den Haag fought back with goals in the 52nd, 55th, and 62nd minutes, making it 4-3. 

Just as Den Haag looked set to pull off a stunning comeback, Kalou delivered yet another assist for Kuyt, who scored his second goal of the match. Kalou, with three assists, completed his "assist hat-trick," while Kuyt appeared determined to make the most of his sudden resurgence. 

Then, in the 86th minute, Kuyt found the net once more with a brilliant solo effort, completing his own hat trick. 

Watching the Feyenoord captain's ecstatic celebration on the screen, Yang Yang could only shake his head and smile wryly. 

"Well, looks like the drought is officially over," he sighed. "Maybe I should just go hide in my room and cry for a while." 

His friends laughed, patting him on the back in jest. Kuyt's remarkable hat trick had put him back atop the Eredivisie scoring charts with 25 goals, leaving Yang Yang trailing in the race once again.