Echoes of Greatness: The Rise of a Global Football Sensation

On the evening of April 30th, GelreDome Stadium, Arnhem, the Netherlands. 

The 31st round of the Eredivisie brought Ajax to an away fixture against Vitesse in what promised to be a tightly contested match. The atmosphere in the GelreDome was electric, with fans from both sides roaring with anticipation. 

In the first half, neither team managed to break the deadlock. The score remained 0-0 despite Ajax dominating possession and attempting to push through Vitesse's stubborn defense. The home side, playing with discipline and resolve, thwarted Ajax's creativity in the final third, forcing the visitors into a tactical stalemate. 

After the break, the game took on a different complexion. Ajax came out firing, determined to take control. The breakthrough came from the right flank, where Yang Yang and Maicon combined brilliantly. Yang Yang, with a deft touch, played an incisive through ball into Maicon's path. The Brazilian surged into the penalty area and unleashed a powerful volley into the back of the net, leaving the Vitesse goalkeeper with no chance. Ajax had finally unlocked Vitesse's defense. 

Vitesse, however, responded by doubling down on their defensive efforts. They compacted their lines and allowed Ajax little space to exploit. For Yang Yang, the frustration began to mount. Hungry for a goal, he showed visible determination, frequently communicating with head coach Koeman on the sidelines. "I want to stay on," he urged, emphasizing his desire to remain on the pitch and find his moment. 

With Ajax dominating possession, Yang Yang roamed across the pitch, desperate to find openings. He alternated his positioning: right flank, central zones, and even the left side, constantly seeking to unsettle Vitesse's rigid defensive setup. The rest of the Ajax squad rallied around him, trying to carve out opportunities, but the home side's resilience made it an uphill battle. 

As the minutes ticked by, Yang Yang's frustration grew. Vitesse's defenders, well-drilled and unyielding, were relentless in tracking his every move. It felt as if the goal was a distant dream, an unattainable target. The young forward, however, remained mentally composed, repeating to himself the importance of patience and perseverance. 

By the 75th minute, Yang Yang's relentless running seemed to slow. His movements appeared less sharp, his bursts of energy fewer. From the stands, one might think he was beginning to fade. 

But had he truly given up? 

The answer was clear—absolutely not. 

Just five minutes later, Ajax launched a swift and incisive attack down the left flank. Maxwell, calm and precise, delivered a sharp pass upfield into the final third, finding Pienaar in stride. The South African international surged toward the penalty area with intent, skillfully fending off a defender. Nearing the edge of the box, Pienaar feinted as if to drive deeper, only to cut back unexpectedly and return the ball toward the top of the area. 

Positioned just outside the box on the left side, Yang Yang anticipated the move perfectly. His positioning was no accident—it was deliberate, calculated. As the ball rolled toward him, Yang Yang took possession with a deft touch, subtly shifting the ball to create space for himself. At the same time, Pienaar continued his run into the penalty area, dragging two defenders with him and opening a sliver of opportunity. 

Yang Yang, reading the defense, hesitated just long enough to freeze his markers. Then, in a sudden burst of acceleration, he cut inside, bypassing the right-back with a quick one-two exchange—a short return pass to Pienaar, who immediately flicked it back into his path. This swift interplay broke the defensive line and left Yang Yang in full control as he entered the box. 

Now inside the penalty area, Yang Yang found himself shoulder-to-shoulder with Vitesse's enforcer, Yakubu. The two collided, their physical duel intense. Yakubu leaned into Yang Yang, trying to disrupt his balance, but Yang Yang's months of rigorous training paid off. Despite the pressure, he maintained control, shielding the ball expertly as he drove toward the left side of the penalty spot. 

With the goalkeeper anticipating a shot toward the near post, Yang Yang feinted again. In an instant, he struck the ball cleanly with his weaker left foot, aiming for the far corner. The ball soared diagonally, slicing through the air and beating the outstretched keeper. It ricocheted off the inside of the far-right post and nestled into the back of the net. 

"Gooooooooooooal!" 

The commentator's voice reverberated through the stadium. "In the 81st minute, Yang Yang has done it! After so many attempts, he's finally found the back of the net!" 

"2-0 Ajax!" 

The GelreDome erupted. While many Vitesse fans groaned in disappointment, others couldn't help but applaud the brilliance of Yang Yang's effort. 

"What a goal! Yang Yang was under immense pressure, practically shoved off balance by Yakubu, but he kept his composure and struck a clinical finish into the far corner!" 

"2-0, and Ajax has all but sealed the victory now." 

Amidst the cheers, a ripple of applause spread through the home crowd. Some Vitesse fans recognized greatness when they saw it. Yang Yang's resilience and skill had won their admiration. 

Yakubu, showing sportsmanship, extended a hand to the fallen forward. "Good job, man," he said with a nod. 

"Thank you," Yang Yang replied, grabbing Yakubu's hand and pulling himself up. His strength surprised the Vitesse player for a moment, but Yakubu offered no complaints. His challenge had been clean—no underhanded fouls, just a pure contest of physicality. 

Pienaar was the first to reach Yang Yang, wrapping him in a celebratory hug. "That was incredible!" he exclaimed. Moments later, the rest of the Ajax squad swarmed around their teammate, their joy uncontainable. They clapped his back, tousled his hair, and shouted praise as Yang Yang found himself at the center of the celebration. 

"This is Yang Yang's 25th league goal this season!" 

"Ladies and gentlemen watching at home, remember this moment—it's a piece of football history!" 

"Yang Yang has scored his 25th league goal of the season!" 

The commentators were ecstatic, their voices ringing with excitement. The GelreDome echoed with cheers as Ajax players swarmed Yang Yang, celebrating his remarkable achievement. This goal wasn't just another tally on the scoresheet—it was a moment that would forever etch his name into Eredivisie history. 

"Just ten years ago, during the twenty-ninth round of the Eredivisie, PSV Eindhoven faced MVV Maastricht in an away match. On that day, the Brazilian prodigy Ronaldo, at just eighteen years old, scored his 25th league goal of the season, setting a record." 

The crowd's energy seemed to intensify as the significance of Yang Yang's goal sank in. 

"That goal made Ronaldo the youngest player in Eredivisie history to reach 25 goals in a single season. For ten long years, that record has stood unbroken." 

"But now, here at the GelreDome, we are witnessing history being rewritten." 

The camera panned to Yang Yang, the 18-year-old forward from China, surrounded by his jubilant teammates. His expression was a mixture of joy and determination, the weight of his achievement beginning to sink in. 

"Yang Yang, an extraordinary talent, has surpassed Ronaldo's record by achieving the milestone a full month younger." 

The commentator's voice swelled with pride and excitement. "Let's congratulate Yang Yang! He is now the youngest player in Eredivisie history to score 25 goals in a single season. And judging by his form, this record might stand for many years to come!" 

Ajax's players and coaching staff all celebrated the goal as if it were a championship-clinching strike. They understood the magnitude of the moment—it was more than a goal; it was a legacy. 

This was undoubtedly a goal to remember. 

Historical records, particularly those tied to significant milestones like 25 or 30 goals, often become benchmarks of greatness. Up until now, both these records belonged to Ronaldo. But tonight, Yang Yang had shattered the first. To break the second—the record for 30 goals as an 18-year-old—Yang Yang would need to push even harder. 

"Let's not forget," the commentator continued, "Ronaldo broke both records in the same season. Yang Yang now has three matches left to match or surpass his idol's record of 30 goals. Can he do it? The next few games will tell us if Yang Yang can bring us yet another surprise!" 

After the celebrations with his teammates, Yang Yang made his way to the sidelines. His first embrace was for head coach Ronald Koeman, whose trust and mentorship had played a pivotal role in his success. Then, he hugged assistant coach Ruud Krol, showing his gratitude for their unwavering support. 

Turning to face the cameras, Yang Yang raised his arms in thanks, his gesture both humble and triumphant. It was a moment to acknowledge the fans, his teammates, and everyone who had believed in him. 

In his mind, though, the journey wasn't over. He thought of the countless hours he had spent training, the sacrifices he had made to improve. To him, breaking Ronaldo's record was a milestone, not a destination. 

His ambition burned brightly. He wasn't satisfied yet—not until he could surpass his idol's total of 30 goals at the same age. Becoming the Eredivisie's top scorer for the season was also in his sights, and there was no room for complacency. 

With three rounds left, Yang Yang knew the task ahead would be daunting. But if this moment had proven anything, it was that Yang Yang thrived under pressure. The story wasn't finished yet, and Yang Yang was determined to write the next chapter in spectacular fashion. 

... 

... 

Yang Yang broke Ronaldo's legendary record, unbeaten for ten years! 

This incredible achievement quickly made waves—not just in the Netherlands, but across European football and even around the globe. Within hours of the final whistle, the story was trending, sparking discussions among fans, pundits, and players alike. 

The football world marveled at Yang Yang's extraordinary season. The 18-year-old, who was Ajax's supersub just a year ago, had risen to prominence as the team's key forward. Few could have predicted that this "Wonder Boy" would score so prolifically, let alone break one of football's most revered records. 

At the post-match press conference, Vitesse coach Edward Sturing summed up his team's frustration in a candid interview: "Our players did everything they could to stop him, but Yang Yang was simply unstoppable tonight." 

Ajax head coach Ronald Koeman also heaped praise on his star player. "From the very first minute, I felt his energy, his drive. He played like a fighter—relentless and determined to succeed. For him, giving up before reaching his goal is simply not an option." 

Koeman went on to provide insight into the managerial decisions behind Yang Yang's game time: "According to our pre-match plan, I was supposed to substitute him earlier. By the 60th minute, my fitness coach, Kruitenberg, kept reminding me that it was time to replace him to protect against fatigue. But Yang Yang made it clear—he wanted to stay on." 

With a chuckle, Koeman added: "I told Jan, 'Look at him. Would you have the heart to pull him off now?' My coach was convinced, and in the end, we didn't substitute him until the 80th minute." 

Reflecting on the record-breaking goal, Koeman was visibly moved: "Ten years ago, Ronaldo made history in the Eredivisie, and now Yang Yang has done the same. I truly believe that, starting tonight, the next ten years of European football will belong to Yang Yang." 

The Dutch media was ecstatic, celebrating Yang Yang's accomplishment as a source of national pride. Ajax fans, too, were euphoric, filling the streets of Amsterdam with chants and banners celebrating their new hero. 

Meanwhile, the news quickly reached Spain, where Ronaldo—now in Real Madrid—was informed of Yang Yang's achievement. Smiling, the Brazilian warmly congratulated the young star: "I've been waiting for this day." 

He continued: "I know Yang Yang. He's a hard-working, talented player. When I spoke with him last season, I told him his time would come, and now it has. I'm so happy for him." 

Ronaldo didn't stop there. With a twinkle in his eye, he added: "But 25 goals isn't enough. Yang Yang, my friend, keep pushing—break the 30-goal record! I believe you can do it!" 

The story also reverberated across Yang Yang's home country of China, where his achievement sparked national celebrations. Fans and media alike were ecstatic that a Chinese player had broken Ronaldo's record, a feat once thought impossible. 

"Who is Ronaldo?" exclaimed one fan on national television. "He's a legend, mentioned alongside Pelé and Maradona! And now Yang Yang has matched him—it's unbelievable!" 

National Television and National Daily, the country's most authoritative outlets, ran headlines and prime-time features on Yang Yang's milestone, hailing it as a source of immense pride for China. The coverage was accompanied by interviews, analysis, and calls to action for Yang Yang to keep striving for greatness. 

Fans were particularly vocal, flooding social media and sports programs with messages of encouragement: 

"Listen to Ronaldo, Yang Yang—don't stop now! Break the 30-goal record!" 

"Even if you're not the league's top scorer, you're already the best in our eyes!" 

"We're proud of you, Yang Yang. All of us in China believe in you—keep going, you can do it!" 

The groundswell of support was overwhelming. Across the Netherlands, Spain, and China, the name Yang Yang had become synonymous with greatness. Yet amidst the celebrations, the young striker remained focused. In his heart, he knew the job wasn't done. With three games remaining, the ultimate prize was still within reach—and Yang Yang was determined to seize it. 

... 

... 

The morning after their away victory against Vitesse, Ajax's training ground at De Toekomst was abuzz with excitement. Over a hundred Ajax fans had gathered, their energy and enthusiasm palpable. These fans, mostly locals from Amsterdam, had come spontaneously to celebrate the team's triumph and, more specifically, to cheer for Yang Yang, their rising star. 

This kind of attention was unprecedented for Ajax in recent years. Even during the club's golden era under Louis van Gaal, such an outpouring of fan devotion had been rare. What made this moment particularly special was that it was entirely organic—a gesture born out of admiration for the team and their newfound hero. 

Recognizing the significance of this support, Ajax's management took note. Arie van Eijden, the club's managing director and head of the technical department, personally came to De Toekomst to observe the fans. From his vantage point, he could see banners waving and hear chants echoing across the training grounds, almost all of them dedicated to Yang Yang. It was clear to him: the young forward had cemented his place as a fan favorite, earning their adoration through grit, hard work, and dazzling performances. 

After the morning training session, head coach Ronald Koeman, following instructions from the club, arranged for four players—Yang Yang, Wesley Sneijder, Johnny Heitinga, and Steven Pienaar—to meet the fans. Their task was simple: interact with the supporters and fulfill as many requests for autographs and photos as possible. 

The moment the players stepped into the reception area, chaos erupted. Fans surged forward, screaming and jostling for a chance to meet their idols. Yang Yang, in particular, drew the loudest cheers. His polite smile and humble demeanor only endeared him further to the crowd. Among the fans were several striking blonde women, their attention entirely focused on the young Chinese star, much to the playful annoyance of Heitinga and Pienaar. 

As Yang Yang signed autographs and posed for photos, a group of female fans surrounded him for selfies. Their excitement and admiration were palpable, while Heitinga and Pienaar watched enviously from the sidelines. 

"Steven," Heitinga groaned, shaking his head, "the four of us came out together, but why do all the beautiful women go after him? This is completely unfair!" 

"Absolutely!" Pienaar chimed in with mock indignation. "I'm a left-winger, he's a right-winger—why is there such a huge difference?" 

"And to make matters worse," Heitinga added, gesturing dramatically, "even Wesley is getting more attention than us. I mean, come on! What's wrong with these women? Shouldn't they prefer macho men like me?" 

The lounge erupted in laughter at their exaggerated lamentations. Sneijder, ever quick-witted, added fuel to the fire. "You're fierce, Johnny, but you're missing something." 

"What's that?" Heitinga asked, playing along. 

"Brain!" Yang Yang quipped, his deadpan delivery sending everyone into fits of laughter. 

Heitinga, unable to contain his amusement, doubled over laughing before pretending to lunge at Yang Yang and Sneijder. "You two are dead!" he declared, initiating a mock wrestling match in the middle of the room. 

The camaraderie among the young players was infectious. The older players, like Tomáš Galásek and Hans Vonk, watched from the side, shaking their heads with bemused smiles. For them, it was a reminder of their own youth and the energy that came with it. 

"Young blood," Vonk muttered, half to himself, half to Galásek. "Enjoy it while it lasts." 

Galásek chuckled in agreement, watching as the group continued their playful banter. "It's good for the team. They keep things lively." 

As the session wrapped up and the players dispersed, Yang Yang couldn't help but reflect on the morning. While he found the fan interactions exhausting—he'd much rather spend an hour in the gym or the pool—he was genuinely grateful for their support. Still, he knew he had much to learn about being a public figure and handling the demands of stardom. His agent, Mino Raiola, often told him that his unpolished, humble demeanor was part of his charm, something fans found relatable and refreshing. 

Ajax's locker room, thanks to its young roster, had developed a uniquely vibrant and harmonious atmosphere. Unlike some teams rife with intrigues and conflicts over power and status, the camaraderie among the Ajax players felt genuine. While there were sparks between Zlatan Ibrahimović and Rafael van der Vaart the previous season, even their feud had been limited to cold indifference rather than outright sabotage. 

This season, with Ibrahimović's departure and the emergence of younger players, the locker room had evolved into a space filled with playful banter and mutual respect. 

"Hey, I've got a serious question that's been bothering me," Heitinga declared as he pulled off his shirt, revealing his well-toned chest with exaggerated bravado. He was still basking in the earlier joke about "macho men" being brainless, clearly enjoying the lighthearted atmosphere. 

Turning to Yang Yang and Sneijder, he smirked mischievously. "You, Yang Yang, 18 years old, and Sneijder, 20. Neither of you have girlfriends, right? So tell me—are you both still virgins?" 

The comment landed like a bombshell, and the locker room erupted in laughter and chaos. Players hooted, slapped their thighs, and teased the pair mercilessly. Even Yang Yang and Sneijder, caught completely off guard, were momentarily speechless. 

Heitinga wasn't done. Raising his hand like a ringmaster, he shouted, "Alright, if you're not a virgin, raise your hand!" 

The locker room burst into chaos. Most of the players immediately raised their hands, grinning and cheering as they egged each other on. Even Nicklas Bendtner, engrossed in his video game, lazily lifted a hand without breaking eye contact with the screen. 

"Haha, Yang! Looks like I finally beat you at something!" Bendtner called out, earning another round of laughter from the group. 

Yang Yang groaned, burying his face in his hands, while Sneijder rolled his eyes, struggling to maintain his composure. The faint twitch of his lips betrayed his amusement despite himself. 

Steven Pienaar, always ready to stoke the fire, leaned forward with a mischievous grin. "Alright, Yang, Wesley. If you want to fix this little problem, I can arrange everything for you. One-stop service, no risks, no strings attached. What do you say?" 

Nigel de Jong, known for his deadpan humor, jumped in without hesitation. "Steven, let me guess. You're talking about your friends in the red-light district, right?" 

The room erupted once again. Players doubled over with laughter as they teased Pienaar about his "connections." Even Yang Yang, though slightly embarrassed, couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the conversation. Heitinga seized the opportunity to add to the banter. 

"So, Steven," Heitinga said, pointing dramatically, "how exactly do you know these people?" 

Pienaar shrugged with an easy grin. "Let's just say I've got friends in all the right places," he quipped, earning another round of raucous laughter. 

While Yang Yang had no interest in such escapades, he couldn't deny a hint of curiosity about Amsterdam's famed red-light district—a place he had only heard about in passing. Beside him, Sneijder maintained his calm and composed demeanor, but Yang Yang noticed how intently his teammate was listening, the occasional flicker of curiosity betraying his stoic facade. 

The laughter continued until captain Tomáš Galásek clapped his hands, his commanding presence cutting through the noise. "Alright, enough of this nonsense!" he said, though the faint smile on his lips revealed he wasn't entirely immune to the humor. "If you're serious about this stuff, go find a proper girlfriend. Don't waste your time talking rubbish!" 

The players groaned good-naturedly but respected their captain's authority. The banter subsided, though the camaraderie remained as lively as ever. 

Players are also human, and falling in love and breaking up are normal. For first-team players at a prestigious club like Ajax, changing girlfriends could sometimes seem as routine as changing outfits. With their fame and stature, there was never a shortage of young and beautiful women eager to catch their attention. 

The reason was simple: everyone knew that dating an Ajax player could mean instant fame and prestige. Newspapers and tabloids in the Netherlands followed the team closely, elevating the players and their companions to near-celebrity status. 

Players had plenty of opportunities to meet women, whether at bars, dance halls, upscale restaurants, or exclusive resorts. And Pienaar, true to his words, seemed to know his way around all these scenes. 

However, "birds of a feather flock together," as the saying goes, and Yang Yang didn't care for such places or the attention they brought. He had no interest in the superficial lifestyle that often accompanied fame and had never been drawn to casual relationships. Naturally, he steered clear of such temptations. 

The Dutch media, always eager to dig up "scandalous" stories, had tried to find dirt on Yang Yang. Yet their investigations had come up empty, save for a few innocent photos of Su Ye. His clean record left the tabloids disappointed, but Yang Yang was indifferent to their scrutiny. 

This wasn't to say Yang Yang lacked interest in relationships or women. Instead, he valued meaningful connections and had no interest in casual flings or fleeting attractions. His grounded nature and refusal to compromise on his values set him apart from many of his peers and added to his growing mystique, both on and off the pitch. 

... 

... 

While the Ajax players downstairs joked about nightlife and girls, the atmosphere in the head coach's office upstairs was much more serious. Ronald Koeman, assistant coach Ruud Krol, and managing director Arie van Eijden were engrossed in discussions about the team's strategy for the remainder of the season and the future. 

"The team's momentum has been excellent," Koeman began, summarizing the current state of affairs. "With both the UEFA Cup and the league still in play, we're in a strong position to finish the season on a high." 

He gestured toward the Eredivisie standings on the table. "We're just one point behind PSV. If they make a mistake, we have to be ready to capitalize. Our priority is to win the remaining three matches while helping Yang Yang continue his scoring streak. Even if PSV holds firm, securing second place means direct qualification for the Champions League, which is critical." 

Direct qualification wasn't just about prestige—it was essential for the club's finances and to retain key players, especially Yang Yang. 

Koeman shifted his focus. "As for the UEFA Cup, I'm confident we can go all the way. We're already in the semi-finals and overturned Sporting Lisbon 3-1 in the first leg. This team is capable of finishing the job and bringing home the trophy." 

Winning the UEFA Cup wouldn't have the same weight as their Champions League victory the previous season, but it would still underscore Ajax's stature in Europe and help Yang Yang transition fully into his new role as the team's centerpiece. 

Arie van Eijden nodded. "The results so far have been satisfying. The board and I are very pleased with how the team has progressed, especially considering the changes this season." 

However, his tone shifted as he broached the topic that had been looming over Ajax all season—Yang Yang's future. "I've already spoken with his agent, Mino Raiola, about the contract situation, and it's clear we need to act decisively." 

Koeman and Krol exchanged knowing looks. Yang Yang's meteoric rise, combined with his consistent performances, had made him one of Europe's most sought-after young talents. 

"At a recent management meeting," van Eijden continued, "the directors emphasized the importance of convincing Yang Yang to stay for at least one more season. With Wesley Sonck set to leave, we can't afford to lose both our primary forwards. Players like Ryan Babel and Nicklas Bendtner show promise, but they need more time to mature." 

He leaned back in his chair. "If Yang Yang stays, he'll not only help us in the short term but also lead this young group—players like Babel, Maduro, Emanuelson, and others—through next season's Champions League campaign. It's a crucial transition period for the club." 

Koeman nodded thoughtfully. Yang Yang's rise this season had been remarkable. From a supersub to the team's focal point, he had exceeded all expectations. Now, the challenge was convincing him to stay at Ajax long enough to help the club solidify its position in Europe. 

"The board is ready to offer him a competitive contract," van Eijden added, "but we all know money alone won't keep him here. We need a clear plan to convince him." 

Koeman leaned forward, his expression serious. "Yang Yang is ambitious—he's thinking beyond this season. If we want him to stay, the club needs to demonstrate that we're equally ambitious. The Champions League next season has to be our selling point." 

Ruud Krol nodded in agreement. "That's absolutely right. Yang Yang isn't staying out of loyalty—he wants to compete at the highest level. If we show him that Ajax will be competitive in Europe next season, we can convince him to stay. But that's only possible if we strengthen the squad." 

Van Eijden listened closely as Krol continued. "The current group has potential, but it lacks depth and experience to handle a demanding Champions League campaign. If Yang Yang sees we're serious about recruitment and building a stronger team, he'll be far more likely to stay." 

Koeman crossed his arms, determination in his voice. "The Champions League isn't just a promise—it's a plan we need to execute. Yang Yang wants to lead the team, but he also wants to succeed. If we show him that staying at Ajax gives him the best platform to grow and shine, I'm confident we can keep him for another season." 

Van Eijden nodded, jotting down notes. The stakes were high. Yang Yang's performances had captured the attention of Europe's biggest clubs, and Ajax couldn't compete financially with the giants. But they could offer something unique: the chance to lead a young, dynamic team into Europe's most prestigious competition. 

"Alright," van Eijden concluded. "The path is clear. We push for Champions League qualification, invest in strengthening the squad, and make Yang Yang believe that staying at Ajax for another year is the best step for his career." 

The three men exchanged resolute nods. They knew the coming weeks would be critical, not only for Ajax's season but for the club's immediate future. And at the center of it all was Yang Yang—a player whose decision could shape the trajectory of Ajax's ambitions.