Echoes of Greatness: The Rise of a Global Football Sensation

The second half kicked off with Ajax making a substitution. Daniel De Ridder entered the game, replacing Wesley Sneijder in midfield. 

"This is an interesting move," the commentator noted. "Sneijder has been substituted, and De Ridder takes his place in midfield. This looks like Ronald Koeman's attempt to manage his squad's energy levels." 

"With the UEFA Cup final just days away, Ajax will travel to Lisbon to face CSKA Moscow—a formidable opponent. Koeman clearly wants to preserve Sneijder's fitness for that crucial match." 

"However," the second commentator chimed in, "it's worth noting that Yang Yang is still on the pitch. Koeman hasn't rested him, which shows Ajax isn't giving up on his pursuit of the Golden Boot." 

Meanwhile, live updates from the Feyenoord-Groningen match painted a challenging picture for Yang Yang. "We're receiving reports that Feyenoord is currently leading Groningen 3-0," the commentator continued. "Young Brazilian center-back André Bahia, who joined from Flamengo this season, opened the scoring with a header off a corner. Dirk Kuyt followed up with a brace, taking his season tally to 31 goals." 

"With Kuyt's current form, it's fair to say he's having the best season of his career. This two-goal performance not only cements Feyenoord's dominance in the match but also places Kuyt in a commanding position to claim the Golden Boot." 

"On the scoring charts, Yang Yang now finds himself three goals behind Kuyt, with this match and just one more remaining in the league. It's a daunting gap, and the pressure is mounting." 

As the broadcast shifted back to live footage, the camera focused on Yang Yang. His expression was resolute, his gaze unflinching. The commentator's voice softened slightly. "Look at that determination. Yang Yang doesn't seem to know that Kuyt has extended his lead, but even if he did, I doubt it would faze him." 

"This 18-year-old has been nothing short of phenomenal this season," the second commentator added. "He's been one of the brightest talents in the Eredivisie, and now he's taking on the monumental challenge of closing the gap—or even surpassing Kuyt on the scoring charts." 

... 

... 

The second half resumed with Roosendaal reinforcing their defensive stance. Already relegated, the team had little left to fight for in terms of league standings. Yet their pride, their fans, and their hopes of rebuilding for a swift return to the Eredivisie kept their resistance alive. For the 5,000 fans packed into Vast & Goed Stadion, every defensive effort was a demonstration of the club's fighting spirit. 

Yang Yang knew that breaking through Roosendaal's stubborn defense would require relentless effort. Their focus on marking him tightly left little room for error. Ajax's players were doing their best to support him, but opportunities remained elusive. 

The substitution of Wesley Sneijder at halftime had also disrupted Ajax's midfield rhythm. Daniel De Ridder, though eager, lacked Sneijder's precision and composure, creating a noticeable gap in the team's passing play. De Ridder's timing was often slightly off, and Yang Yang found himself repeatedly adjusting his runs to compensate. 

Even so, Yang Yang remained patient. He understood the importance of preserving key players like Sneijder for the upcoming UEFA Cup final. He responded to De Ridder's efforts with a thumbs-up or applause, encouraging his teammate and showing his appreciation. It was a small gesture, but it reinforced the camaraderie and mutual respect within the team. 

De Ridder, despite his struggles, worked tirelessly, and his persistence began to pay off. In the 62nd minute, he executed a crucial tackle, dispossessing a Roosendaal midfielder. The ball spilled toward Vermaelen, who surged out of Ajax's defensive line to intercept. 

The Belgian center-back glanced up and scanned the field. Charisteas was positioned near the left side of the box, holding off Roosendaal's central defenders. Yang Yang, meanwhile, was battling the left-back but raised his right hand—a signal the team practiced often during training. 

Vermaelen responded immediately, launching a long diagonal pass with his left foot. The ball soared over the pitch, curving into Yang Yang's path. 

Yang Yang surged forward, his eyes darting between the ball and his marker. Using his refined physique and tactical awareness, he shielded the defender, positioning himself perfectly. Months of intense physical training had transformed him; no longer the frail figure of his early Ajax days, he now commanded a presence on the pitch. His marker, shorter and less imposing, struggled to keep up. 

As the ball descended, Yang Yang adjusted his position, using his chest to control the pass. The ball bounced neatly in front of him, and with a burst of acceleration, he left the defender trailing behind. 

The Roosendaal goalkeeper charged out, desperate to close the angle, but Yang Yang was already in full control. With his next touch, he struck the ball cleanly toward the top-left corner of the net. 

"Yang Yang is through! One-on-one with the keeper!" 

"HE SHOOTS—GOAL!" 

"GOOOOOOOOOAL!" 

"A brilliant strike! Yang Yang scores his second goal of the game in the 62nd minute!" 

"4-0 to Ajax! This match is firmly in Ajax's hands, and Yang Yang has now scored his 29th league goal of the season!" 

After scoring, Yang Yang turned and sprinted off the pitch in celebration. He ran along the sideline, arms raised, and made his way to the visiting bench. One by one, he hugged Sneijder, Filipe Luís, Bendtner, and his other teammates, sharing his elation. Finally, he ran toward the coaching area where Ronald Koeman and Ruud Krol stood, equally animated by his performance. 

"That's it, Yang!" Koeman said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Keep this up!" 

Before Yang Yang could respond, Krol leaned in, speaking firmly but with encouragement. "Yang, Kuyt scored twice against Groningen. He's on 31 now." 

Yang Yang froze for a fraction of a second, his expression unreadable. But then, as if a switch flipped, his eyes hardened with determination. "Then I'll just have to score more," he said, his voice steady and resolute. 

Koeman chuckled. "That's the spirit! You've got time—focus and make it happen." 

Yang Yang nodded, feeling a surge of energy course through him. The gap was daunting, but he thrived on challenges like this. If Kuyt had scored two, he could match it—or surpass it. Anything less wasn't an option. 

Returning to the pitch, Yang Yang clenched his fists. His brace had brought him to 29 goals for the season, just two short of Kuyt's tally. There was still time in this match and one final game to close the gap. 

He hadn't let the possibility of Kuyt scoring more discourage him before the match, and he wouldn't let it faze him now. 

... 

"This is simply incredible!" 

"At this moment, it's hard to find the right words to describe Yang Yang's performance tonight. His fight, his resolve, and his contributions are nothing short of remarkable." 

"Before this match, Kuyt led Yang Yang by just one goal, but with his brace against Groningen earlier today, Kuyt has extended that lead to 31 goals. For many, this might have seemed like the decisive blow in the Golden Boot race." 

"Yet Yang Yang refuses to back down. Even with the gap widening, he has risen to the occasion and delivered a brilliant performance tonight. His two goals have kept him firmly in the chase, bringing his tally to 29. While the odds are steeper now than they were at the start of the day, Yang Yang has shown the kind of determination that makes you believe he's not out of it yet." 

"Louis van Gaal said it best: Yang Yang doesn't lose—not in spirit, not in fight. Even if he can't close the gap in this game, his relentless pursuit will carry this battle into the final round of the season." 

"Make no mistake—Kuyt's lead is significant, but Yang Yang is the kind of player who thrives under pressure. If Kuyt loses focus or fails to perform in the final game, Yang Yang's persistence could see him pull off something extraordinary." 

"This is why Yang Yang stands out. He isn't just fighting for the Golden Boot; he's fighting to prove what it means to never give up, no matter the odds." 

... 

... 

After scoring two goals, Yang Yang remained unsatisfied. The gap between him and Kuyt had grown wider instead of narrowing, and this only fueled his determination. He wasn't discouraged—instead, he felt an unrelenting drive to fight harder. Every fiber of his being screamed for another goal, knowing that every strike brought him closer to Kuyt's tally. 

Roosendaal, however, had no intention of making it easy for him. At 0-4, they were already facing humiliation in front of their home crowd. Their coach quickly made defensive substitutions, attempting to shore up their backline and prevent further damage. The focus of their adjustments was clear: stop Yang Yang at all costs. 

The plan was simple—neutralize Yang Yang, and Ajax's attack would lose its sharpest edge. 

But Yang Yang wasn't the type to be contained for long. 

In the 71st minute, he received a crisp pass on the right flank from De Ridder. Without hesitation, Yang Yang delivered a quick, low pass into the center of the box, finding Charisteas in stride. The Greek forward, showing brilliant awareness, nudged the ball forward with a subtle touch, setting it perfectly in Yang Yang's path. 

Roosendaal's defenders scrambled to react, but Yang Yang had already anticipated their movements. Sprinting into position, he unleashed a ferocious strike from outside the box. The ball rocketed through the air, a blur of power and precision, and slammed into the back of the net. 

The goalkeeper froze, helpless as the ball tore past him. 

"What a strike from Yang Yang from outside the box!" 

"GOOOOOOOOOAL!" 

"In the 71st minute, an incredible combination between Charisteas and Yang Yang results in another brilliant goal!" 

"5-0 for Ajax, and Yang Yang has now scored his 30th league goal of the season! It's also his first hat trick in the Eredivisie!" 

"This is historic! Yang Yang, already the youngest player in the Eredivisie to reach 25 goals, has now broken another record as the youngest to score 30 league goals. With one game still left in the season, he has the chance to extend this incredible record even further!" 

Yang Yang's celebration was electric. His fists clenched, he roared with joy, the culmination of months of effort bursting forth. The gap between him and Kuyt was now just one goal, and with time left on the clock, he believed he could score a fourth. 

His teammates swarmed around him. Vermaelen and Heitinga ran from the backline to join the celebration, while Charisteas wrapped an arm around Yang Yang, beaming with pride. The team's encouragement echoed around him. 

"You're just one away! Let's push for it!" 

"You've got this, Yang! Let's make it happen!" 

After scoring his third goal, Yang Yang found himself closely guarded as Roosendaal tightened their defense, leaving no gaps for him to exploit. With Charisteas subbed off for Bendtner, the dynamic of Ajax's attack shifted, and opportunities became harder to come by. Yet Yang Yang remained relentless, determined to make every second count. 

In the 83rd minute, he found a moment to shine again. Sprinting down the right wing, Yang Yang accelerated past the first defender with a sharp burst of speed. A clever body feint sent the left-back off balance, giving him just enough space to deliver a perfectly weighted chip into the box. Bendtner, completely unmarked as the defense had doubled down on Yang Yang, rose to meet the pass. With a composed header, the Danish striker found the back of the net, making it 6-0 for Ajax. 

As the clock ticked toward full-time, Roosendaal, certain that Ajax would ease off with the game already won, began to relax. But Yang Yang's hunger for more never waned. In the dying seconds of the match, De Jong spotted his unyielding energy and launched a long ball down the right flank. Yang Yang controlled it with precision and turned to face two defenders. One pressed him tightly, while the other hovered behind, ready to pounce. 

Yang Yang swayed left and right, his dazzling footwork keeping the defenders guessing. A quick feint drew the nearest defender into a desperate lunge, but Yang Yang anticipated it perfectly. Pulling the ball back, he rolled it smoothly through the defender's legs and surged forward before the second defender could close him down. With the goalkeeper overcompensating to cover the right side of the goal, Yang Yang lifted the ball delicately with a perfectly timed chip. The ball soared gracefully over the keeper, curling into the far side of the net, brushing the side netting as it went in. 

The stadium erupted in disbelief and awe. 

"What a goal! Yang Yang has done it again!" 

"An absolutely stunning chip! He faced two defenders, fooled them both, and finished with a level of finesse that takes your breath away!" 

"This is football at its finest! Yang Yang, with his fourth goal of the game, has produced a performance for the ages!" 

The referee's whistle blew seconds later, signaling the end of the match. Ajax had demolished Roosendaal 7-0, but the scoreline told only part of the story. 

Yang Yang, at just 18 years old, had achieved his first-ever quadruple in the Eredivisie. The commentators couldn't contain their excitement as they continued. 

"With this performance, Yang Yang has become the youngest player in Eredivisie history to score four goals in a single match!" 

"And let's not forget the implications—this was Yang Yang's 31st league goal of the season, tying him with Dirk Kuyt at the top of the scoring charts! With one game remaining, the race for the Golden Boot is alive and well!" 

Yang Yang was ecstatic at the end of the match. Not only had he caught up to Kuyt in the scoring race, but the Golden Boot would now be decided in the very last game of the Eredivisie. Confidence surged within him; he had given his absolute best tonight, scoring four goals and breaking records. Now, all that remained was to finish the job, clinch the Golden Boot, and hope for a slip from PSV to steal the league title. 

As Yang Yang slowly walked off the pitch, he noticed an unusual commotion on the sidelines. Coaches and substitutes were rushing onto the field, their excitement spilling over as if Ajax had just won the league outright. 

"What's going on?" Yang Yang asked, bewildered. 

"PSV drew! Eindhoven dropped points!" Sneijder shouted as he sprinted toward Yang Yang, wrapping him in a tight embrace and planting a jubilant kiss on his forehead. 

Yang Yang froze, stunned by the news. PSV, the team that had maintained incredible consistency throughout the season, had faltered at the most critical moment. The very misstep he had hoped for had come true. 

For a moment, his legs felt weak, and a wave of exhilaration swept over him. The surprise was so overwhelming it left him breathless. His prayers had been answered in the most dramatic fashion. 

The details of the PSV match filtered through as the celebrations continued. Eindhoven had traveled to face Twente in a tough away fixture, and the game had been an intense battle from the start. 

The first half ended in a deadlock, 0-0, with neither side able to break through. But in the second half, the tension exploded. In the 62nd minute, Jason Čulina struck for Twente, giving them a 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, Gerald Sibon equalized for PSV with an assist from Young-Pyo Lee. 

However, Twente didn't back down. In the 69th minute, Sharbel Touma restored the home team's advantage, making it 2-1. PSV responded once again in the 76th minute, with Hesselink leveling the score at 2-2. 

Despite their relentless efforts to chase a winner, PSV couldn't find another breakthrough. The final whistle blew, confirming the draw—a result that sent shockwaves through the Eredivisie. Under the immense pressure from Ajax, PSV's incredible stability had finally cracked. 

The draw meant Ajax leapfrogged PSV in the standings, snatching the top spot with just one game left in the season. 

Yang Yang was still trying to process it all as his teammates surrounded him, shouting and celebrating. He felt an electrifying mix of joy and disbelief. The dream of winning the league title, once slipping from their grasp, was now within reach. Everything hinged on the final match of the season. 

As the team headed back to the locker room, the mood was euphoric. Yang Yang, however, remained focused amidst the jubilation. He knew there was still work to be done. He had caught up with Kuyt in the Golden Boot race, and Ajax had taken the lead in the standings—but neither prize was secured yet. One final game would decide it all. 

... 

... 

Groningen, Oosterpark Stadium. 

When the referee blew the final whistle, Feyenoord's players raised their hands in celebration. The scoreboard displayed the final score clearly: Groningen 0–4 Feyenoord. 

Despite Groningen's resilience, they had been unable to withstand Feyenoord's relentless attacking play. As one of the most aggressive and consistent teams in the Eredivisie this season, Feyenoord dominated from the first whistle, repeatedly threatening Groningen's goal. Yet the home team had held firm, stubbornly resisting wave after wave of attacks. 

The deadlock was finally broken in the 35th minute when Brazilian center-back André Bahia headed home from a corner kick, giving Feyenoord the lead. However, Groningen regrouped, and the match settled into another stalemate, with neither side managing to score before halftime. 

Five minutes into the second half, Dirk Kuyt doubled Feyenoord's lead with a clinical finish, assisted by Kalou. Just two minutes later, Kuyt struck again, curling a sublime long-range shot into the top corner to make it 3-0. Feyenoord continued to dominate possession but struggled to break through Groningen's defense for the remainder of the match. 

It wasn't until the 89th minute that Nicky Hofs added the final goal, slotting home from a Kuyt assist to seal Feyenoord's emphatic 4-0 victory. 

Despite the scoreline, the win had no bearing on Feyenoord's league position. Already out of the title race, the team's focus was on finishing the season strong. Kuyt and Kalou walked off the pitch in good spirits, chatting and joking as they headed toward the visiting team's coaching area. 

But as they approached, they sensed something was off. The atmosphere among the coaching staff wasn't celebratory—it was tense. 

"What's going on?" Kuyt asked, his smile fading. A strange unease crept over him, and the first name that came to mind was Yang Yang. 

"Yang Yang scored!" Ruud Gullit said bitterly, his tone making it clear there was more to the story. 

"He scored?" Kuyt echoed, surprised but unsurprised. Yang Yang scoring a goal wasn't unusual—it was almost expected by now. 

But Gullit's next words hit him like a thunderbolt. 

"He scored a quadruple!" 

"What?!" Kuyt froze, disbelief etched on his face. 

"Four goals?" Kalou, walking beside him, was equally stunned. 

Gullit nodded grimly. "One in the 39th minute, then the 62nd, 71st, and 83rd minutes. He's now at 31 goals—tied with you—and he broke Ronaldo's record as the youngest player in Eredivisie history to score 30 goals in a season." 

For a moment, Kuyt felt lightheaded, as though the world had shifted beneath him. 

Thirty-one goals. The number echoed in his mind like a warning bell. 

He had played too relaxed in this game, hadn't he? Yes, he'd scored twice, but he hadn't pushed for more. He had been confident—too confident—that his lead was unassailable. 

Van Gaal's words came rushing back to him: "Yang Yang is the kind of player who never gives up until the last minute." 

Kuyt had dismissed it at the time, convinced that no one could catch him. He had underestimated Yang Yang—not just his skill, but his unyielding fighting spirit. 

He remembered December last year, when Yang Yang had first burst onto the scene during the final round of the Champions League group stage. Ajax had been trailing Club Brugge, seemingly on the brink of elimination. Yang Yang, then just 17 years old, had stepped up in spectacular fashion, contributing to three goals in quick succession to lead Ajax to victory and secure their place in the Round of 16. 

That performance had been the start of Yang Yang's rise. Over the past year, he had grown into a more mature and formidable player, winning the Asian Cup, playing a key role in Ajax's Champions League triumph, and now leading the charge in the UEFA Cup. Yang Yang had shown time and again that he thrived under pressure. 

How could Kuyt have forgotten? 

Now, with just one league game remaining, Yang Yang had clawed his way back into contention for the Golden Boot. 

Kuyt's face grew pale, his confident demeanor shattered. The gravity of the situation sank in—his once-secure hold on the Golden Boot was slipping away, and the momentum had shifted firmly to Yang Yang. 

"Dirk, don't panic," Gullit said, his tone steady and persuasive. "You're tied, not behind. You can still win this. You just need to stay calm, focus, and take full advantage of the last round." 

Kuyt took a few deep breaths, trying to regain his composure. He knew Gullit was right—now was not the time to lose focus. The final round of the Eredivisie would decide everything. He needed to capitalize on every opportunity and, ideally, score more than just one goal to secure the Golden Boot. 

Yang Yang was proving to be a terrifyingly relentless competitor. Even with the UEFA Cup final looming midweek, his current form and determination made it hard to imagine him not scoring in the final league match. A single goal from Yang Yang in the last round could leave Kuyt's efforts insufficient. To stay ahead, Kuyt realized he might need a hat trick. 

Exhaling deeply, Kuyt calmed his nerves and squared his shoulders. 

"Dirk, our final round is against Nijmegen," Gullit began, his voice dropping slightly. "This schedule isn't in our favor—two consecutive away games at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Ajax will play Groningen at home." 

Kuyt furrowed his brow. He knew exactly what Gullit was getting at. 

"Nijmegen isn't an easy team to face," Gullit continued. "They've secured safety from relegation, but they're notoriously strong at home. They've conceded fewer goals than we have this season, just four more than Twente and Ajax." 

Kalou interjected, his tone light and confident. "It's Nijmegen, Dirk. We've beaten them before. We can do it again. Last time, both you and I scored—we'll do it again. Just trust me; I'll set you up." 

In the first round of the season, Feyenoord had beaten Nijmegen 2-1 at home. Kuyt had opened the scoring, but Nijmegen had equalized before Kalou's late goal secured the victory. However, what Kalou conveniently forgot—and Gullit chose not to remind them—was just how close that game had been. Nijmegen had nearly stolen a point, and their defensive organization had made it a grueling affair. 

Gullit understood the importance of keeping Kuyt's confidence high. "Don't overthink it, Dirk," he said reassuringly. "Focus on the goal. You're in great form, and you've got the ability to win this race. Just stay sharp." 

As a former star player himself, Gullit knew how critical confidence was for a striker like Kuyt. Without it, Kuyt would lose his greatest weapon—the self-belief to find the net when it mattered most. 

Turning his thoughts to the league standings, Gullit sighed. "Eindhoven also made a mistake this round," he noted. "It's unbelievable that they couldn't beat Twente on the road. They're feeling the pressure just as much as we are." 

Twente's defense had been formidable all season, conceding fewer goals than most Eredivisie teams. At home, they were nearly impenetrable, as Ajax and Feyenoord had both discovered earlier in the season. Eindhoven's inability to secure a win against them had opened the door for Ajax, who had now overtaken them in the standings. 

Gullit mulled over Ajax's performance. Ronald Koeman's defensive strategy, paired with Yang Yang's explosive growth, had been the key to their resurgence. Yang Yang had not only matched Kuyt's scoring total but had also inspired Ajax to push Eindhoven to the brink of collapse. The pressure had clearly affected Hiddink's usually stable PSV side. 

For Kuyt, however, the standings weren't the focus. His attention remained fixed on Yang Yang and the Golden Boot. Tied at 31 goals apiece, Kuyt's earlier sense of security had vanished. Yang Yang's four-goal outburst in one game had completely altered the dynamics of the race. 

If Kuyt had felt safe with his two-goal lead two rounds ago, now he was anything but. Despite his brace against Groningen, the gap had closed, and Kuyt could feel the weight of Yang Yang's presence pressing down on him. 

With one round remaining, Kuyt's mind raced. Could Yang Yang score again in the final match? His form suggested it was not only possible but likely. The only advantage Kuyt could cling to was the week of rest he would have, while Yang Yang had to play in the UEFA Cup final midweek. 

But would that be enough? 

Kuyt clenched his fists. He had delivered his best season yet, but now everything hung in the balance. The Golden Boot, his crowning achievement, was within reach—but so was Yang Yang.