Chapter 118

The moment the Kuwaiti referee blew the final whistle, Beijing Workers' Stadium erupted like a volcano. 

In the bleachers and packed stands, a sea of red surged to life. Thousands of fans waved their bright red five-star flags, creating an endless wave of crimson as if the entire stadium had been swept up in a storm of red dragons, roaring in triumph. The flags fluttered in unison, their movements reflecting the collective heartbeat of 60,000 ecstatic supporters. 

Amid the deafening cheers, it felt as though the very air in the stadium was charged with emotion. The live broadcast cameras panned across the crowd, capturing fans overcome with joy. Some were weeping openly, their tears cutting streaks through the paint on their faces. It was a release—years of hope and longing, finally fulfilled in this unforgettable moment. 

From the youngest, a child of no more than seven or eight years old, to the elderly, with silver hair marking their decades of devotion, no one remained seated. All were standing, arms raised high in jubilation, voices hoarse from chanting. Even the 60- and 70-year-olds, who had waited their whole lives to witness such a moment, stood tall, their eyes glistening with tears as they celebrated alongside the younger generations. 

This wasn't just a victory on the pitch—it was the realization of a dream. After years of striving, the Chinese team had finally lifted a championship trophy, and the joy in the stadium was as vast and overwhelming as the sea of red flags that danced in the stands. 

For the fans, the players, and the entire nation, this was a moment that would be remembered forever. 

... 

"We are the champions!" 

"After tonight, we can finally hold our heads high and proudly tell the world: We are champions!" 

"Countless individuals, countless generations have devoted themselves tirelessly to Chinese football for decades, and tonight, their dreams have finally come true!" 

"Great China! Great Chinese players! Great Chinese national team! And great Yang Yang!" 

"Let us offer our heartfelt congratulations to all the players of this incredible national team. It is through your perseverance, dedication, and hard work that we now stand at the summit of Asia. You have made the dreams of an entire nation a reality. You are the pride of Chinese football." 

"And let us also extend our thanks to Arie Haan, De Jong, and the entire coaching staff and support team. Your relentless efforts behind the scenes have allowed our players to focus on the game, free of worry. Especially to Arie Haan—you have proven yourself tonight with this Asian Cup victory!" 

"Before this tournament, there were doubts, there were questions surrounding Arie Haan's leadership. But now, we must admit, he was right all along. He has guided this Chinese team onto the right path, and we believe that he will continue to bring the philosophy of Dutch football to China, influencing Chinese football for years to come." 

"And here, we must also thank Yang Yang." 

"Though you are only 17 years old, you have rescued the national team time and again. You have led us to victory over formidable opponents, and for that, you are not just a hero to the team, but a hero to all of China. You represent the very best of Chinese football, and every one of us is proud of you." 

"We sincerely hope that you continue to stay grounded, to keep pushing forward without arrogance or restlessness. We believe that you are destined for even greater things, that your achievements and brilliance will shine even brighter in the years to come. You are the future of Chinese football, the banner under which we will march for the next decade." 

"And finally, to the 60,000 fans here in the stadium and the millions more watching at home—thank you. You are the heart and soul of Chinese football. You are our pride. You are our hope." 

... 

... 

Amid the tsunami-like cheers and thunderous applause, the national team players hoisted Arie Haan into the air, tossing him up and down in celebration. The joy on their faces reflected the magnitude of the achievement. 

Tonight's victory would forever be etched in the annals of Chinese football history. 

This was China's first-ever Asian Cup championship—a title of real substance, marking a turning point for the national team. As the players set Arie Haan back down, he went from one player to another, embracing them with heartfelt gratitude. 

When he reached Yang Yang, the excitement was palpable. He threw his arms around the young star, his voice filled with emotion as he repeated, "Thank you, thank you." 

The other players looked on, nodding in acknowledgment. No one could deny the truth: throughout the entire Asian Cup, it had been Yang Yang who had saved the team time and again. 

But Yang Yang had done more than just score goals or provide assists. His performances had illuminated the tactical vision of Arie Haan. Through his actions on the pitch, the team began to understand the essence of Dutch football—its fluidity, its precision, its attacking mindset. 

In this final alone, with two assists and a goal, Yang Yang had orchestrated the victory. But perhaps even more crucially, he had imparted a lesson to his teammates that would resonate for years to come. 

Football is a battle. Being too tolerant or kind to the opposition can sometimes be detrimental to your own success. 

When Japan had scored the handball goal, the Chinese players had hesitated, unsure whether to challenge the decision. Their instinct had been to show restraint, but Yang Yang had stepped forward, putting pressure on the referee by himself. In the end, his determination forced the official to reconsider and overturn the goal—a moment that changed the entire course of the match. 

It was a lesson in standing firm, and the team had learned it well. 

Among the veterans, some found it hard to swallow that a 17-year-old had shown them how to fight for the team in such a critical moment. But on deeper reflection, they accepted it with a sense of pride. After all, they reasoned, each generation must surpass the last if Chinese football is to grow stronger. 

And through this Asian Cup campaign, it was clear to everyone that the national team was evolving. 

The central axis of the team was now solidified. Zheng Zhi anchored the defense, Zhao Junzhe and Shao Jiayi controlled the midfield, and Yang Yang had become the spearhead of the attack. This quartet would form the backbone of the Chinese national team for the foreseeable future. 

For Arie Haan, the next task would be to continue refining the team's tactical identity, especially in adapting to the 4-3-3 formation he had envisioned. Yang Yang, accustomed to playing on the right wing for both Ajax and the national team, wasn't yet suited to playing as a central forward, but the real challenge would be finding the right striker to fit into that system. This would be one of Haan's primary focuses moving forward. 

One player with great promise was Zhou Haibin, who had only played one match in the Asian Cup but had shown immense potential. If the team shifted to a three-man midfield, Zhou Haibin would likely secure a regular spot in the lineup. 

On the defensive end, players like Du Wei and Feng Xiaoting represented the next generation, younger and poised to make their mark in the years to come. 

The national team was now at a crucial point. The age of the squad was optimal, with a balance between youthful energy and veteran experience. The offensive struggles that had plagued them in the past had been mitigated by the emergence of Yang Yang and the stellar form of Shao Jiayi. 

However, for the veterans, the end of their time was nearing. Just as the Yangtze River flows ever forward, so too must the next generation rise to replace the old guard. It was the natural order of things—an inevitability in the world of football. 

The new era of Chinese football had begun, and with Yang Yang leading the charge, the future looked brighter than ever. 

... 

... 

While the Chinese team celebrated wildly on the pitch, the AFC prepared for the final award ceremony. 

There was no suspense in Yang Yang being named the best player of the Asian Cup final. With one goal and two assists, he had orchestrated China's 3-0 victory over Japan. This marked the second time Yang Yang had been selected as the best player, the first being in the semi-final win over Iran. 

Since coming off the bench in China's opening match against Bahrain, Yang Yang had consistently delivered exceptional performances, gradually becoming the most pivotal player in the squad. His on-the-spot brilliance, game after game, transformed him into the core of the national team. 

"Every time he touches the ball, defenders are left trembling. Every dribble, every pass creates danger for the opposition," remarked the commentator during the award ceremony. "Yang Yang has been the most dazzling offensive player of this entire Asian Cup, and at only 17 years old, his potential is limitless." 

As the announcement was made, the stadium erupted once more, cheers and applause echoing throughout. 

AFC officials officially confirmed Yang Yang as the Best Player of the 2004 Asian Cup, making him the youngest recipient of the award in the tournament's history. His performance had been nothing short of extraordinary, and even compared to star players like Shunsuke Nakamura, Yang Yang had outshone them all. In the final, he had dominated Nakamura, making his selection as the tournament's best player unquestionable. 

Although Bahrain's A'ala Hubail secured the Golden Boot with five goals, Yang Yang came close with four—leaving just a slight tinge of regret. 

Zhao Junzhe earned the Fair Play Award, adding to China's triumph, making it a night of immense pride and a trophy-laden celebration. 

In the selection for the tournament's Best XI, China was well-represented: goalkeeper Liu Yunfei, defender Zheng Zhi, midfielders Zhao Junzhe and Shao Jiayi, and Yang Yang were all named to the prestigious lineup, dominating nearly half the team. Japan, who finished as runners-up, had three players included—defenders Tsuneyasu Miyamoto and Yuji Nakazawa, along with Shunsuke Nakamura. Iranian defender Mehdi Mahdavikia and striker Ali Karimi also made the list, while Bahrain's A'ala Hubail was recognized as a forward. 

Yang Yang's placement in the Best XI midfield reflected his dynamic role throughout the tournament. Though he played as a forward in the final, most of his matches had been on the right wing, where he constantly terrorized defenders with his aggressive runs and creativity. 

After the individual awards were presented, the second runner-up honors were given, and the Japanese players somberly took the stage to receive their medals. Unlike their triumphant counterparts, there was no joy on their faces, only a deep sense of disappointment. They looked down, their expressions filled with shame and regret, weighed down by the loss. As they descended from the podium, many cast glances at the Chinese team, their jealousy and frustration evident. 

Next, it was China's turn to step up. Led by head coach Arie Haan and captain Zhao Junzhe, the Chinese national team ascended the podium. As the players lined up, the entire stadium of 60,000 fans erupted into applause, their cheers growing louder by the second. 

This was the most significant achievement in the history of Chinese football—their first major international championship, a crowning moment for many of the veterans who had devoted their careers to the sport. For some, it might also be their final honor in a national team jersey. 

Yang Yang, as the youngest member of the squad, walked at the back of the group. Along the way, he was greeted and congratulated by domestic government officials, football veterans, and AFC dignitaries, all eager to praise the 17-year-old. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that this young star, who had already shone so brightly, was destined for even greater heights. In time, he would not only become one of the best in Asia but a world-class player. 

The moment finally arrived. Captain Zhao Junzhe and veteran Hao Dong stood together, their hands on the trophy. As they lifted the championship cup into the air, the stadium exploded into jubilation. 

And then, as the Chinese national anthem began to play, more than 60,000 fans rose to their feet in unison. The chorus of voices singing the anthem filled the stadium with a sense of unity and pride, an unforgettable sound that resonated with everyone present. 

The sight of the national team, standing victorious, with the anthem soaring around them, brought tears to the eyes of many. It was a moment of collective triumph that transcended the match, a moment that would be cherished for generations. 

Tonight, all of China was awake and celebrating. 

Tonight, the champion belonged to China! 

... 

... 

CHAMPIONS!! 

The morning after China's historic triumph over Japan in the Asian Cup, the news of the victory dominated major media outlets both at home and abroad. 

This was a groundbreaking moment—the first international championship in the history of Chinese football. 

Unsurprisingly, Yang Yang found himself at the center of the media storm. His performance in the final, combined with his selection as the Asian Cup's Best Player, drew immense attention. The world was abuzz with the name of the 17-year-old prodigy, who had now solidified his place on the global football stage. 

When Yang Yang scored the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final earlier in the year, many had chalked it up to a lucky moment. But after leading China to victory in the Toulon Cup and now guiding them to the Asian Cup championship, he had proved his immense talent. Through a string of exceptional performances, Yang Yang had shown the world that his success was no fluke. 

More importantly, he was only 17, with endless potential still waiting to be tapped. 

While the Asian Cup doesn't hold the same level of prestige as the European Championship or the African Cup of Nations, it was still a vital tournament for Asia. And in a competition where very few players could boast experience in Europe's top leagues, Yang Yang had stood out. Only one other player in the tournament, Japan's Shunsuke Nakamura, had European experience, and even he was just a substitute at Reggina in Italy's Serie A. 

Yet, while both Nakamura and Yang Yang were substitutes for their clubs, Yang Yang's case was different. He played for Ajax, one of Europe's most storied clubs, and had recently won the UEFA Champions League. His performances off the bench in the Champions League, especially his match-winning goal in the final, had already made waves in Europe. 

At the Asian Cup, both Nakamura and Yang Yang stood head and shoulders above the rest, easily the tournament's most talented players. Their individual brilliance made them prime contenders for the tournament's top awards. 

In the end, it was Yang Yang's dazzling display in the final that earned him the coveted Best Player award, confirming his status as the brightest young star of the competition. 

While the Asian Cup might not command the global attention of other international tournaments, the fact that a 17-year-old had outshone so many older, more experienced players made Yang Yang's achievement remarkable. It was rare to see someone so young dominate a major international tournament, and his rise was now impossible to ignore. 

Yang Yang's popularity soared after the tournament, both in China and internationally. Fans and media outlets worldwide were now focused on this young talent from Ajax, eager to see what he would achieve next. 

In China, Yang Yang became a national sensation. The domestic press couldn't get enough, racing to report every detail of his life, while fans clamored for any piece of news about their new football hero. He was not just a star; he was a symbol of hope for Chinese football. 

Despite all the excitement and celebrations surrounding the Asian Cup victory, Yang Yang quietly boarded a flight back to Amsterdam the next day. There was no time to bask in the glory—his next challenge awaited him. The Eredivisie season was about to begin, and Yang Yang was ready to continue his rise in European football. 

... 

... 

To avoid any unnecessary hassle, Yang Yang decided to fly first class for the return trip to Amsterdam, not just for himself but also for his cousin Shen Yuzhu and Wei Zheng. While Yang Yang was pleased with the upgrade, his cousin, ever frugal, seemed a bit distressed by the extravagance. 

"Yang Yang, this is too much!" Shen Yuzhu scolded, looking exasperated. 

"Sis, come on, you need to get used to it. I'm rich now," Yang Yang chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. 

Wei Zheng, seated nearby, couldn't help but laugh, but Shen Yuzhu shot Yang Yang an irritated glare. 

"You've got to be more careful," she warned. "Professional football is a short career. You can't just blow it all away. You should think about investing and planning for the future." 

Yang Yang grinned but nodded. "Don't worry, sis. I'm not that reckless." 

"Speaking of money, Nike really opened the purse strings this time," Wei Zheng added with a smile, shifting the conversation. 

Yang Yang recalled the call he'd received from his agent, Raiola, right after the Asian Cup final. After weeks of negotiation, Adidas had only offered a maximum sponsorship deal of 1.5 million euros. But Nike wasn't playing games—they had swooped in and doubled the offer, locking in a deal worth 3 million euros. It was an impressive move that left Adidas in the dust. 

Sponsorship contracts for footballers are typically after-tax, which meant that from the new season onward, Yang Yang would officially be a Nike athlete. No more Adidas boots; it would be all Nike from now on. 

"Three million euros a year," Yang Yang mused. "That's 30 million yuan back home. It's insane." 

He couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude toward the Chinese market. Without China's massive fanbase and Nike's desire to dominate that market, such a lucrative deal would never have come his way. 

And Raiola, always a shrewd negotiator, had insisted on a three-year deal, leaving room for renegotiation in the future when Yang Yang's value would likely skyrocket. The Italian agent clearly had great faith in the young star's trajectory. 

In addition to his personal sponsorship, Yang Yang was also due to sign a contract extension with Ajax upon his return to Amsterdam. 

Raiola had confessed to Yang Yang that he regretted not waiting a bit longer before locking in the extension. If they had delayed until after the Asian Cup, Yang Yang's value would have soared even higher, potentially boosting his weekly salary by 50%, to 50,000 euros a week. 

But Yang Yang wasn't one to dwell on missed opportunities. "There's no way to have it all," he said philosophically. "Besides, Ajax is already offering a great deal—10,000 euros a week after tax, plus a 300,000 euro signing bonus. That's more than enough for now." 

Wei Zheng grinned. "With your newfound fame from the Asian Cup, you've become a superstar in China. Brands and companies are already lining up for endorsements. You're set!" 

Yang Yang smiled, though he knew Wei Zheng wasn't exaggerating. His performance in the tournament had catapulted him into stardom back home, and the offers were already flooding in. If he wanted to, he could easily sign multiple endorsement deals with huge payouts. 

"Second brother, what do you think?" Yang Yang asked, turning serious. 

Wei Zheng, who had been managing Yang Yang's affairs in China, had been overwhelmed by the sudden surge of interest. But the one thing that comforted him was Yang Yang's level-headedness—despite all the attention, Yang Yang hadn't signed a single deal yet, preferring to focus on his game. 

"I think we should follow Yao Ming's example," Wei Zheng said. "Take things slow, carefully manage your brand, and don't rush into every endorsement offer. The goal isn't to grab money quickly; it's to build a lasting legacy. The better you perform in Europe, the more valuable your brand will become." 

Shen Yuzhu nodded in agreement. "He's right. Don't get caught up in signing every ad deal that comes your way. If something goes wrong, it could hurt your reputation, and that's much harder to recover from." 

Yang Yang nodded, thoughtful. "I've already decided. I'll leave all the domestic business to you, second brother. My focus will be on my football. I'm only 17. The road ahead is long, and we'll take it one step at a time. But we also have a social responsibility, and we need to make sure we're doing the right things." 

Wei Zheng nodded, understanding the weight of Yang Yang's words. "I'll set up a company to handle all of this, so you don't have to worry." 

Yang Yang smiled, relieved. He knew Wei Zheng, like his father, was a careful and thoughtful person. Although his father, Yang Yongqiang, was a businessman, he was cautious and level-headed, traits that Yang Yang had inherited. He had no interest in taking shortcuts. 

"It's a lot of responsibility for you, but I know you can handle it," Yang Yang said with a grin. "And when you marry my cousin, I'll make sure to give you the biggest gift." 

Wei Zheng laughed, while Shen Yuzhu blushed slightly, trying to hide her smile. She had been like an older sister to Yang Yang ever since he was young, especially during his time in the Netherlands. And now, with Shen Yuzhu and Wei Zheng's engagement approaching, Yang Yang couldn't be happier for them. 

Yang Yang had always been generous with his family. Before he became famous, he'd gifted his cousin a Fiat worth 20,000 euros. Now, with his growing wealth, he planned to be even more giving. After all, success meant little if it couldn't be shared with those who had supported him from the start. 

... 

... 

The long flight from Beijing to Amsterdam felt never-ending, and Yang Yang, eager to pass the time, struck up a conversation with Wei Zheng about various topics. 

One of the first things they discussed was how Yang Yang's rise to fame had indirectly benefited his family's business. His father, Yang Yongqiang, had seen a boost in the success of his footwear company, largely thanks to Yang Yang's growing reputation. The need for extensive promotion had lessened considerably, as Yang's fame acted as free advertising, filling both Yang Yongqiang and Wei Zheng with optimism about the company's future. 

As for formal endorsements, Yang Yang was in no rush to lend his name to his family's business. On the one hand, they couldn't afford the steep fees associated with such a high-profile deal, and on the other hand, Wei Zheng explained that rapid expansion through sponsorships could harm the business. "We should build slowly," he said. "Rushing things might lead to more harm than good." 

After discussing the family business, the conversation naturally shifted to the national team. 

With the Chinese team's Asian Cup victory, several players had caught the attention of European clubs, and the domestic football market was heating up. Yang Yang's roommate, Zheng Zhi, was the most notable of the internationals attracting foreign interest. A versatile player capable of playing multiple positions, Zheng Zhi was currently the most likely candidate to secure a move abroad. While Zheng Zhi hadn't revealed all his options, Yang Yang knew that clubs from the Bundesliga—Hamburg, Hertha Berlin, and even Bayern Munich—had expressed interest in signing him. 

"Bayern's interest is probably linked to expanding into the Chinese market," Yang Yang remarked. "But Hamburg and Hertha Berlin could offer him more consistent playing time." 

Zhao Junzhe was another international being courted by foreign clubs, and it seemed his next move would take him to either the Premier League or the Scottish Premiership. Clubs like Charlton and Fulham were eyeing him for a move to England, while Celtic had already been in direct contact with him about joining their ranks in Scotland. 

Shao Jiayi, one of the standout players in the Asian Cup, had been linked with several Bundesliga teams after his current club, 1860 Munich, was relegated. Hamburg had shown particular interest in him. 

Beyond the senior team, players from China's U20 squad had also garnered attention thanks to their strong showing in the Toulon Cup. Yang Yang had noticed that many of the younger players had the talent to make it abroad, but their psychological resilience and tactical awareness were often lacking compared to their European counterparts. 

"Players like Zheng Zhi and Zhao Junzhe are ready," Yang Yang said confidently. "They can handle playing abroad, but they need to aim for the right clubs. The mid-tier and lower-tier teams in the big European leagues would be a good fit for them." 

As for the U20 players, including Chen Tao, Feng Xiaoting, and Zhou Haibin, Yang Yang believed they needed to make the leap abroad sooner rather than later. Competing in European leagues would sharpen their skills and elevate their game through consistent exposure to higher levels of competition. 

"If they can shine in this year's Asian Youth Championship and make it to next year's World Youth Championship in the Netherlands, it'll be a fantastic platform for them," Yang Yang continued. "A successful run there could spark a wave of young Chinese players moving abroad, which is exactly what Chinese football needs to grow." 

After a while, the conversation tapered off, and both Wei Zheng and Shen Yuzhu fell asleep, leaving Yang Yang to his own thoughts. Taking advantage of the quiet, he entered his Dream Training System to get in some practice. 

The more Yang Yang used the Dream Training System, the more he realized its benefits. 

One simple but powerful advantage was its ability to help him cope with jet lag. While most people would be struggling to adjust after long flights, Yang Yang felt fresh and focused, thanks to the training system's ultra-high-quality sleep feature, which allowed him to recover faster than anyone else. 

Even after playing a grueling Asian Cup final just the night before, Yang Yang felt fully recovered after a single night of rest. As the plane soared towards Amsterdam, he realized that with just a little adjustment, he'd be more than ready to play in the Eredivisie, even if there was a match scheduled for the following morning. 

This advantage—the ability to recover so quickly—was something Yang Yang hadn't anticipated when he first began using the Dream Training System. But now, it was becoming one of his most reliable tools, helping him stay ahead of the competition.