Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ajax plays against Villarreal in the Champions League. Villarreal, known as the "Yellow Submarine," is led by manager Pellegrini and features a strong South American lineup, including Riquelme, Forlán, and Jose Mari.
• Ajax's Yang Yang demonstrates leadership in the locker room, boosting morale after an early goal by Villarreal.
• Ajax adjusts its tactics to focus on containing Riquelme and limiting his connection with the forwards.
• Yang Yang executes a "Cruyff Turn" to break through Villarreal's defense, setting up a scoring opportunity for Ajax.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang grows into a crucial leader within the Ajax locker room, influencing his teammates and demonstrating maturity.
• Riquelme, the "Argentine magician," is in the best form of his career, leading Villarreal's attack.
• Diego Forlán, after struggling at Manchester United, finds success at Villarreal under Pellegrini's guidance.

Significant Themes

• The importance of clear strategic vision and consistent philosophy in building a successful football team (Villarreal's South American strategy).
• The role of individual skill and creativity in breaking down organized defenses (Yang Yang's "Cruyff Turn").
• The influence of a leader on team morale and performance (Yang Yang's impact on Ajax).

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Galasek (Ajax captain) show mutual respect and understanding, with Yang Yang taking on a leadership role.
• Riquelme and the forwards (Forlán and Jose Mari) demonstrate a strong connection on the field, with Riquelme dictating play.
• Pellegrini and the Villarreal players exhibit a cohesive unit, with the manager's tactical instructions being well-received and executed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ajax equalizes in the 38th minute through Yang Yang's spectacular solo goal, involving a Cruyff turn, Pendulum Dribble, and a chip past the goalkeeper.
• Ajax and Villarreal draw 1-1 at halftime.
• In the second half, Villarreal presses for a win, while Ajax defends and counters.
• In the 74th minute, Ajax scores the winning goal on a counter-attack, with Yang Yang finishing a first-time volley from Maicon's cross.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Proves his individual skill and goal-scoring ability, boosting Ajax's morale and earning praise from his coach and teammates.
• Reina (Villarreal's goalkeeper): Shows determination and quick reflexes but ultimately can't stop Yang Yang's goal.
• Ronald Koeman (Ajax coach): Praises Yang Yang's performance and motivates his team during halftime.

Significant Themes

• Individual skill and teamwork: Yang Yang's goal highlights his exceptional skill, while Ajax's counter-attack showcases their teamwork and quick thinking.
• Pressure and patience: Villarreal presses for a win, but Ajax remains patient and defends steadily, ultimately capitalizing on a counter-attack opportunity.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Reina: Their intense exchange leads to Yang Yang's goal, with Reina's determined charge and Yang Yang's quick thinking and control deciding the outcome.
• Yang Yang and Maicon: Their one-two pass and counter-attack combination results in Ajax's winning goal.
• Ronald Koeman and the Ajax team: The coach's halftime speech energizes the team and boosts their confidence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Barcelona's players discuss Yang Yang's impressive performance in the UEFA Cup.
• Messi overhears his teammates praising Yang Yang, causing him to feel frustrated and insecure about his own prospects.
• Rijkaard, the Barcelona coach, tells Messi about Yang Yang's diligence and hard work, emphasizing that there are no "geniuses" in football, only those who train hard.

Character Developments

• Messi: Struggles with frustration and insecurity about his lack of playing time and the possibility of Yang Yang joining Barcelona. Rijkaard's words challenge his beliefs about talent and hard work.
• Yang Yang: Portrayed as a diligent, hardworking player who has rapidly improved his skills through consistent training. His performance and work ethic are praised by Barcelona's players and Rijkaard.

Significant Themes

• Hard Work: Rijkaard emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in football, suggesting that talent alone is not enough to succeed.
• Frustration and Insecurity: Messi experiences these emotions due to his limited playing time and the possibility of Yang Yang joining Barcelona, which could further reduce his chances.

Character Interactions

• Messi and Rijkaard: Rijkaard tries to reassure Messi about his future at Barcelona and encourages him to learn from Yang Yang's work ethic.
• Barcelona's Players: They discuss and praise Yang Yang's performance, causing Messi to feel insecure about his own position in the team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ajax defeats Villarreal 2-1 away in the UEFA Cup, causing a stir in the Netherlands.
• Yang Yang scores both goals, further cementing his status as a rising star.
• Ajax beats Willem II 2-0 at home, with Yang Yang playing a crucial role in the first goal but not scoring himself.
• Feyenoord's Kuyt scores a hat-trick against Den Haag, extending his lead in the Eredivisie top scorer race to three goals ahead of Yang Yang.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang maintains his impressive goal-scoring form, but starts to feel pressure from Kuyt's resurgence.
• Kuyt breaks his goal drought with a hat-trick, demonstrating his ability to score in bunches.
• Chen Tao performs well in trials and is considering his next steps.

Significant Themes

• Competition and pressure, both within the team (Ajax vs. Feyenoord) and individually (Yang Yang vs. Kuyt).
• The media's influence and the public's reaction to players' performances.
• The impact of injuries on players' careers and the team's dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Chen Tao discuss Kuyt's threat and Feyenoord's upcoming matches.
• Yang Yang and his teammates watch Feyenoord's match together, reacting to Kuyt's hat-trick.
• Yang Yang's family, friends, and fans express concern for his injury, highlighting his growing popularity and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Yang is three goals behind Kuyt in the Eredivisie top scorer race.
• Ajax loses the Dutch Cup semi-final, and Feyenoord advances to the final.
• In the 30th round of the Eredivisie, Yang Yang scores twice and assists once, helping Ajax win 4-1 against Graafschap.
• Kuyt scores a brace against Feyenoord, maintaining his three-goal lead over Yang Yang.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Despite falling behind, Yang Yang remains determined and excited about the challenge. He's inspired by his idols, Ronaldo and Van Basten, and is motivated by Su Xiaomei's support.
• Kuyt: Kuyt maintains his lead but acknowledges Yang Yang's talent and isn't complacent. He's confident in his abilities but respects Yang Yang's challenge.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
• The thrill of competition and the desire to excel.
• The power of inspiration and support from others.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Su Xiaomei: They exchange messages late at night, with Su Xiaomei showing concern for Yang Yang's injury and encouraging his pursuit of the top scorer title.
• Yang Yang and Kuyt: Although they haven't met yet, they express mutual respect and anticipation for a potential friendship after the season.
• Ajax fans and Dutch media: Ajax fans support Yang Yang, while the Dutch media is divided between supporting Yang Yang and Kuyt, with many predicting Kuyt's victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cristiano Ronaldo, a young Portuguese player at Manchester United, practices alone on a hill behind the training base, focusing on the 'Pendulum Dribble' to match Yang Yang's skills.
• He watches Yang Yang's match against Villarreal repeatedly, impressed by Yang Yang's performance.
• Assistant Coach Carlos Queiroz advises Ronaldo to train with others and trust his teammates more.
• Queiroz tells Ronaldo about Yang Yang's assist hat-trick in the UEFA Cup, sparking Ronaldo's competitive spirit.

Character Developments

• Cristiano Ronaldo: Shows determination to improve his skills, especially the 'Pendulum Dribble.' He's competitive, focused, and disciplined but struggles with team integration and communication.
• Carlos Queiroz: Acts as a mentor to Ronaldo, offering guidance and advice on teamwork and acceptance of media attention.

Significant Themes

• Competition: Ronaldo's fierce competitive nature drives him to improve and not lose to Yang Yang.
• Teamwork vs Individualism: Ronaldo's solitary training style contrasts with Queiroz's advice to trust and cooperate with teammates.
• Media Attention and Acceptance: Queiroz highlights the importance of external recognition for a player's success.

Character Interactions

• Ronaldo and Queiroz: Queiroz offers guidance and advice to Ronaldo, but Ronaldo's responses are minimal, showing his reserved nature.
• Ronaldo and Yang Yang (implied): Ronaldo feels challenged by Yang Yang's performance and vows not to lose to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ajax faces Vitesse away in the Dutch First Division.
• First half ends 0-0.
• In the second half, Yang Yang and Maicon collaborate for Ajax's first goal.
• Yang Yang persistently seeks scoring opportunities but faces strong Vitesse defense.
• In the 81st minute, Yang Yang scores his 25th league goal, breaking Ronaldo's ten-year-old record for the youngest player to achieve this feat.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang demonstrates resilience, determination, and adaptability in his pursuit of scoring goals.
• Yang Yang's strength training pays off, helping him maintain balance and control the ball under pressure.
• Ronaldo, Yang Yang's idol, acknowledges Yang Yang's achievement and encourages him to break the 30-goal record.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
• The power of hard work and dedication in achieving goals.
• The impact of mentors and idols on an individual's growth and motivation.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang communicates with the head coach about his condition and continuously seeks scoring opportunities.
• Ajax teammates support Yang Yang, helping him and celebrating his goal.
• Vitesse players, despite their best efforts, cannot stop Yang Yang from scoring.
• Ronaldo, Yang Yang's idol, praises Yang Yang's achievement and encourages him to break the 30-goal record.
• Domestic media, fans, and the nation at large celebrate Yang Yang's accomplishment and urge him to continue pushing his limits.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ajax receives a massive turnout of local fans at De Toekomst, predominantly there for Yang Yang.
• Director Ali Van Eeden acknowledges Yang Yang's status among fans and the club's interest in extending his contract.
• Ajax arranges for Yang Yang, Sneijder, Heitinga, and Pienaar to interact with fans after training.
• The team discusses Yang Yang and Sneijder's relationship status, leading to humorous banter about the Red-light district and picking up girls.
• Ajax's coaching staff discusses the team's progress, plans for the remainder of the season, and the desire to extend Yang Yang's contract.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Gains immense popularity among Ajax fans, but struggles with fan interaction due to his lack of experience as a star player.
• Sneijder: Shows interest in the discussion about relationships but maintains a calm demeanor.
• Heitinga and Pienaar: Engage in playful banter, with Heitinga feeling jealous of Yang Yang's popularity.
• Ronald Koeman: Acknowledges the importance of the Champions League in convincing Yang Yang to stay.
• Ali Van Eeden: Recognizes Yang Yang's value to the team and the need to extend his contract.

Significant Themes

• Fan support and player-fan interaction.
• The importance of the Champions League in player retention and team ambition.
• The impact of Yang Yang's popularity on his teammates.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang interacts with fans, feeling overwhelmed but grateful for their support.
• Yang Yang, Sneijder, Heitinga, and Pienaar engage in playful banter, highlighting their camaraderie.
• Ronald Koeman, Rudd Carroll, and Ali Van Eeden discuss Ajax's plans for the remainder of the season and Yang Yang's contract.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ajax vs. Sporting Lisbon (UEFA Cup Semi-final): Ajax won 2-1 (5-2 on aggregate) and qualified for the final against CSKA Moscow.
• Ajax vs. Waalwijk (Eredivisie): Ajax won 3-0. Yang Yang scored his 26th goal of the season.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Shows relaxed play in UEFA Cup match, scores crucial goal in league match, and demonstrates growth in confidence and skill.
• Ronald Koeman (Ajax Head Coach): Supports Yang Yang's pursuit of the top scorer title, allowing him to play the entire match.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: Yang Yang's continued effort to score despite heavy marking and competition from Kuyt.
• Belief in Oneself: Yang Yang's growing confidence in his ability to score, even under pressure.
• Team Support: Ajax fans and coaching staff rally behind Yang Yang.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Ajax Fans: Yang Yang acknowledges and is inspired by the fans' support.
• Yang Yang and Ronald Koeman: Koeman's decision to let Yang Yang play the entire match shows his trust in the young player.
• Yang Yang and Waalwijk Defense: Yang Yang's determination and skill overcome Waalwijk's defensive strategies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feyenoord wins 2-0 against Utrecht in a fiercely competitive match.
• Kuyt scores his 29th goal of the season, securing a three-goal lead over Yang Yang in the race for the Eredivisie's top scorer title with two rounds left.
• Feyenoord's players and coach celebrate Kuyt's likely victory, while Yang Yang's teammates struggle to console him after the match.

Character Developments

• Kuyt: Secures a significant lead in the top scorer race, feels relieved and confident but also nervous about winning the title.
• Yang Yang: Frustrated and unwilling to accept defeat, but determined to fight back; receives emotional support from Su Xiaomei.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination in the face of adversity (Yang Yang's refusal to give up despite the slim chances).
• The importance of belief and support from others (Su Xiaomei's unwavering belief in Yang Yang).

Character Interactions

• Kuyt and Kalou: Share a strong partnership on the field, with Kalou assisting Kuyt frequently; they celebrate Kuyt's likely top scorer title together.
• Yang Yang and Su Xiaomei: She encourages him after the match, boosting his spirits and reaffirming his determination to catch up to Kuyt.
• Yang Yang and his teammates: They struggle to console him, unsure of how to approach the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Yang goes for an early morning run and breakfast, displaying confidence despite his lost lead in the top scorer race.
• His teammates express concern about his well-being, but Yang Yang remains optimistic and determined to fight until the end.
• The media and De Toekomst staff are surprised by Yang Yang's positive demeanor, given his slim chances of winning the top scorer title.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Shows resilience and determination in the face of adversity, maintaining a positive attitude and refusing to give up on his goal.
• Vermaelen, Maxwell, and other teammates: Demonstrate concern and support for Yang Yang, highlighting their camaraderie and belief in him.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: Yang Yang's refusal to give up despite the slim chances of winning the top scorer title.
• Belief in oneself: Yang Yang's confidence in his abilities and his determination to keep fighting.
• Camaraderie: The support and concern shown by Yang Yang's teammates, emphasizing the importance of team spirit.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and his teammates: They express their concern and support for Yang Yang, with Maxwell even suggesting that Yang Yang should take out his frustration on Nicklas Bendtner.
• Yang Yang and Winston Bogarde: Winston Bogarde understands Yang Yang's determination and offers to help him maintain peak condition for the remaining matches.
• Yang Yang and the media/De Toekomst staff: They are surprised by Yang Yang's positive attitude, given the slim chances of him winning the top scorer title.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ajax plays against Roosendaal in the Eredivisie, aiming to secure a win and maintain their championship lead.
• Ajax fields a strong starting lineup, including Romanian winger Mitea and Yang Yang, to support Yang Yang's Golden Boot pursuit while ensuring victory.
• Ajax scores three goals in the first half, with Yang Yang assisting on the first and scoring the third, despite Roosendaal's focus on marking him.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang demonstrates maturity and team spirit by prioritizing the team's victory over his personal Golden Boot chase, assisting Charisteas' goal instead of trying to score himself.
• Ronald Koeman, Ajax's head coach, praises Yang Yang's character and acknowledges his importance to the team.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and selflessness: Yang Yang puts the team's needs above his personal goals, showing that individual success is secondary to collective victory.
• Perseverance and determination: Yang Yang's relentless pursuit of the Golden Boot, despite being three goals behind, highlights his tenacity and unwillingness to give up.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and his teammates work together to create scoring opportunities, with Yang Yang assisting Charisteas and his teammates supporting his Golden Boot chase.
• Ronald Koeman and Rudd Koeman discuss Yang Yang's impact on the team, highlighting his importance and value.
• Ajax's fans support Yang Yang, cheering for his goals and encouraging his pursuit of the Golden Boot.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Yang scores a brace against Roosendaal, putting him one goal behind Kuyt in the top scorer race.
• Ajax fails to score again despite Yang Yang's efforts due to Roosendaal's defensive strategy and Bentner's inexperience.
• Eindhoven draws against Twente, allowing Ajax to overtake them in the league standings.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang demonstrates his determination, fighting spirit, and strength by scoring a brace despite setbacks.
• Bentner shows potential but struggles with inexperience, leading to missed opportunities for Ajax.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and determination in the face of adversity (Yang Yang's refusal to give up on scoring and his pursuit of the top scorer title).
• The impact of experience and maturity on performance (Bentner's struggles compared to Charisteas).

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang's teammates and coaches celebrate his brace and Ajax's league position improvement.
• Yang Yang and Bentner's interaction shows Bentner's eagerness to help Yang Yang but also his inexperience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feyenoord wins 2-0 against Groningen, with goals from Bahia and Hofs.
• Kuyt and Kalou learn that Yang Yang scored a brace against Ajax, narrowing the gap in the top scorer race to one goal.
• Feyenoord's final match is away against Nijmegen, while Ajax hosts Groningen.

Character Developments

• Kuyt becomes anxious and determined after learning about Yang Yang's performance, realizing he underestimated Yang Yang's fighting spirit.
• Kalou remains confident in Kuyt's scoring abilities.
• Gullit shows concern for Kuyt's mental state and provides guidance.

Significant Themes

• Tenacity and fighting spirit (Yang Yang, Kuyt)
• Confidence and pressure (Kuyt)
• Competition and rivalry (Kuyt vs. Yang Yang)

Character Interactions

• Kuyt and Kalou discuss Yang Yang's performance and Feyenoord's upcoming match against Nijmegen.
• Gullit advises Kuyt to stay calm and confident, emphasizing the importance of his mental state.
• Kuyt and Kalou reflect on Feyenoord's previous match against Nijmegen, with Kalou expressing confidence in Kuyt's ability to outscore Yang Yang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Yang, after scoring two goals in the previous match, is now close to catching up with Kuyt in the top scorer race and has a chance to break Ronaldo's record of 30 league goals in a season.
• Ajax is set to face Groningen in the Eredivisie final, with the possibility of winning the league title and the top scorer award for Yang Yang.
• Yang Yang is preparing to travel to Lisbon for the UEFA Cup final against CSKA Moscow, which could be challenging due to Ajax's limited preparation time compared to their opponents.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Gains confidence and support from his teammates and the public after his recent performances. He remains humble and focused on his goals.
• Chen Tao: Shows gratitude and determination to make it in European football, inspired by Yang Yang's support.
• Ronald Koeman: Demonstrates leadership and strategic thinking in preparing the team for the UEFA Cup final.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.
• The power of support and camaraderie in achieving success.
• The importance of preparation and strategy in competition.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and the breakfast shop owner: The owner expresses his support and optimism for Yang Yang's prospects.
• Yang Yang and Chen Tao: They encourage each other, with Yang Yang offering guidance and support to Chen Tao's career in Europe.
• Ronald Koeman and the Ajax team: Koeman leads a tactical meeting, engaging with the team and boosting morale before the UEFA Cup final.

Key Plot Points and Events

• CSKA Moscow arrives in Lisbon before Ajax, booking an entire hotel and inviting 2,000 special fans, including Chelsea's owner Abramovich.
• Head coach Gazzaev holds a team meeting, analyzing Ajax's strengths and weaknesses, emphasizing the importance of the first 45 minutes, and warning about Yang Yang's threat.
• The UEFA Cup final between Ajax and CSKA Moscow garners significant attention from fans, governments, and media worldwide, especially in China due to Yang Yang's involvement.

Character Developments

• Gazzaev: The experienced CSKA Moscow coach is shown to be strategic, thorough, and fearful of Yang Yang's threat.
• Yang Yang: His reputation and danger as a player are further emphasized, with Gazzaev repeatedly warning his team about him.

Significant Themes

• Underestimation: Despite being the Champions League winner, Ajax is not taken lightly by CSKA Moscow due to their recent struggles in the Eredivisie.
• Physical Condition: The teams' physical states are highlighted as a crucial factor, with CSKA Moscow aiming to exploit Ajax's potential fatigue.

Character Interactions

• Gazzaev and CSKA Moscow Players: The coach conveys his strategies and warnings to his team, ensuring they are well-prepared for the match.
• Brazilian Players: Maxwell, Maicon, and Daniel Carvalho engage in friendly banter before the match, showcasing their camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• In the 7th minute, Ajax scores the first goal of the match through a corner kick taken by Yang Yang, which is headed in by Vermaelen.
• Ajax maintains a high pressing strategy, aiming to end the game in the first half.
• In the 28th minute, Ajax scores their second goal through a counter-attack led by Pienaar, putting them two up against CSKA Moscow.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang demonstrates his corner-taking ability, proving to be a threat in set pieces.
• Vermaelen scores the crucial opening goal and celebrates with Yang Yang, showing their understanding and teamwork.
• Galasek makes a strategic foul to intimidate Daniel Carvalho, showcasing his experience and tactical awareness.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and Tactics: Ajax's success relies on their well-coordinated teamwork, both in attack and defense. Their tactical adjustments, such as changing the corner taker and pressing strategies, prove effective.
• Adaptability: Both teams show adaptability in their tactics. Ajax adapts to their opponents' formation, while CSKA Moscow adjusts their defense in response to Ajax's corner threat.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Vermaelen: They demonstrate a tacit understanding, with Yang Yang's corner kick perfectly set up for Vermaelen's header.
• Galasek and Daniel Carvalho: Galasek's aggressive tackling intimidates Daniel Carvalho, disrupting CSKA Moscow's midfield play.
• Pienaar and Charisteas: Their combination play leads to Ajax's second goal, showcasing their understanding on the field.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ajax scores two quick goals in the first half, both by Yang Yang.
• CSKA Moscow struggles to mount attacks and concedes a third goal before halftime.
• Ajax controls the second half, with no further goals from either side.
• Ajax wins the UEFA Cup final 3-0, securing their second European trophy in two years.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Establishes himself as Ajax's most dangerous weapon, scoring two goals and assisting in another. Wins the tournament's best player award.
• Roman Abramovich: Witnesses Yang Yang's performance firsthand and considers him a potential target for Chelsea.

Significant Themes

• Yang Yang's Growth: Yang Yang continues to prove his worth as a key player, breaking records and winning awards.
• Ajax's Resilience: Despite not being known for their offense, Ajax demonstrates their strength and experience by controlling the game and securing a comfortable victory.
• CSKA Moscow's Struggles: The Russian team struggles to keep up with Ajax's pace and strength, highlighting the gap between the two sides.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Ajax Fans: Yang Yang celebrates his goals with the Ajax fans, embracing them with his signature celebration.
• Roman Abramovich and Yang Yang: Abramovich watches Yang Yang's performance and considers signing him for Chelsea, recalling Jose Mourinho's high praise for the player.
• Yang Yang and His Teammates: Yang Yang celebrates his award with his teammates, expressing his desire to achieve more in the upcoming Champions League and league season.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ajax wins the UEFA Cup, with Yang Yang scoring a brace and providing an assist.
• Yang Yang is named Man of the Match.
• Yang Yang dedicates the victory to the entire team, coaches, and staff.
• Yang Yang hints at potential future plans but remains focused on the upcoming league match.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Grows into a key player and leader, winning his first significant European championship as a starter. He shows maturity by acknowledging the team's collective effort and maintaining focus on the upcoming league match.
• Kuyt: Feels threatened by Yang Yang's success and experiences self-doubt. He regrets his complacency and feels pressure to perform in the upcoming league match.
• Cristiano Ronaldo: Views Yang Yang as a significant rival and feels motivated to prove himself. He decides not to underestimate any potential future opponents.
• Lionel Messi: Feels envy and unease upon seeing Yang Yang's success. He wonders about his own future if Yang Yang joins Barcelona.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and collective effort: Yang Yang emphasizes the importance of the team's collective victory, highlighting the contributions of his teammates, coaches, and staff.
• Competition and rivalry: Kuyt, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi all feel threatened by Yang Yang's success and are motivated to prove themselves.
• Ambition and determination: Yang Yang remains focused on winning the league title and the top scorer award, demonstrating his determination to succeed.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and his Ajax teammates: They celebrate their victory together, with Yang Yang expressing gratitude towards his teammates for their contributions.
• Yang Yang and the media: Yang Yang maintains a humble and professional demeanor during his post-match interview, giving credit to his team and expressing his determination to win the upcoming league match.
• Kuyt and Yang Yang: Kuyt feels annoyed and pressured by Yang Yang's confident demeanor and success.
• Cristiano Ronaldo and Yang Yang: Ronaldo views Yang Yang as a significant rival and feels motivated to prove himself against him.
• Messi and Yang Yang: Messi feels envy and unease upon seeing Yang Yang's success, wondering about his own future if Yang Yang joins Barcelona.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ajax wins the UEFA Cup final against CSKA Moscow, with Yang Yang scoring two goals and providing an assist.
• Yang Yang's performance is compared to an 18-year-old Ronaldo, with media worldwide praising his skills and impact on the game.
• European media speculates about Yang Yang's potential transfer to top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
• Chinese media celebrates Yang Yang's achievement, with domestic and Asian media acknowledging his success in European football.
• The final match of the Dutch First Division approaches, which will determine if Ajax can secure back-to-back titles and if Yang Yang can win the top scorer award or break Ronaldo's record.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Proven as a world-class talent, he gains international recognition and becomes a target for top European clubs. His confidence and skills continue to grow.
• Ajax Players: They celebrate their UEFA Cup victory and are motivated by the fans' support to secure another league title.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and validation of Yang Yang's skills and achievements.
• The power of fan support and its impact on the team's performance.
• The potential transfer of Yang Yang to a top European club, highlighting his market value and the influence of the Chinese market.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Ajax Fans: The fans show their unwavering support for Yang Yang, cheering for him and hoping he breaks Ronaldo's record in the final league match.
• European Media and Yang Yang: Media outlets worldwide praise Yang Yang's performance and discuss his potential transfer to top clubs.
• Chinese Media and Yang Yang: Domestic media celebrates Yang Yang's achievement, with Asian media also acknowledging his success in European football.