Chapter Summaries

Yang Yang returned to Liverpool and celebrated winning the European Golden Ball Award at Anfield, where thousands of fans and club figures gathered to honor him. After sponsor events, he was left exhausted and eager to get back to training as the World Footballer of the Year award approached.

• Yang Yang arrived at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and traveled through cheering crowds to Anfield, where thousands of fans had gathered.
• Yang Yang joined Liverpool's players, coaches, club officials, owners, and the mayor onstage, raised his European Golden Ball Award, and thanked the fans and club.
• Yang Yang and the guests attended a luncheon at St. Thomas Hotel, while the American owners left early amid financial strain and tensions with Benitez over transfers.
• Yang Yang attended a Carlsberg celebration with Rick Parry and wore Adidas commemorative shirts with Nike shoes to honor his sponsorship commitments.
• Yang Yang felt worn out after two days of events and missed training as he prepared for the World Footballer of the Year award.

Yang Yang returned to Liverpool's lineup after the team's first defeat of the season and helped them advance through the Champions League group stage and win the FIFA Club World Cup. He also won World Soccer's Player of the Year award, leaving him poised for FIFA's upcoming World Footballer of the Year ceremony.

• Liverpool lost 2–1 away to Reading without Yang Yang, ending their unbeaten league run, and Benitez said the referee's decisions and Yang Yang's absence had hurt the team.
• Yang Yang started against Marseille, assisting Gerrard and Kuyt and scoring once as Liverpool won 4–0 and advanced as group winners.
• World Soccer named Yang Yang its Player of the Year with 62.8 percent of the vote, and he also won Best Young Player.
• Yang Yang came off the bench against Urawa Red Diamonds and set up Crouch's goal, sending Liverpool into the FIFA Club World Cup final with a 1–0 win.
• Yang Yang assisted Kuyt and Crouch and scored against Boca Juniors as Liverpool won the final 4–1, and he was named Man of the Match.

After returning from Japan, Yang Yang reunited with Su Ye and learned she had declined a Hollywood role because it required intimate scenes and revealing clothes. As they discussed their future together and his World Footballer of the Year chances, Yang Yang warned that Liverpool still faced a fierce battle against Manchester United.

• Yang Yang returned from Melwood to find Su Ye asleep at home, covered her with a blanket, and offered to make himself something to eat.
• Yang Yang and Su Ye imagined their future home and agreed that the villa would be in both their names.
• Su Ye told Yang Yang she had reached the final audition round for the fourth The Fast and the Furious film but had turned down the role because of its intimate scenes and revealing outfits.
• Su Ye said she planned to rest, continue her studies, and apply to study in Britain, while Yang Yang remained the bookmakers' favorite for World Footballer of the Year.
• Yang Yang said he would not focus on the award yet because Liverpool first had to face Manchester United.

Yang Yang scored in the 27th minute to put Liverpool ahead of Manchester United at Anfield, converting a corner after Crouch flicked the ball across goal. Ferguson weighed whether to abandon his defensive approach but decided Manchester United would wait for a mistake or a second-half counterattack.

• Gerrard sent in Liverpool’s first corner, Ferdinand headed the ball high, and Crouch flicked it back toward the near post.
• Yang Yang reacted quickly and headed the ball into the upper-left corner, giving Liverpool a 1–0 lead in the 27th minute.
• The goal extended Yang Yang’s league tally to 21, while Manchester United had struggled to create chances against Liverpool’s defense.
• Ferguson and Queiroz discussed Van der Sar’s failed attempt to clear the corner and the defensive problems that had preceded Liverpool’s strong form.
• Ferguson considered pushing Manchester United forward but chose to wait for Liverpool to make a mistake or seek a counterattack in the second half.

After Manchester United equalized, Yang Yang scored again with a solo counterattack to restore Liverpool’s lead. The chapter left Ferguson realizing that Yang Yang remained hungry for more success.

• Manchester United equalized when Tevez redirected Rooney’s shot into Liverpool’s goal.
• Ferguson believed Yang Yang would soon lose motivation after winning the World Footballer of the Year award.
• Xabi Alonso launched a long pass as Liverpool counterattacked after winning the ball back.
• Yang Yang beat Vidić to the dropping ball, evaded Van der Sar, and pushed the ball toward goal.
• Ferdinand’s desperate slide carried him and the ball into the net, giving Liverpool a 2–1 lead.
• Yang Yang celebrated in front of Liverpool’s supporters as they chanted his name.

Yang Yang scored twice as Liverpool beat Manchester United 2–1, strengthening his case for the World Footballer of the Year award ahead of the ceremony in Zurich. The chapter ended with the award debate intensifying, as the media argued over Yang Yang and Kaka and Pele publicly backed Kaka.

• Yang Yang scored a brace in Liverpool’s 2–1 victory over Manchester United and was named Man of the Match.
• Mascherano’s tight marking kept Cristiano Ronaldo quiet, and Yang Yang exchanged congratulations with him after the match.
• British media praised Yang Yang’s recent consistency and called Liverpool one of the Premier League title favorites.
• World Sport cited the history of European Cup winners missing out on the World Footballer of the Year award to argue that Kaka would win instead.
• Supporters of Yang Yang pointed to his string of major individual awards and argued that FIFA could not overlook him.
• Pele said he supported Kaka and believed FIFA would choose him.

Yang Yang arrived in Zurich for the FIFA World Footballer of the Year ceremony and attended the nominees’ press conference alongside Kaka and Messi. He handled the reporters’ questions smoothly and reaffirmed that he was happy at Liverpool, leaving the transfer rumors unresolved.

• Yang Yang arrived in Zurich with Su Ye, Raiola, Gerrard, and their agents, and FIFA staff outlined the ceremony schedule.
• Yang Yang and Su Ye prepared their outfits, and Raiola told Yang Yang he had secured him a three-year, fifteen-million-euro endorsement deal with Pepe.
• Yang Yang met Kaka and Messi backstage before the three nominees entered the press conference and answered questions from international reporters.
• Yang Yang praised Kaka and Messi, said he hoped to win but would congratulate either rival, and earned their approval with his tactful responses.
• Yang Yang denied hearing rumors that Barcelona would offer sixty million euros for him and said he was happy at Liverpool, where he still had several years on his contract.

Yang Yang reunited with Ibrahimovic before arriving at the FIFA awards ceremony with Su Ye, where he talked with Kaka and Messi about injuries. The ceremony began with Yang Yang seated among the nominees and their companions.

• At the public event, Yang Yang befriended the reserved Toni Kroos and greeted Pele respectfully alongside Kaka.
• Yang Yang returned to the hotel and embraced Ibrahimovic, who had come to support him despite Helena staying home while pregnant and unwell.
• Yang Yang and Su Ye walked the red carpet together and were led to the front row, where they greeted Kaka and Caroline.
• Yang Yang discussed Kaka's and Messi's injury concerns and recommended disciplined gym training and Winston Bogarde's coaching.
• The FIFA awards ceremony officially began as Yang Yang, Kaka, and Messi chatted in the front row.

At the FIFA awards ceremony, Yang Yang watched the honors being presented and wrestled with his nerves as the World Footballer of the Year announcement approached. The chapter ended with Blatter opening the envelope but not yet revealing whether Yang Yang or Kaka had won.

• Blatter opened the ceremony with a speech, and Aguero and Toni Kroos accepted the youth-team awards.
• Barcelona received the Fair Play Award, while Pele received the FIFA Presidential Award from Sir Bobby Charlton.
• Yang Yang quietly asked Su Ye whether he might become poor after retiring, and she promised to support him.
• Argentina won Best Men's National Team, Mozambique won Most Improved Team, and Marta retained the Women's World Player of the Year award.
• Blatter presented highlights of Yang Yang, Kaka, and Messi before Pele brought out the final trophy.
• Blatter opened the envelope and began announcing the 2007 World Footballer of the Year, leaving the winner unrevealed.

Yang Yang won the 2007 World Footballer of the Year award by a huge margin, defeating Kaka and Messi after an extraordinary run of performances. He thanked the people who supported his journey in an emotional speech and left the Opera House celebrated as a football superstar.

• Blatter announced Yang Yang as the 2007 World Footballer of the Year, and Yang Yang embraced Su Ye before congratulating Kaka.
• Yang Yang greeted Caroline, Messi, Gerrard, and Curran, then accepted the trophy from Pele as the points showed his overwhelming lead.
• Yang Yang gave an emotional speech about his path from China to European football and thanked his clubs, coaches, teammates, family, and Su Ye.
• The audience gave Yang Yang a standing ovation, while his victory was recognized as a landmark for a player from China who had won through his performances.

Yang Yang discussed winning the European Golden Ball Award and World Footballer of the Year, reflecting on his Liverpool career and ambitions. His historic victory sparked worldwide coverage and celebration, establishing him as the first Asian and Chinese winner.

• Yang Yang said winning both major individual awards made him proud and credited his Champions League triumph as the defining moment of his year.
• Yang Yang praised Kaka and Messi, described his admiration for Ronaldo and Van Basten, and said he hoped to help Liverpool win trophies in 2008.
• Yang Yang rejected the idea that he was Liverpool’s leader, naming Gerrard and Carragher, and explained that adapting to the Premier League’s demands had made him stronger.
• Yang Yang acknowledged that his exceptional form would eventually dip but said he was confident he could overcome it.
• FIFA published Yang Yang’s interview, and news agencies and media outlets worldwide reported his victory and celebrated his historic achievement.

Florentino Perez realized that his failed Galácticos strategy had overlooked the value of youth, while Van Gaal saw Yang Yang and the other leading young stars as proof that individual brilliance was becoming essential against organized defenses. Yang Yang’s unanimous support from nearly every national-team coach and captain further strengthened his standing after winning World Footballer of the Year.

• Florentino Perez read about Yang Yang winning World Footballer of the Year and recognized that the Galácticos had declined because their stars were too old.
• Florentino concluded that buying Yang Yang could give Real Madrid a world-class attacking centerpiece for years.
• Van Gaal analyzed the tactical importance of players who could break through compact defenses and decided Yang Yang should keep developing that ability.
• Van Gaal sent Yang Yang a long message about the tactical trend he had identified.
• The media revealed that coaches and captains from nineteen of the top twenty national teams had chosen Yang Yang as their first choice, while Dunga supported other players.
• Arie Haan and Li Weifeng had voted for Kaka, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo after asking Yang Yang whom he preferred.

Yang Yang presented his awards to Liverpool fans before helping the team beat Portsmouth 4–1, despite his scoring streak ending. Liverpool’s financial crisis and takeover uncertainty troubled the club, while Yang Yang also felt unusually low on energy.

• Yang Yang displayed his World Footballer of the Year and European Golden Ball trophies at Anfield as fans celebrated and chanted for the league title and the American owners to leave.
• Rick Parry reassured Yang Yang, Gerrard, and Carragher that Liverpool would not sell players apart from Mohamed Sissoko, and said the club was seeking a takeover and an affordable center-back.
• Yang Yang worried about Liverpool’s financial troubles and felt physically short of energy, while he and the team leaders kept the dressing room calm.
• Yang Yang assisted Kuyt’s opener against Portsmouth, helped create Distin’s own goal, and assisted Crouch’s goal to put Liverpool 3–0 ahead.
• Benitez substituted Yang Yang in the seventieth minute before he could score, ending his scoring streak; Gerrard later scored as Liverpool won 4–1.

Yang Yang endured a prolonged goal drought as Liverpool’s results and lead at the top of the Premier League deteriorated. After the club’s staff found no physical or tactical cause for his slump, Benitez agreed to let him take time off for the Chinese Spring Festival.

• Liverpool narrowly beat Derby County 2–1, then drew with Man City and Wigan Athletic as Yang Yang went without a league goal.
• Yang Yang assisted goals against Chelsea and Aston Villa but continued his drought, while Liverpool’s run of draws let Arsenal and Manchester United close the gap.
• Liverpool advanced to the League Cup final, then lost to West Ham United and beat Sunderland as Yang Yang still failed to score.
• Benitez asked his staff to investigate Yang Yang’s slump, and they reported that his fitness, training, and tactics were normal but that he seemed burdened by pressure.
• Yestaran suggested giving Yang Yang time off for the Spring Festival, and Benitez agreed.

Yang Yang returned to his hometown for Spring Festival to recover from poor form and the pressure of reaching the top of the game, while Su Ye helped him reconsider his fear of decline as awe. After Liverpool dropped points and lost the league lead, Su Ye invited him on an arduous trip, and they left home without revealing their destination.

• Benitez and Jesper gave Yang Yang more than half a month off, and he returned to China with Su Ye for Spring Festival.
• Yang Yang kept up his training while he and Su Ye visited quiet places around Fujian and Mount Wuyi.
• Liverpool drew 0–0 with Bolton, and Arsenal moved two points ahead to the top of the Premier League.
• Yang Yang told Su Ye he was afraid of what came after reaching his peak, and she urged him to see his feelings as awe and trust in his ability.
• Su Ye asked Yang Yang to accompany her on a difficult trip, and they said goodbye to their family before flying to Beijing and then south.

Yang Yang and Su Ye visited a dilapidated rural school in Yunnan that Su Ye planned to sponsor with two million yuan. Hearing Shen Jun explain the charity’s work helped Yang Yang reconsider the pressure he felt about improving Liverpool, and he discovered that Su Ye had quietly sponsored a school before.

• Yang Yang and Su Ye traveled with Shen Jun’s charity team to inspect a rural primary school serving several mountain villages.
• They saw the school’s crumbling buildings, poor dormitory and cafeteria conditions, and a failing retaining wall that could endanger the students.
• Shen Jun explained that the charity would prepare a public plan for Su Ye’s two-million-yuan sponsorship and choose a school unlikely to be closed.
• Shen Jun described the challenges of limited funds and manpower, along with the charity’s efforts to ensure its support reached students in need.
• Yang Yang connected Shen Jun’s limited resources with his own struggle to help Liverpool, and resolved to take things one step at a time.
• Yang Yang realized that Su Ye had sponsored a school without ever telling him.

After visiting impoverished villages in Yunnan, Yang Yang decided to establish a charitable foundation and fund schools and teacher training. He returned to Europe refreshed, while Su Ye stayed in Beijing to prepare for a Hollywood role.

• Yang Yang told Su Ye he wanted to establish a foundation and donate ten schools each year, fund teacher training, and provide footballs for the schools.
• Yang Yang and Su Ye discussed the plan with Shen Jun, then enlisted Wei Zhen and Wei Zheng to help set up and oversee the foundation.
• Yang Yang met Winston Bogarde in Beijing, and Winston reassured him that his recent slump was a normal result of losing some of his hunger after his awards.
• Su Ye learned that the producers of The Fast and the Furious had accepted her conditions and planned to begin filming at the end of February.
• Yang Yang supported Su Ye's decision to stay in Beijing for the film, then flew back to Europe alone.

Yang Yang returned to Liverpool after an extended break and prepared for a demanding run of matches, while Benitez reshaped the attack around him for the upcoming trip to Inter Milan. The chapter ended with Yang Yang focused on repaying Benitez’s trust through his performances on the pitch.

• Yang Yang returned to Melwood four days before he was required to report, and Gerrard welcomed him back before urging him to prepare for Middlesbrough, Inter Milan, and Chelsea.
• Liverpool sold Mohamed Sissoko to Juventus for eleven million euros and used the fee to sign Martin Skrtel, while Benitez dropped plans to pursue Gareth Barry.
• Liverpool trained their pressing calls and practiced shifting the formation between pressing high and dropping back ahead of the Inter Milan match.
• Benitez gave Yang Yang freedom to move across the attack, with Crouch as the focal point and Kuyt supporting him.
• Yang Yang recognized the pressure Benitez’s trust placed on both of them and committed himself to proving his form on the pitch.

Liverpool hosted Middlesbrough in a 2–2 league match as Yang Yang returned from a scoring drought as a substitute. With the game nearing its end, Mascherano sent a long pass behind Middlesbrough’s defense, leaving the outcome unresolved.

• Ferguson claimed Manchester United would outperform their rivals, and Arsenal later drew 2–2 away to Birmingham after a late penalty.
• Manchester United defeated Newcastle 5–1, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice to move within one goal of Yang Yang.
• Liverpool started Yang Yang on the bench against Middlesbrough, who took an early lead before Kuyt and Gerrard put Liverpool ahead; Downing equalized in the second half.
• Benitez brought Yang Yang on and changed Liverpool to a 4-3-3, while Southgate instructed Middlesbrough to mark him closely.
• As the match neared its end, Mascherano sent a long pass behind Middlesbrough’s defense.

Luke Young had contained Yang Yang for much of the match, but a moment of distraction let the Liverpool star break free and score a spectacular goal. As Liverpool celebrated Yang Yang’s first goal in two months, Luke Young realized too late how dangerous he was.

• Luke Young and David Witte initially kept Yang Yang quiet after he replaced Riise, and Luke Young began considering joining Middlesbrough’s attack.
• Mascherano won the ball in midfield and sent a long pass toward Yang Yang, who sprinted past Luke Young.
• Yang Yang outmaneuvered David Witte and Schwarzer, controlled Mascherano’s pass with his chest, and chipped the ball into the goal.
• Gerrard and the Liverpool players celebrated Yang Yang’s goal, his first in two months.
• Luke Young recognized Yang Yang’s threat and regretted letting his attention wander.