Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid hosts Athletic Bilbao in the seventh round of La Liga, aiming to climb into the top four.
• Yang Yang starts as a forward and scores a hat-trick, contributing to Real Madrid's 6-0 victory.
• Real Madrid's midfielder James Rodríguez shows significant improvement in his defensive involvement and performance.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Continues his impressive scoring streak, further cementing his status as a top player.
• James Rodríguez: Overcomes initial criticism and improves his defensive awareness, solidifying his position in the team.

Significant Themes

• Unity and harmony within the Real Madrid team.
• Yang Yang's exceptional form and impact on the team's success.
• The commercial value and influence of Yang Yang, surpassing other top athletes.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Suarez: Form a formidable striking partnership, scoring a total of six goals together.
• James Rodríguez and Di Maria: Compete for the right-wing position, with Rodríguez putting pressure on Di Maria.
• Ancelotti: Praises the team's unity and Yang Yang's influence on the team, expressing his satisfaction with their performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Yang, not selected for the Asian Cup, continues double training sessions at Real Madrid's training ground.
• Ramos, injured, also stays at Valdebebas for recovery.
• Real Madrid plays Levante in La Liga, with Yang Yang scoring a hat-trick in the first half, and the team winning 7-0.
• Yang Yang breaks a 70-year-old La Liga record for the best start to a season, scoring 17 goals in 8 matches.
• Real Madrid officials and media praise Yang Yang's performance and commitment to the team.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Continues to demonstrate exceptional form and goal-scoring ability, breaking a long-standing La Liga record. He shows humility and professionalism, stating he won't accept a lifetime contract if he can't contribute to the team.
• Jesé: Struggles to regain his form after a serious injury. Yang Yang supports him by letting him take a penalty, which he converts, and later scores a brace. Jesé's confidence and performance improve significantly.
• Ancelotti: Praises Yang Yang's form and contribution to the team, stating he's at the peak of his career. He also expresses the team's dependence on Yang Yang.
• Florentino (Real Madrid President): Calls Yang Yang the greatest and most correct decision in Real Madrid's history. He promises to keep Yang Yang at the club and offers him a lifetime contract.

Significant Themes

• Yang Yang's Dominance: The chapter emphasizes Yang Yang's exceptional goal-scoring ability and his importance to the team.
• Team Spirit and Support: Yang Yang's support for Jesé and the team's collective effort in the Levante match highlight the team's spirit and unity.
• Professionalism and Humility: Yang Yang's refusal to accept a lifetime contract if he can't contribute to the team demonstrates his professionalism and humility.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Jesé: Yang Yang supports Jesé by letting him take a penalty and creating scoring opportunities for him, helping Jesé regain his confidence and form.
• Yang Yang and Ancelotti: The coach praises Yang Yang's form and expresses the team's dependence on him, showing a harmonious relationship.
• Yang Yang and Florentino: The president praises Yang Yang's contribution to the club and offers him a lifetime contract, demonstrating the club's commitment to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Yang returns to Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, for a match between Real Madrid and Liverpool.
• Liverpool fans and staff welcome Yang Yang enthusiastically, considering him a legend of their club.
• Yang Yang learns that his former house in Liverpool was sold to Liverpool's current head coach, Rodgers.
• On the field, Liverpool fans initially praise Yang Yang but quickly turn hostile when he has the ball.
• Yang Yang scores a goal in the 23rd minute, showcasing his skill, teamwork, and physicality.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Struggles with the decision to retire or continue playing, reflecting on his past and future in football.
• Steven Gerrard: Maintains a warm relationship with Yang Yang, showing pride in his old friend's achievements.
• Liverpool Fans: Initially adoring of Yang Yang, they quickly turn competitive and hostile during the match.

Significant Themes

• Legacy and Nostalgia: Fans and players reminisce about Yang Yang's past achievements, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
• Retirement and Aging: Yang Yang contemplates retiring at his peak to avoid decline and disappointing fans.
• Hostility and Respect: Liverpool fans show both admiration and competitive hostility towards Yang Yang during the match.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Steven Gerrard: Warm reunion and reminiscing about their past together.
• Yang Yang and Liverpool Fans: Initially praised, Yang Yang faces hostile chants once the match begins.
• Yang Yang and Liverpool Defense: Yang Yang's goal highlights his skill and ability to dismantle the opposition's defense.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid defeats Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in the Champions League, showcasing a significant gap between the teams.
• Liverpool's head coach Rodgers admits to the gap between his team and top teams after the match.
• Liverpool's Champions League performance is poor, with two consecutive losses, putting their qualification in jeopardy.
• Real Madrid maintains a perfect winning streak since their initial defeats, securing their group stage qualification.
• Barcelona has an impressive start to the season, winning seven and drawing one of their eight La Liga matches, scoring 22 goals and conceding none.
• Real Madrid prepares to host Barcelona in the ninth round of La Liga.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang scores the opening goal and assists Suarez in the Liverpool match, solidifying his status as a top star.
• Suarez scores twice, also leaving a mark as a former Liverpool player.
• Rodgers faces pressure due to Liverpool's poor performance in the Champions League.
• Ancelotti demonstrates his tactical prowess and experience in preparing Real Madrid for their match against Barcelona.

Significant Themes

• The vast difference in quality between top teams and others.
• The importance of tactical preparation and understanding the opponent's weaknesses.
• The role of experience and wisdom in coaching top teams.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Suarez, both former Liverpool players, contribute to Real Madrid's victory, leaving Liverpool fans disappointed.
• Ancelotti shares his tactical insights with the Real Madrid team, highlighting the importance of targeting Xavi and increasing the game's tempo against Barcelona.
• Ancelotti's speech instills confidence in the Real Madrid players, ensuring they know how to approach the Barcelona match despite any in-game changes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• El Clásico begins with Barcelona scoring within four minutes through Neymar's goal.
• Real Madrid quickly regains composure; Yang Yang boosts team morale and encourages Varane.
• Real Madrid's tactics involve targeting Xavi, disrupting Barcelona's midfield, and wearing down Barcelona through fast-paced running and pressing.
• Real Madrid creates frequent threats, with Marcelo and Isco leading attacks; Yang Yang scores a powerful goal in the 18th minute, reminiscent of Batistuta's "Batty Goal."

Character Developments

• Varane feels responsible for the early goal but is encouraged by Yang Yang.
• Yang Yang demonstrates strong leadership, boosting morale and encouraging teammates.
• Isco showcases his skill and creativity in midfield, setting up a goal for Yang Yang.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and quick recovery from setbacks.
• The importance of clear tactics and team understanding.
• The role of individual skill and creativity in turning the game around.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang supports and encourages Varane after the early goal.
• Isco and Marcelo work well together, creating multiple scoring opportunities.
• Real Madrid's players show unity and determination, quickly bouncing back from conceding an early goal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid equalizes and takes the lead against Barcelona, thanks to Yang Yang's goal and assist.
• Yang Yang scores another goal in a quick counterattack, making it 3-1 for Real Madrid at halftime.
• Real Madrid maintains pressure on Barcelona in the second half, leading to a goal by Varane and another by Suarez, making it 5-1.
• Yang Yang scores his second goal and assists in another, contributing to four of Real Madrid's five goals.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang continues to shine with his skills, speed, and tactical awareness, leading Real Madrid's attacks and scoring crucial goals.
• Isco proves his worth in both attack and defense, neutralizing Xavi and earning praise from Yang Yang.
• Xavi struggles with his stamina, becoming Barcelona's weak point as Real Madrid's high press wears him down.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has a poor game, leading to his substitution.

Significant Themes

• Youth vs. Experience: Real Madrid's younger team outplays Barcelona's more experienced squad.
• Tactical Discipline: Both teams stick to their respective tactics, with Real Madrid's high press and quick attacks proving effective against Barcelona's possession game.
• Teamwork: Real Madrid's players work well together, with quick passing and coordinated attacks, while Barcelona struggles with communication and coordination among their star players.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Isco form a strong partnership, with Yang Yang praising Isco's performance and encouraging him to keep improving.
• Yang Yang and Marcelo celebrate their goal together, showcasing team spirit and camaraderie.
• Real Madrid fans show their appreciation for Yang Yang's performance, cheering and applauding him when he is substituted off.
• Barcelona's players struggle to connect, with no clear division of labor among their star forwards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid defeats Barcelona 5-1 in a crucial El Clásico match.
• The victory significantly impacts the La Liga title race, with Real Madrid and Barcelona as the main contenders.
• Real Madrid's strong performance exposes Barcelona's weaknesses, including their aging midfield and lack of strong defenders.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang, the main character, demonstrates exceptional skills and leadership, earning him the Man of the Match title.
• Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid's coach, receives widespread praise for his tactical prowess and ability to transform the team.
• Cristiano Ronaldo struggles to adapt to Barcelona's playing style, feeling frustrated and determined to prove himself.
• Lionel Messi appears philosophical about the loss, focusing on his rivalry with Yang Yang in video games.

Significant Themes

• The intense rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with El Clásico matches determining the La Liga title.
• The evolution of football tactics and the need for teams to adapt, as seen in Barcelona's struggles with their possession-based system.
• The impact of financial management on a team's competitiveness, as seen in Barcelona's inability to sign strong defenders due to excessive player salaries.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang high-fives and hugs his teammates after the match, then goes to console the Barcelona players, particularly Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi.
• Messi challenges Yang Yang to a video game match, expressing his desire to "get back" at him for the loss.
• Alfredo, the AS editor-in-chief, praises Yang Yang and Ancelotti in his column, highlighting Ancelotti's successful tenure at Real Madrid.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The La Liga Football Association holds an awards ceremony to honor the best players of the previous season.
• Real Madrid dominates the awards, winning multiple categories, including Best Forward, Best Goal, and Most Valuable Player, all won by Yang Yang.
• Yang Yang sets a new La Liga record with 21 goals in the first 10 rounds of the season.
• Real Madrid defeats Granada 4-0, with Yang Yang scoring twice and providing two assists.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang continues to showcase his exceptional form, breaking records and leading Real Madrid to victory.
• Rafinha, the Best Newcomer, returns to Barcelona but hasn't secured a starting position yet.
• Keylor Navas, the Best Goalkeeper, poses a threat to Courtois at Real Madrid.
• Simeone wins Best Head Coach despite Ancelotti's treble-winning season.

Significant Themes

• Individual excellence and team success (Yang Yang's dominance and Real Madrid's awards sweep).
• Competition and rivalry (between Real Madrid and Barcelona, and among goalkeepers at Real Madrid).
• Recognition and controversy (surrounding award winners and nominees, particularly Messi's exclusion).

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Suarez's on-field partnership results in multiple goals and assists.
• Real Madrid's "big three" (Yang Yang, Suarez, and Di Maria) dominate the awards ceremony.
• Media outlets engage in a war of words regarding Barcelona and Real Madrid's performances and award recognition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid wins 4-0 against Granada, while Barcelona loses 0-1 to Celta Vigo, allowing Real Madrid to take the league lead.
• Sevilla also loses, dropping Barcelona and Sevilla to fourth and fifth place, respectively. The top five teams remain closely matched in points.
• Real Madrid is advised to extend their lead due to their favorable upcoming schedule.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang, at 28, reduces his extra training sessions due to his slowing recovery speed.
• Kevin De Bruyne, a young Real Madrid player, is shown to be dedicated and hardworking, training diligently even after regular practice hours.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and dedication in the face of challenges and setbacks.
• The pressure and expectations that come with fame and success.
• The importance of understanding and empathy among teammates.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang observes De Bruyne's training and feels a resonance with his dedication and perseverance.
• Yang Yang shares his past struggles with De Bruyne, revealing his own need to prove himself despite his success.
• De Bruyne and Yang Yang bond over their shared experiences and understanding of each other's motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• De Bruyne shares his experiences of moving alone to Genk at 14 for youth training, feeling lonely and bullied due to his accent.
• He recounts a difficult homestay experience, where he was deemed too quiet and withdrawn, leading to his return to the dormitory for problem students.
• De Bruyne describes his intense training and subsequent success in joining the first team, but faces media backlash due to his past.
• He shares his experiences with Chelsea, feeling unfairly treated by Mourinho, who criticized his stats despite limited playing time.

Character Development

• De Bruyne: Shows resilience, determination, and a strong passion for football, despite facing adversity and unfair treatment.
• Yang Yang: Develops empathy for De Bruyne's experiences, reflecting on his own past struggles and understanding the challenges young players face.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
• The struggles of young players in professional football environments.
• The impact of media on players' reputations and perceptions.
• The importance of playing time and opportunities for personal growth and self-expression.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and De Bruyne: Share their experiences and empathize with each other, fostering a bond between the two players.
• De Bruyne and his peers/coaches: De Bruyne faces bullying, misunderstanding, and unfair treatment from his teammates and coaches, highlighting the challenges young players face in professional environments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• De Bruyne, a young Belgian footballer, is struggling to get playing time at Real Madrid due to intense competition.
• Yang Yang, a veteran player and friend, advises De Bruyne on his situation and potential career decisions.

Character Developments

• De Bruyne: Struggles with self-doubt and the harsh competition at Real Madrid. He's at a crossroads, considering whether to leave or stay and fight for his place.
• Yang Yang: Shows maturity and wisdom, offering advice based on his own experiences. He encourages De Bruyne to face challenges head-on.

Significant Themes

• Competition: The intense competition at Real Madrid is a major obstacle for De Bruyne, reflecting the cutthroat nature of professional football.
• Ambition vs. Reality: De Bruyne's initial ambition to prove himself at Real Madrid clashes with the harsh reality of the club's high standards and fierce competition.
• Growth and Development: Yang Yang emphasizes the importance of facing challenges to grow and improve as a player.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and De Bruyne: Yang Yang acts as a mentor and confidant to De Bruyne, offering advice and encouragement based on his own experiences.
• De Bruyne and Real Madrid Teammates: The intense competition among Real Madrid's midfielders, including Kroos, Modrić, and David Silva, makes it difficult for De Bruyne to secure a starting spot.
• Yang Yang and Vermaelen: Yang Yang's friend Vermaelen, also a Real Madrid player, is mentioned as an example of a player who chooses to stay and fight despite fierce competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid defeats Liverpool 2-0 in the Champions League, securing their spot as group winners.
• Yang Yang receives the European Golden Boot Award and scores a hat-trick in a 6-0 win against Rayo Vallecano.
• Modrić suffers a severe injury while playing for Croatia, expected to be out for 3-4 months.
• Real Madrid beats Eibar 4-0 in La Liga, with Yang Yang scoring twice and assisting once, and De Bruyne scoring a penalty.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang maintains his scoring form and receives the European Golden Boot Award. He also shows maturity by giving De Bruyne the penalty opportunity.
• Modrić's injury sidelines him for several months, creating a vacuum in Real Madrid's midfield.
• De Bruyne seizes his opportunity by scoring a penalty and potentially securing a starting spot due to Modrić's injury.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity: Yang Yang acknowledges the importance of opportunities (e.g., giving De Bruyne the penalty) and seizes them when they arise (e.g., scoring hat-tricks).
• Injury and its consequences: Modrić's injury not only affects his career but also impacts Real Madrid's team dynamics and performance.
• Professionalism: Players show professionalism in handling injuries (Modrić) and giving others opportunities (Yang Yang).

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and De Bruyne: Yang Yang encourages and supports De Bruyne, giving him the penalty opportunity.
• Real Madrid players and Modrić: Players show support for Modrić by wearing T-shirts wishing him a speedy recovery and visiting him in the hospital.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kevin De Bruyne decides to stay at Real Madrid and buy a house in La Moraleja to welcome his child with Michel.
• Real Madrid secures five consecutive wins in the Champions League group stage, with Yang Yang not playing due to rotation.
• Real Madrid wins 1-0 against Málaga and 5-0 against Cornella in the Copa del Rey, with De Bruyne scoring in both matches.
• Yang Yang scores a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 3-0 win against Celta Vigo, his twenty-sixth goal in La Liga this season.
• Real Madrid wins 4-0 against Ludogorets in the final Champions League group stage match, securing a perfect six wins out of six.

Character Developments

• Kevin De Bruyne gains confidence and decides to stay at Real Madrid, aiming to win a starting position.
• Yang Yang continues to impress with his goal-scoring form, reaching twenty-six goals in La Liga and three goals in the Champions League.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination (De Bruyne's decision to stay and fight for his place, Yang Yang's consistent performance)
• Family and personal life (De Bruyne's decision to buy a house for his growing family)
• Team dynamics and rotation (Real Madrid's approach in the Champions League and Copa del Rey)

Character Interactions

• De Bruyne and Yang Yang: De Bruyne expresses gratitude to Yang Yang for his support.
• De Bruyne and Michel: They discuss their future and decide to buy a house together.
• Yang Yang and Real Madrid teammates: Yang Yang's impressive performances continue to boost team morale and success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid's annual Christmas banquet is held after their Champions League group stage match due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
• The banquet is attended by players, coaches, management, and board members from both the football and basketball departments.
• Real Madrid's President, Florentino, hosts the event, acknowledging the team's achievements and encouraging them to strive for more success, including defending the Treble.

Character Developments

• Florentino: Shows his political acumen and concern for the team's well-being, while also being strategic about the team's future.
• Yang Yang: Demonstrates his maturity and impartiality in discussing the team's training quality and his honest opinion about the UEFA technical report.

Significant Themes

• Team harmony and unity: The lively atmosphere at the banquet reflects the players' harmony and unity.
• Ambition and drive: The team's goal to defend the Treble showcases their ambition and drive for success.
• Professionalism and impartiality: Yang Yang's honest assessment of the team's training quality highlights his professionalism and impartiality.

Character Interactions

• Florentino and Yang Yang: Florentino seeks Yang Yang's opinion on the team's training quality and discusses the team's situation, while Yang Yang provides honest and insightful responses.
• Ancelotti and Yang Yang: Although not directly interacting, Yang Yang defends Ancelotti's training quality, showing respect for his coach.
• The team: The players engage in cheerful conversations and support Florentino's declaration to defend the Treble, demonstrating their unity and ambition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ancelotti has put his contract renewal with Real Madrid on hold.
• Florentino wants Yang Yang's opinion on Ancelotti's decision.
• Real Madrid's lack of compliance with Ancelotti's transfer wishes in the summer.
• Ancelotti's possible reasons for pausing his renewal: early retirement or leaving due to difficulty in further improving the team.
• Florentino considers Zidane as a potential replacement for Ancelotti.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Recognizes Ancelotti's tactical prowess and admires his low interference in club operations. He speculates on Ancelotti's reasons for pausing his renewal and considers the implications for Real Madrid's future.
• Zidane: Reveals Florentino's invitation for him to coach Real Madrid if Ancelotti leaves. He expresses his desire for Yang Yang to be his assistant coach, citing Yang Yang's footballing intelligence and tactical intuition.

Significant Themes

• Succession and change in leadership: The potential departure of Ancelotti and the possibility of Zidane taking over as head coach raise questions about the team's future direction and stability.
• Loyalty and commitment: Yang Yang's dedication to Real Madrid, regardless of who the head coach is, highlights his professional integrity and loyalty to the club.
• Friendship and influence: The friendship between Yang Yang and Zidane, and their mutual influence on each other's careers, is a significant aspect of the chapter.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Florentino: Florentino shares confidential information about Ancelotti and Zidane with Yang Yang, seeking his opinion on the matter.
• Yang Yang and Zidane: Yang Yang and Zidane discuss the possibility of Zidane becoming the head coach and Yang Yang being his assistant. Zidane's persistence in inviting Yang Yang to be his assistant is a central interaction in the chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Yang gifts his teammates Audemars Piguet watches, commemorating Real Madrid's Treble and the 2014 World Cup, further endearing him to the team.
• Real Madrid wins 5-0 against Almería, with Yang Yang scoring a hat-trick, bringing his season's goal tally to 29.
• Barcelona draws 0-0 against Getafe, widening the gap with Real Madrid, with Catalan media noting, "We are missing a Yang Yang!"
• Real Madrid defeats Cruz Azul 5-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals and San Lorenzo 4-0 in the final, with Yang Yang winning the Golden Ball Award.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Continues to demonstrate his generosity and team spirit through his gifts, further cementing his popularity among teammates. His exceptional goal-scoring form continues, attracting global attention and praise.
• Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar: Struggle with form, with Messi's performance particularly criticized. Their combined goal count is less than Yang Yang's, highlighting the gap between them and Real Madrid.

Significant Themes

• Team Spirit and Unity: Yang Yang's gifts foster a sense of camaraderie and unity within the Real Madrid team. His selfless play, such as his assist to Suarez in the Almería match, also exemplifies this theme.
• Success and Expectations: Real Madrid's dominance in the FIFA Club World Cup highlights the team's success but also raises expectations for future performances. The media's focus on Yang Yang's exceptional form further emphasizes this theme.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang interacts with his teammates through his gifts, fostering a positive relationship and increasing their support for him on the field.
• The media and fans compare Yang Yang's performance with that of Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar, highlighting the growing gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid wins the FIFA Club World Cup, achieving another Grand Slam.
• Yang Yang's performance is widely praised, sparking discussions about his and Real Madrid's limits.
• Real Madrid's financial success and growth are highlighted, with the club's revenue expected to exceed one billion euros soon.
• Yang Yang's contract with Real Madrid is renewed until 2018, with an after-tax annual salary exceeding 30 million euros.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Recognized as one of the greatest players in football history by Beckenbauer. He decides to renew his contract with Real Madrid for three years, ensuring he can still contribute to the team.
• Florentino (Real Madrid President): Offers Yang Yang a lifetime contract but respects Yang Yang's decision to renew for three years.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of excellence and maintaining high standards (Yang Yang, Real Madrid, and their competitors).
• The importance of a player's contribution to the team (Yang Yang's decision to renew for three years).
• The financial success and growth of Real Madrid as a global powerhouse.

Character Interactions

• Beckenbauer praises Yang Yang's achievements and compares him to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
• Florentino and Yang Yang discuss and agree on a three-year contract extension.
• The media and fans discuss Yang Yang's and Real Madrid's limits, as well as the duration of Yang Yang's contract renewal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Yang visits Van Basten in Amsterdam during Christmas break, unaware of his mentor's serious illness.
• Van Basten, once a legendary player, is now frail and ill due to the pressure of coaching.
• Yang Yang learns that Van Basten's illness is primarily stress-induced from his coaching career.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Realizes the immense pressure of coaching and the risks involved, starts questioning his readiness to become a head coach.
• Van Basten: Struggles with the pressure of coaching, resigns from his head coach position, and considers becoming an assistant coach in the Premier League.

Significant Themes

• Pressure of Coaching: The high-risk profession of head coaching and the immense stress it causes, even for legendary players.
• Readiness: Yang Yang's self-reflection on his readiness to become a head coach or an assistant coach.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Van Basten: Share a heart-to-heart conversation about coaching, pressure, and readiness. Van Basten shares his experiences and insights, helping Yang Yang gain perspective.
• Yang Yang and Van Gaal (mentioned): Comparison between Van Basten and Van Gaal's coaching styles and attitudes towards pressure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid lost a friendly match 2-4 to AC Milan in Dubai.
• Yang Yang won numerous Player of the Year awards from global media outlets.
• Real Madrid lost 1-2 to Valencia in La Liga due to key players' absence.
• Real Madrid faced Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, with Yang Yang scoring a direct free-kick goal and a brace, but Real Madrid conceded two goals from corner kick defense, ending the match 2-2.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Solidified his status as the best player globally, winning multiple Player of the Year awards. Showcased his leadership and tactical prowess by taking a surprise direct free-kick and scoring.
• Real Madrid Team: Struggled with form after the winter break, with key players absent and overall performance unsatisfactory.

Significant Themes

• Yang Yang's Dominance: Yang Yang's exceptional skills and leadership are further emphasized as he wins global awards and leads Real Madrid despite their struggles.
• Real Madrid's Weaknesses: The team's persistent weakness in defending corner kicks is highlighted as a potential fatal flaw.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and David Silva: Yang Yang surprises his teammate by deciding to take a direct free-kick, with Silva supporting the plan. Their interaction demonstrates trust and understanding between them.
• Real Madrid Team: The team's struggles reflect their lack of cohesion and form post-winter break, with key players absent and overall performance subpar.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid draws 2-2 with Atletico Madrid, sparking public criticism.
• AS reports on Real Madrid's decreased running distance and increased fatigue, suggesting a stamina crisis.
• Yang Yang gives an interview supporting Ancelotti and advocating for more rotation and trust in young players.
• Real Madrid wins 3-0 against Espanyol with significant rotations, ending their winless streak.
• UEFA and FIFA announce their Team of the Year, with Real Madrid players dominating, but excluding key defenders.
• Awards season: Löw wins best coach, James Rodríguez wins Puskas Award, Kessler wins World Soccer Player of the Year, and Yang Yang wins FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Character Developments

• Yang Yang: Becomes a vocal advocate for change within the team, publicly supporting Ancelotti and pushing for more opportunities for young players.
• Ancelotti: Initially cautious with young players, but responds to Yang Yang's suggestions by making significant rotations against Espanyol.
• Toni Kroos, James Rodríguez, and Di Maria: Struggle with fatigue and form after the World Cup, highlighting Real Madrid's stamina crisis.

Significant Themes

• Fatigue and Stamina: The team's struggles are attributed to a lack of rest and a stamina crisis, particularly among players who participated in the World Cup.
• Trust and Opportunity: Yang Yang emphasizes the importance of trusting and giving opportunities to young players to help the team overcome its difficulties.
• Recognition and Awards: Real Madrid players dominate the UEFA and FIFA Team of the Year, and Yang Yang wins the FIFA Ballon d'Or, highlighting their individual and collective achievements.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yang and Ancelotti: Yang Yang publicly supports Ancelotti and privately advocates for changes in the team's approach, with Ancelotti eventually responding to his suggestions.
• Yang Yang and Young Players: Yang Yang expresses confidence in the potential of young players like De Bruyne, Isco, Illarramendi, Varane, Vermaelen, Azpilicueta, and Danilo, pushing for them to be given more opportunities.
• Yang Yang and Su Ye: Yang Yang thanks his wife, Su Ye, in his acceptance speech for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, highlighting her sacrifices and support for his career.