Do players at the level of the Top Five Leagues have shoe contracts?
not necessarily!
Surprised?
But that's just how it is during this period.
Some young players even need their football boots provided by the club.
Even players with a modicum of talent can at most sign an unequal usage agreement with giants like Ake and Nikedidas. The other party provides them with professional shoes free of charge, while they have to pay a certain amount of penalty money.
Kente is not a superstar; his flaws are very obvious, and he is worthless in the eyes of scouts.
Surprisingly, shoe stores also have scouts, and they're said to be even more professional than most club scouts.
They consider factors such as a player's ability, potential, playing style, personal image, and position on the field to predict a player's career trajectory, thereby determining how many shoes the player can help them sell and how much influence they can expand.
And Kente...
She's 1.68 meters tall and adorably ugly.
It was an ugly black color, like a lump of coal.
He's not good at dribbling, passing, or shooting; he's not in goal highlights, and he's always just a background figure.
Their role is defense; they appear harmless, yet...
What are sports brand companies supposed to do?
Want to create a tough, masculine character?
Look at that adorable little black face, how can you bear to look at it?
Want to cultivate football prodigies?
The compilation of those missed passes and wild shots is enough to make Barcelona's hearts flutter, even more so than when Barcelona see Dembele and Braithwaite.
Moreover, he holds dual France and Mali citizenship.
But Mali has development potential for Hammer.
The France sportswear market is already mature; they'll sign superstars, not promising upstarts.
Therefore, even though Kente has reached the sixth-ranked team in the world, or rather... the fifth-ranked Ligue 1 1 Top Five Leagues, and is an important rotation player, the number of endorsements Kente has is still shockingly small.
While both are young rising stars, Kente is only two or three years older than Soguer, Parrott, and Boe, so calling him a rising star isn't far-fetched. However, in terms of endorsements, being compared to these guys is absolutely heartbreaking.
"How much did HXLT actually pay you for the endorsement?" Moric could tell at a glance that Lu Yang was trying to trick Kente into signing with HXLT, so he couldn't help but tease Lu Yang.
In fact, everyone knows about Lu Yang's endorsement fees.
The price was outrageously high, which once caused widespread controversy.
"The endorsement fee is only one aspect," Lu Yang smiled slightly. "After I helped Italy advance to the European Championship, HXLT's sales in Europe skyrocketed. In return, and to counter the new round of poaching by Ake and Nikedidas, HXLT agreed to let me acquire a portion of their shares at a relatively low price, around ten or twenty percent."
Lu Yang was quite reserved; this investment consumed a certain amount of his cash.
He will use these shares very much in the future, so he specifically talked to hxlt several times before finalizing the deal.
But none of the people present could support him.
Tens or twenty percent?
HXLT?
Damn it!
Why even bother playing football?
HXLT is now considered a moderately large sportswear brand in Europe.
Although the initial price was set low in order to enter the market, and the brand image was never high, the profits were definitely substantial.
There's no comparison between how much money an individual earns and how much a company earns.
Earning a million a year makes you a successful person, and earning ten million a year is incredibly impressive.
But corporate revenues are often in the hundreds of millions.
After becoming a shareholder of HXLT, Lu Yang retired on the spot and will never have to worry about food or drink for the rest of his life, having entered the stage of financial freedom ahead of schedule.
Everyone is suffering.
Even a legendary player like Soto asked with tears in his eyes, "Is it too late for me to wave your Hongqi before and after the next game? Pure red! The kind where Italy isn't involved?"
Lu Yang thought for a moment and said, "First of all, you have to be of China descent. We value that very much."
Soto asked, "My grandmother once took a photo with a China student, does that count?"
Lu Yang replied, somewhat awkwardly but politely, "What do you think?"
At this point, Moric asked obsequiously, "Um, if there's no blood relation, is there a way?"
See? That's how powerful the China market is.
Lu Yang patted Moric's head. "Your situation is easy to solve. From now on, we'll each do our own thing, and I guarantee you'll be a household name across China, with endorsements galore!"
Moric looked puzzled. "What do you mean by 'each side of the story'?"
Lu Yang said, "It means I'll call you brother, and you'll call me dad! Recognize me as your father, and I guarantee you'll become a My Football in fame!"
Moric a long time to realize that Lu Yang was taking advantage of him.
The problem with Kente was ultimately addressed using the solution proposed by Lu Yang.
That very evening, Lu Yang immediately contacted HXLT's design department, requesting that they conduct a study on Kente's foot shape.
HXLT's design team is also very serious; scientific shoemaking is their main direction for future development.
The exclusive version of the Hunting Blade series sneakers they provided for Lu Yang was a custom-made version based on Lu Yang's foot shape, different from the fan version and player version.
Therefore, custom-made services for Kente became a familiar task.
After their team arrived, they spent the entire day collecting Kente's foot and movement data.
Then, using the design of the Hunting Blade- shaped sneakers, several pairs of sneakers were custom-made for Kente.
The proportions of the forefoot and heel of this sneaker are completely different from those of ordinary sneakers, and they even look somewhat disproportionate. This is the second major characteristic of this sneaker.
The most distinctive feature of these sneakers is their stiffness!
The upper is relatively stiff!
Stiff uppers are suitable for speed-oriented players, making their dribbling and speed more agile.
Midfielders or technically skilled players, on the other hand, need softer uppers to allow them to maximize their control over the ball.
However, an overly soft upper presents some problems when hitting the ball forcefully, making long passes, or shooting from a distance.
Therefore, the choice of sneakers is very important for players.
Finding a pair of basketball shoes that suits your playing style and that you're comfortable wearing isn't easy.
Therefore, if a normal player wore such stiff boots as Kente's, there's no doubt that both their shooting and passing would become worse.
But for Kente, whose passing and shooting are already poor, these boots allow him to pass without any mental or physical burden. He can pass the ball with full force, making standard movements and exerting power, so that his passes are not as wildly inaccurate as before.
Therefore... these shoes actually greatly enhance his passing and shooting abilities.
Of course!
This so-called "boost" simply means that his passing and shooting abilities reach the level of a normal midfielder.
The success rate of short passes is extremely high, and the success rate of long passes is relatively high.
The deviation of a quick, moving pass will be controlled to about half a meter, unlike before when it would deviate by one and a half or even two meters.
They can even occasionally deliver an unexpectedly accurate long pass.
When taking a long-range shot, it should at least be near the goal.
These are standards that professional players at the level of starting players in the top Top Five Leagues should meet, and should even do better.
But with Kente's passing and shooting abilities at this level, Soto has almost lost all motivation.
Absolutely perfect!
In this way, Kente is practically a "bankrupt version" of Lu Yang defensively, but far inferior to Lu Yang Lu Yang all other aspects, yet still barely adequate!
This player is simply too perfect!
This evaluation made Lu Yang realize just how high his status was in Soto's heart.
If the bankrupt version of Lu Yang is perfect, then so be it.
So, what kind of evaluation should I, the genuine Lu Yang Lu Yang, who is still improving in every aspect, receive?
Lu Yang felt great after doing a good deed!
However, Moric had some reservations about this.
"Why won't HXLT sign me?" Moric was furious!
Although he also has a "child labor shoe contract" with Nikedidas, that contract expires next year.
At that time, Moric will definitely get a lucrative shoe contract.
He is already one of the rising stars attracting attention from fans across Europe.
Even disregarding Lu Yang's insane four to five million euros a year, Moric's target price for his next contract is at least between one and five hundred thousand euros and two million euros.
For Lu Yang's sake, Moric might even consider HXLT.
Rejecting Ake and Nikedidas was a very unwise and courageous choice for the young player.
Moric was willing to do this for Lu Yang.
However... Lu Yang actually invited Kente!
So love can disappear, right?
"Relax, your contract is expiring soon. If you're willing, just wait for me. I guarantee you'll get a very lucrative sneaker contract in the future," Lu Yang comforted Moric. "The kind of lucrative contract that's beyond your imagination."
Moric didn't believe any of this nonsense. He wasn't that stupid woman, Sophia, who would be so easily fooled by Lu Yang: "But you paid 500,000 for Kente's breach of contract! My breach of contract fee is only one million, I can pay it myself!"
Lu Yang was speechless. "This isn't about the buyout clause. HXLT signed Kente, but I hope it's Lu who signs Moric!"
Moric was completely baffled.
"Do you know AJ?" Lu Yang asked.
The next moment, Moric shuddered, and the hairs on his body stood on end.
"Are you crazy? You want to launch your own personal brand?" Moric exclaimed incredulously.
What is personal branding?
This is not the era that came later on Earth, where anyone, no matter who they are, could establish a personal brand.
In this world, at this stage, there are only two paths to launching a personal brand.
First, become a god in your sport!
For example, the basketball god.
At the very least, one has to be a demigod to have the right to ask a brand for permission.
Otherwise, everyone would find it laughable.
Secondly, you don't rely on the channels of big brands; you start from scratch.
But the second option is a dead end, because the traditional sports giants, as beneficiaries of the existing system, no longer allow new brands to be born and develop.
Whether in China or abroad, old brands may be able to be reborn.
But new brands have absolutely no chance of survival.
Do they really think that the billions of dollars that Ake and Nikedidas spend on various sports programs around the world every year are just going down the drain?
Those all have profound significance, and are not limited to advertising effects and economic value.
Ake can control the NBA Finals MVP and numerous other awards.
Nikedidas can work with clubs to exert significant influence on awards such as the FIFA World Player of the Year, Ballon d'Or, Golden Boy Award, and individual tournament awards.
Even the Chinese Super League, the China National Football Team, and many other domestic sports dare not utter a word on the issue of funding, all because they receive hundreds of millions of yuan in sponsorship funds and extremely valuable equipment sponsorships every year.
These are all other levels of influence.
Therefore, Moric was shocked by Lu Yang's statement.
HXLT's capture of Lu Yang has given them a significant advantage in Europe.
But even a "small brand" like this is unlikely to agree to Lu Yang establishing his own personal brand.
The interests of the two are in conflict.
Moric had no idea how to solve these problems.
But Lu Yang appeared very confident. "I will talk to HXLT about this at the right time. I will not sever ties with them directly. I hope that, like with AJ, we can all make money together."
"Of course, I also need HXLT's strong support in all aspects; it's a mutually beneficial process."
Moric, standing to the side, clapped in amazement. "Just hearing you say that, I even thought you won the Ballon d'Or' Or at the end of last year, not the Golden Boy Award!"
Clearly, Momo was mocking Lu Yang for overthinking and having too much ambition.
But then, thinking about the vast market behind Lu Yang and his abnormally high popularity in Asia, Lu Yang Moric, realizing his mistake, shamelessly said, "Then it's settled! I'll be the first star player signed under your personal brand!"
"By the way, what are you planning to name your brand?"
"Miracle?"
"Gay seller?"
" Mad Lu?"
"Golden Boots?"
Moric started flattering his future employer in advance.
Lu Yang smiled slightly; "Keep it simple, keep the naming simple... What do you think of LY7!"
Moric's pupils contracted. "Why number seven? Is that your next jersey number?"
Lu Yang nodded. "Yes. Because I think number seven sounds really cool!"
Moric: "But that doesn't suit your status! You deserve the number 10 jersey! Even in the Italy National Team, even though the number 10 jersey currently belongs to Ancarelli, I believe you will take that jersey from him in the future!"
Lu Yang looked at Moric: "But if I wear a size 10, what size do you wear? Size 8? Although it's a bit much to say, I don't think size 8 is good enough for you."
Moric's eyes reddened.
Good buddy, you've got it!
lifetime!
Moric understood that as long as they were on the same team, he would never be able to compete with Lu Yang for the jersey number.
He might get number ten, but that's only because Lu Yang won't choose number ten.
This doesn't mean he's weaker than Lu Yang; in fact, Moric is the team's tactical core.
But... once you're on the same team as Lu Yang, you'll understand that you'd be willing to let him choose his number first.
Therefore, Lu Yang could choose the best number instead of picking a mediocre number seven jersey.
To put it somewhat bluntly, in Moric's mind, the number seven jersey was no longer a good match for Lu Yang!
He felt there was no better option than number ten.
"Don't get excited, it's not because of you," Lu Yang said. "Believe me, I don't know what the number seven jersey is like now, but the number seven jersey will definitely be the best-selling jersey in the world in the future, without a doubt!"
"Number 10 has given players a core role. But I hope I can give number 7 a new meaning: 'representing the strongest'!"
"LY7 will be a global phenomenon in the future!"
"You'll envy me then, and of course, I'll allow you to form M10 later! I also hope you can give the number 10 jersey more meaning!"
The two left the club's stadium while talking.
Two players wearing jerseys with numbers in the twenties or so are discussing a momentous event that will change the order of jersey numbers in world football!
Jersey numbers have many symbolic meanings.
For example, number one is often the starting goalkeeper.
Numbers two through six are mostly guards and defensive players.
Six and eight, mostly midfielders.
Number nine is the starting center.
Football, at its core, is a sport about scoring goals. Forwards are highly valued and easily gain fame, making them a coveted position.
Therefore, number nine has always been one of the most fiercely contested numbers.
Similarly, number ten symbolizes the core of a team, representing the team's most intelligent and powerful player.
Equally sought after.
Other numbers, such as number 11 and number 13, are also represented by top-tier stars.
But... I don't know when it started, but the number seven gradually became a super number.
Perhaps it's because after Beckham and Ronaldinho, countless super number 7s emerged, making fans obsessed with players wearing that number.
It's also possible that the Messi-Ronaldo era, with its ultimate showdown between number 7 and number 10, further reinforced the concept that number 7 is a super number.
In short... numbers seven and ten have become the two most sought-after numbers in the world of basketball right now!
All Lu Yang needed to do was make the people here realize that Number Seven was indeed so powerful and amazing!
The first round of the Europa League knockout stage officially kicked off on February 16th.
San Remo will host Primeira Liga powerhouse Porto!
Porto's performance last season was not good. As one of the three giants of the Primeira Liga, they finished third, behind Benfica and Sporting CP, and could only participate in the Europa League.
But last summer, they signed their star striker Maximiliano Ferreira from Argentina football club River Plate for a hefty €15 million.
They rebuilt their attacking trident around Ferreira.
Meanwhile, Italy young star Parrott, with Ferreira's support, has further evolved and currently holds a commanding lead in the Primeira Liga's top scorer list, a position no one can challenge!
Therefore, this is a war between a Primeira Liga powerhouse and a " Serie A newcomer".
It's also a battle between the Primeira Liga's top scorer and the Serie B B's top scorer.
It's a competition between South America prodigies and Europe golden boys!
Before the match, the media did a lot of research.
Reporter: Parrott, two years ago you were far more famous than Lu Yang and Moric, but now they've surpassed you. What are your thoughts on that?
Parrott: I knew this day would come from two years ago when I was with them at the Star of Italy Team. Lu and Moric are excellent, and they deserve the praise they have now.
Regarding the same question, Lu Yang said: Parrott is very strong. Although he is currently a star striker that many top clubs are vying to acquire, I still have to say that he is underrated!
Reporter: Ferreira, you are a talented South America player. You joined Porto for a high price this season and performed excellently, but due to your length of service and age, you were not shortlisted for the Golden Boy Award. What are your thoughts on this?
Ferreira: The Golden Boy Award is not the end, but just the beginning. We will congratulate the players who win the Golden Boy Award, but that doesn't mean other players are inferior to them; on the contrary, they may even be better.
Reporter: So what are your thoughts on this match?
Ferreira: We came here with only one goal: to take three points.
The reporter asked Moric the same question: I've heard of Ferreira, he's excellent. The selection process is a matter of mechanism; it doesn't mean that players on the Golden Boy Award list are stronger than those not on it. Of course, Lu Yang will always be the strongest in my heart, and that has nothing to do with the Golden Boy Award.
Moric: Now that we're in the Europa League knockout stage, I believe all teams' goal is to win, Porto's is, and so is ours.
The reporters tried to stir up some conflict, but they failed.
Because they didn't expect young people these days to be so lacking in temper, not even daring to utter any arrogant words?
England's young players and stars really put on a good show; they believe everything the reporters say and are always ready to argue with them.
In this match, San Remo boldly deployed a 3-5-2 formation in such a crucial game!
This is also one of the few times they have changed their formation when facing strong opponents this season.
On the one hand, Kente's arrival and quick integration have reduced the defensive risks associated with changing the formation.
In addition, Kente's improved passing and shooting abilities have also enhanced San Remo's control of the game.
Finally, this formation can theoretically put immense pressure on Porto's backline, making it difficult for them to get the ball out of the box, giving it a certain tactical advantage.
Therefore, San Remo boldly used this formation.
In terms of staffing.
Baizami and Soguer will play as the two strikers.
Moric plays the usual role, as always, as a single attacking midfielder.
Lam and Kente will form a double pivot in midfield, with Kente sweeping across the midfield and providing strong protection for the right flank.
Lu Yang and Canyes will play as left winger and right winger, respectively.
Bernulini, Palacios, and Camihon played as center-backs.
Areola is in goal.
With a whistle, the competition officially began.
For the first ten minutes, both sides were testing each other.
This is the observation period for the players.
Even with the same two formations, different players will produce different styles.
For example, Kente likes to sweep up defenses and has an excellent ability to protect the flanks, which can greatly reduce the defensive pressure on right winger Canyes.
If Latuidi were in the same position, the central defense might be more impenetrable, but the area behind Canyes would become a scoring zone that the opponent could exploit at will.
Even the same player, within the same formation, can perform differently against different opponents.
For example, if the opposing winger makes a very determined attack and there is also a tactical bias in the team, then Lu Yang will stay in his own backfield for a long time, which is equivalent to a left wing-back or left-back.
However, if the opposing winger is not good at attacking, has no teammates to support him, cannot easily get past Lu Yang, and is not fast enough...
Then Lu Yang would move up his position, allowing himself to be more active in the opponent's half and enhance the attack, so that even if there are gaps behind him, the opponent cannot exploit them.
To put it simply, it's about rubbing each other to determine the shape of the other!
Ten minutes later, Porto made the first move!
They believed they had figured out the San Remo pattern.
Porto capitalized on a weakness in San Remo's attack, launching a long pass behind Canyes' defense.
Kente moved over immediately to mark Ferreira.
Ferreira and his teammate dribbled past Kente by crashing into the wall.
But Kente made an excellent anticipation and, with his inside advantage, blocked Ferreira's inside cut.
Canyes had already returned to defense by then.
This was a relatively successful defense, at least tactically.
However, Ferreira also demonstrated why he is worth fifteen million euros!
He instantly realized that Canyes was the better offensive opponent.
A feint inside, a real run down the wing, and then a cross.
Parrott headed the ball in.
Fortunately, Areola was exceptionally skilled and correctly predicted the trajectory of the header, blocking the shot with his body.
The generals of San Remo were terrified.
Kente kept a close eye on Ferreira, sensing the danger posed by the player.