Li Luo

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Li Luo (李洛)
Alias(es)	Manchester United Crown Prince; China’s Genius/Prodigy; Prince of the Pitch; Red Devils’ Midfield Soul; “Luo the Heavenly Emperor”; King
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Nationality	Chinese
Affiliation	Manchester United; China National Football Team; China U23 National Football Team; VfL Wolfsburg (former loan)
Occupation/Role	Professional footballer; commanding midfielder and attacking organizer
Status	Active
First Appearance	1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Spatial Awareness Module	3	Obtained from a Legendary Chest after scoring on his Premier League debut against Swansea City; improves his reading of space and positioning.
Step Frequency Module	43	Drawn from a blind box; raises his Ball Control and Speed attributes.
Passing: 71	58	His passing reaches 71 points, allowing him to create lanes more easily and reduce teammates’ physical burden.
“Bending It Like Beckham” Module	63	Acquired from a Europa League Star Blind Box; strengthens his curling and bending strikes.
Iniesta’s “Ball Control” Module	63	Obtained alongside the Beckham module; improves close control and command of the ball.
Hummels’s “Outside-of-the-Foot” Module	67	Received from a Rival Blind Box after the Schalke match; enhances two-footedness and control.
Bergkamp’s “First Touch” Module	69	Obtained through a Europa League Star Blind Box after Wolfsburg advances while Inter Milan is eliminated.
“Shield Forward” Module	73	Drawn from a Bundesliga Star Blind Box; improves Shooting, Ball Control, Passing, Defense, and Tackling.
“Core Power” Module	92	A Source Power reward following China’s Asian Cup semi-final win over Australia; improves physical attributes and combat ability.
Ronaldinho’s “Inspiration” Module	100	Obtained from an International Tournament Stars Blind Box after China wins the Asian Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s “Hang Time” Module	100	Obtained alongside Inspiration; enhances his aerial capability.
“Asian Cup Champion” Achievement	100	Awarded for completing the “Peak of Asia” quest; grants peak physical condition on major Asian football pitches.
Totti’s “Chip Shot” Module	112	Purchased with Shock Points after Wolfsburg defeat Roma; raises Shooting and Curve.
Gareth Bale’s “Red Dragon Boy” Module	135	Reward gained after Manchester United’s match against Southampton.
Messi’s “Stride Frequency Switching” Module	142	Obtained from a Barcelona Golden Treasure Chest; raises Ball Control to 91.
“Weighted Long Pass” Module	151	Obtained from a Chelsea Golden Chest after his free-kick hat-trick against Chelsea.
“Weak-Foot King” Module	51	Reward for his match-winning hat-trick against Japan; allows his left foot to fully apply the power of his modules, expands his ball-control radius, and grows alongside his attributes.
“Injury Recovery Rate” Module	51	Obtained alongside Weak-Foot King after China’s victory over Japan.
Essien’s “Beast Midfielder” Module	72	Obtained from a Europa League Star Blind Box; grants Passing +1, Defense +3, and Tackling +3.
Pjanić’s “Flick Pass” Module	107	Raises Passing to 82 and unlocks the Falling-Leaf Free Kick.
Çalhanoğlu’s “Whip Pass” Module	114	Raises Passing to 89 and deepens his understanding of whip passes.
Boateng’s “Defending” Module	115	Raises Defense and Tackling by 3 points each.
Hässler’s “Center of Gravity Adjustment” Module	115	Raises Ball Control by 2 and improves his perception of opponents’ shifts in balance.
Schweinsteiger’s “Ski Football” Module	115	Raises Ball Control, Defense, Tackling, and Jumping by 2 each while improving body balance.
“Unconventional Posture” Shooting Module Upgrade	124	Upgraded with an achievement reward after Wolfsburg secure the German Cup and domestic double.
Torres’s “Super Offside-Avoiding One-on-One Finish” Module	206	Obtained from a Liverpool Golden Treasure Chest following his brace and assist in Manchester United’s 4–3 win at Anfield.
“Power Target Man” Module	217	Obtained after the Watford match; gives him a new tactical option as a physical focal point ahead of midfield.
Kaká “2007 UEFA Champions League Peak” Template: 80% Integration	275	Reaches 80% integration after his two-goal performance against Portugal U23, strengthening his long-striding counterattacking form.
Kaká “2007 UEFA Champions League Peak” Template: 100% Integration	279	Achieves complete integration against Germany U23, unlocking the form best suited to carrying China U23 through overwhelming pressure.
Matthäus’s “Heavy Cannon” Module	34	Exchanged for with Shock Value after Li’s Bundesliga winning streak; improves his Shooting and reinforces his long-range striking threat.
Mario Gomez’s “Pragmatic Passing and Shooting” Module	71	Obtained from a Bundesliga Star Blind Box after the Cologne match; raises Shooting by 2 to 80 and Passing by 2 to 77 while improving his full-body finishing ability.
“Royal Commission” Module	79	Obtained from the Beckenbauer Unyielding Blind Box after China’s Asian Cup-opening win over Saudi Arabia; can summon or empower European-legend phantoms in desperate match situations.
Spatial Awareness Upgrade: “Spatial Preview”	87	Expands his ability to gather and replay match information, reducing the need to repeatedly reconstruct spatial models during play.
De Bruyne’s “Outside-Curl Pass” Module	108	Obtained from a Bundesliga All-Stars Blind Box after Wolfsburg’s win over Werder Bremen; raises Passing by 5 to 87 and deepens his command of outside-curl passes.
Yaya Touré’s “Yak Charge” Module	180	Obtained from a Manchester Derby Treasure Chest; raises Physical Contact by 2 and Foot Strength by 3 while improving his use of upper-body strength.
La Masia No. 4 Position Form	199 321	A mentally demanding tactical-vision form that gives Li exceptionally clear perception of space, timing, player movement, and defensive weaknesses.
Yaya Touré’s “Glute-Leg Core Combat” Module	329	Obtained after Manchester United’s 3–0 derby win over Manchester City; enhances strength, balance, endurance, and physical-duel ability.
Streich’s “Precise Tackling” Module	329	System reward gained during Manchester United’s congested run of fixtures; improves the precision of his defensive challenges.
Badstuber’s “Relaxation” Module	329	System reward that improves his composure inside the opposition penalty area.
Tim Wiese’s “Shouting Stress Relief” Module	329	System reward that provides a stress-release ability.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s “Golden Edge” Module	359	Obtained from a Legendary Chest after Manchester United’s 4–3 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu; grants elite big-game finishing, long-run explosiveness, inside-cutting technique, and potential Legendary Phantom activation.

Background / History

Li Luo transmigrates into the body of an eighteen-year-old Chinese football prodigy on the eve of his Premier League debut for Manchester United. Although the original Li Luo had exceptional footballing ability, the transmigrated Li Luo initially does not inherit those skills or understand the team’s tactical system, leaving him overwhelmed by the expectations placed upon Manchester United’s “crown prince” and China’s great hope. 1 His initial system panel reflects this disparity: his physical attributes are already exceptional, but his Ball Control, Passing, Shooting, Curve, Defense, Tackling, and Heading are initially in single digits, leaving him dependent on training, free attribute points, and system rewards to rebuild his footballing ability. 1

His debut against Swansea City changes his circumstances: he scores a header to secure a draw, earns the attention of Manchester United supporters and Sir Alex Ferguson, and receives the Spatial Awareness Module from a Legendary Chest. 3 Afterward, he discovers the original owner’s diary in his suitcase, learning of the former Li Luo’s confidence and childhood ambitions. 4

Manchester United subsequently loans him to Wolfsburg to gain experience. The move is also valuable to Wolfsburg and Volkswagen because of his commercial appeal in China, though coach Dieter Hecking is initially concerned about integrating such a heavily anticipated player. 5

At Wolfsburg, Li Luo develops from a high-profile loanee into the centerpiece of Hecking’s side. He helps the club win the German Cup to complete a domestic double, then scores in the Europa League final as Wolfsburg win 2–0 and secure a European trophy. 124 125

Personality

Li Luo is disciplined, competitive, and intensely focused on football. Even as his fame produces endorsement offers, media attention, and frequent romantic advances, he generally prioritizes training, recovery, and match preparation over distractions. 17 40 63 His increasing fame and several private relationships nevertheless make his personal life more complicated than his public image suggests. 341 359 365

He is also considerate toward teammates and supporters. He responds empathetically to Bendtner’s gambling difficulties, encourages teammates during international matches, and makes public promises to bring trophies to Wolfsburg. 17 21 77 His professionalism extends to public life: he maintains boundaries with admirers, challenges fabricated media stories, and worries about causing disruption when returning to China. 44 190

Despite his growing confidence, Li Luo can be blunt or socially inattentive. His response to Busquets creates an awkward moment at a UEFA ceremony, and he often forgets the identities of people he has met because of his schedule and the volume of messages he receives. 16 40 143

Li Luo has a strong sense of responsibility as China’s foremost footballing representative. He avoids using excessive public resources during his national-team trips, treats Chinese supporters warmly, donates significant memorabilia to the National Museum, and is conscious that his conduct is judged as an example for younger fans. 53 269 293 324 He also declines a South Korean tourism-promotion invitation before visiting Pyongyang’s Friendship Tower to lay flowers, an act that prompts extensive public admiration in China. 306

Abilities & Skills

Spatial Control and Playmaking

Li Luo’s defining strength is his ability to recognize space, dictate tempo, and create attacks from midfield. Manchester United’s technical staff classify him as a commanding midfielder who breaks deadlocks and organizes the side. 112

• Uses Spatial Awareness to identify passing lanes and exploit defensive gaps. 3 59
• Broke Dortmund’s high press with an ultra-long through ball that created De Bruyne’s goal. 59
• Develops passing, tactical thought, and One-Touch Passing into core parts of his game. 57
• Provides decisive assists, including an assist for Wu Lei against Uzbekistan. 81
• His early first touch remains a target for opponents after returning to the Premier League. 133
• Pjanić’s Flick Pass, De Bruyne’s Outside-Curl Pass, and Çalhanoğlu’s Whip Pass elevate his passing from 82 to 89, allowing him to combine vision, timing, weight, and trajectory at an elite level. 107 108 114
• Uses his passing as both a possession tool and a counterattacking weapon, launching strategic diagonal “cruise-missile” passes immediately after defensive recoveries. 153 163
• Deliberately manipulates Bayern Munich’s pressing structure by slowing play, drawing opponents inward, and releasing Morata through the resulting gap. 210
• Acts as the central hub of Manchester United’s Big Circle Tactic, enabling teammates to retain possession, recover stamina, and force opponents into continual defensive running. 264
• His La Masia No. 4 Position Form gives him near-superhuman clarity in judging movement, timing, space, and rapidly closing defensive lanes, albeit at substantial mental cost. 199 321
• Uses the form to control Manchester United’s 7–0 dismantling of Barcelona, turning the club’s passing game into a weapon that exhausts and psychologically overwhelms the opposition. 321

Shooting and Set Pieces

Li Luo is a versatile scorer capable of finishing headers, chips, solo runs, long-range strikes, and several free-kick techniques.

• Scored a debut header against Swansea City and later used aerial ability regularly for Manchester United and China. 3 133
• His Inward-Curling Arc against Inter Milan becomes a global viral highlight. 40
• His Crescent Moon Curler against Schalke evokes comparisons with Manchester United’s famous number seven. 65 67
• Uses a knuckleball free kick against Chelsea, producing an unpredictable “elevator-like” trajectory. 149
• Leads Manchester United past Chelsea with a free-kick hat-trick. 151
• Uses a long-range curving cannon shot to break the deadlock against Qatar. 152
• Unlocks the Falling-Leaf Free Kick through Pjanić’s Flick Pass Module. 107
• Scores a decisive 41-meter free kick in the final moments of the UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid, forcing extra time. 265
• Scores a curling volley, a free kick, and a Heavy Cannon strike in Manchester United’s 3–0 Manchester derby victory, cementing his reputation as the club’s “King of Long Shots.” 329
• Cristiano Ronaldo’s Golden Edge Module improves his finishing under extreme pressure, his long-run shooting posture, and his ability to choose between powerful strikes and placed finishes during inside cuts. 359

Dribbling and Ball Control

His Ball Control, stride-frequency changes, and acceleration enable him to carry the ball through tightly organized defenses.

• Dribbles past five Japanese players before scoring during the Asian Cup. 84
• Beats multiple Saudi Arabian defenders before scoring a powerful curling goal. 77
• Outruns Walcott and Bellerín during a solo goal against Arsenal. 171
• Messi’s Stride Frequency Switching Module raises his Ball Control to 91. 142
• His Bergkamp, Hässler, and Schweinsteiger modules improve his first touch, balance, and ability to manipulate opponents’ centers of gravity under pressure. 69 115
• Escapes Pogba’s pressure in their Champions League encounter through body positioning, deceptive movement, and a rapid turn rather than direct physical contact. 198
• His complete Kaká-template integration allows him to make sustained, long-striding solo runs that combine elite speed, ball control, and counterattacking judgment. 272 279
• Dribbles through Barcelona’s midfield and defense during Manchester United’s 7–0 victory, including a nutmeg on Busquets and a solo finish after bypassing Rakitic, Turan, Piqué, and Mascherano. 321
• Produces a five-man dribble against Casemiro, Modrić, Kroos, Ramos, and Varane during Manchester United’s 4–3 win at the Bernabéu. 359

Physicality and Defensive Work

Li Luo develops from a technically gifted prospect into a player able to contribute across the pitch and withstand physical pressure.

• Performs extensive defensive sweeping against Japan, disrupting attacks while also scoring. 48
• His improved stamina becomes a tactical concern for Everton during Wolfsburg’s Europa League campaign. 63
• The Core Power Module enhances his physical attributes and ability in collisions. 92
• Avoids Özil’s dangerous tackle and cleanly sends Coquelin flying during Manchester United’s match against Arsenal. 171
• His Beast Midfielder, Defending, and Ski Football modules substantially improve his Defense, Tackling, balance, and ability to contribute as a two-way midfielder. 72 115
• Uses Core Power to resist Castro’s challenge against Leverkusen, with his Physical Contact reaching 88 by that stage. 114
• Tracks back to dispossess elite opponents before immediately launching solo counters, including a decisive interception against Argentina U23. 272
• Functions as both China U23’s highest forward and its emergency defensive sweeper when the team adopts an ultra-defensive 9-0-1 or 9-1-0 shape. 275 279
• Overpowers Portugal U23 defenders Tobias, Figueiredo, and João Cancelo in individual duels while creating both of China U23’s goals against Portugal. 275
• Uses his developed strength, balance, and timing to physically compete with elite defenders, including Boateng, and his Yaya Touré modules further improve his upper-body and lower-body combat ability. 180 220 329
• Makes an extraordinary recovery run to deny Messi a near-certain goal during Manchester United’s 7–0 win over Barcelona. 321

System Rewards

Li Luo receives modules and attribute improvements by earning Shock Points/Value and exchanging them for reward chests and blind boxes. Major performances, tournament success, and rival matches can trigger special rewards. 3 63 67 100 112

His system progression also includes growth-type modules, achievement upgrades, player templates, and special forms. Growth modules such as Weak-Foot King, Core Power, and Bergkamp’s First Touch become stronger as his underlying attributes improve, while the Kaká “2007 UEFA Champions League Peak” Template gives him a specialized long-distance attacking form that reaches full integration during the Olympics. 51 69 92 275 279

The system can also manifest Legendary Phantoms. The Royal Commission Module can call upon or strengthen European-legend phantoms in desperate situations, while the “Siu!” mission produces manifestations associated with Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa during China U23’s Olympic match against Portugal. 79 275 His Golden Edge Module is a Soul Furnace reward and similarly possesses the potential to trigger a Cristiano Ronaldo Legendary Phantom. 359

Notable Items

• Original Li Luo’s diary — Found in his suitcase after his Manchester United debut; records the original owner’s childhood confidence and aspirations. 4
• Arabian dagger — Gifted by Crown Prince Hamdan during Li Luo’s visit to Dubai for China’s World Cup qualifier. 151
• Laureus World Sports Awards Best Newcomer trophy — Received by Li Luo and later given to Lauren. 208
• Olympic gold medal and Olympic final match ball — Donated by Li Luo to the National Museum following China U23’s Olympic triumph. 293
• Blackburn Rovers 1995 championship commemorative scarf — Received as a system reward following Manchester United’s EFL Cup match against Blackburn Rovers. 329

Relationships

• Tom — Li Luo’s agent and close assistant. He handles contracts, schedules, training commitments, and travel while consistently trying to keep Li Luo focused on football. 17 40 151
• Louis van Gaal — Manchester United manager. Van Gaal initially gives Li Luo tactical instructions, later gives him greater freedom, plans future recruitment around him, and is criticized for overusing him. 1 69 132 165
• Carlo Ancelotti — Manchester United manager following Van Gaal. Ancelotti trusts Li Luo as the tactical center of his side, builds his approach around Li’s freedom and influence, and carefully manages his workload during difficult fixtures. 276 321 329
• Dieter Hecking — Li Luo’s Wolfsburg manager and mentor, who builds a tactical system around him and guides his development during the loan. He later becomes China’s national-team coach and continues to praise Li Luo while emphasizing the need to improve the team as a whole. 57 58 293 355
• Ryan Giggs — Manchester United assistant coach who gives Li Luo early tactical guidance and remains involved in his development. 1 149
• Wayne Rooney — Senior Manchester United teammate who supports Li Luo from his debut onward and recognizes his importance to the team. 3 135
• Kevin De Bruyne — Wolfsburg teammate and frequent attacking partner. Their combination breaks Dortmund’s press, with Li Luo supplying the pass for De Bruyne’s goal; they later form part of Manchester United’s influential Li–Malanda–De Bruyne combination. 59 269
• Gaël Malanda — A close teammate and essential member of Manchester United’s Li–Malanda–De Bruyne combination. Malanda regularly supports Li in possession, combines with him to escape pressure, and shares a playful rapport with him off the pitch. 210 269 333
• Álvaro Morata — Manchester United forward and a major beneficiary of Li Luo’s playmaking. Morata repeatedly trusts Li’s passes and runs, describes playing alongside him as an artistic experience, and credits Li with making difficult finishes appear effortless. 210 321 359
• Romelu Lukaku — Initially a friendly acquaintance from UEFA events, he later becomes Li’s Manchester United teammate and attacking partner. Li creates space and opportunities for Lukaku, whose confidence in their partnership grows steadily. 16 113 321 359
• Perrin — Former China National Team manager. Perrin increasingly trusts Li Luo as the focal point of China’s attack and praises his professionalism, leadership, and influence during the Asian Cup period. 48 81 88
• Gao Hongbo — China U23 manager during the Rio Olympics. He builds an extremely pragmatic defensive structure around Li Luo’s ability to recover possession and carry the attack by himself. 271 272 279
• Lauren de Graaf — Dutch GG advertisement partner and close friend whose affection for Li Luo gradually becomes more openly romantic. Although Li remains reluctant to define their relationship, they share intimate dates, hand-holding, and a kiss, while he insists that he will not consider a formal girlfriend until after winning the FIFA World Cup. 17 36 113 359 360
• Lei — German actress and frequent commercial partner. Lei develops romantic feelings for Li Luo and repeatedly attempts to win his affection; their relationship later becomes privately intimate, though Li still avoids giving it a clear public definition. 40 44 165 365
• Shinji Kagawa — Japanese opponent who develops mutual respect with Li Luo during China’s match against Japan. 48
• Paul Pogba — Champions League midfield rival. Pogba is determined to prove himself against Li Luo after Juventus draw Manchester United, but Li Luo outmaneuvers him during their direct encounter. 166 198
• Princess Salama — Middle Eastern princess whom Li Luo meets through Crown Prince Hamdan. He guides her through Chinese culture during the Spring Festival and later spends time with her at the Rio Olympic Village; their friendship and her evident affection continue to deepen during a later diplomatic visit to China. 151 190 274 355
• Suzuki Airi — Japanese idol and admirer who persists in pursuing Li Luo despite his repeated attempts to maintain distance and reject her feelings. 53 73 333
• Dasha Taran — Commercial acquaintance and charity-event partner. Dasha develops feelings for Li Luo during Manchester United’s River Irwell litter-picking event, which Li Luo does not reciprocate. 217
• Usain Bolt — Olympic acquaintance who admires Li Luo’s ability to combine sprinting with ball control and discusses his own dream of becoming a professional footballer. 274
• Savannah Blyde — Actress and charity-ad partner. Savannah harbors romantic feelings for Li Luo, while he remains distant and professional during their anti-cyberbullying campaign. 317
• Miriam Leone — Italian actress and commercial partner who openly flirts with Li Luo during their work together. Li remains guarded around her, although tabloid coverage repeatedly exaggerates their association. 107 356

Story Role and Major Arcs

Manchester United Debut and Wolfsburg Loan

Li Luo debuts for Manchester United against Swansea City, scoring a late equalizer despite his fear that he lacks the original prodigy’s football ability. 1 3 He is then loaned to Wolfsburg, where he quickly proves himself to local supporters, becomes a key player in the Bundesliga and Europa League, and attracts interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, and other European powers. 5 15 57

At Wolfsburg, he becomes the center of Hecking’s tactical system. His long passing breaks Dortmund’s press, his curling goals against Inter Milan and Schalke become major highlights, and his performances help Wolfsburg reach the Europa League knockout rounds. 40 59 63 65

Li Luo’s loan culminates in silverware. Wolfsburg win the German Cup to complete a domestic double, then defeat their Europa League-final opponent 2–0, with Li Luo scoring and controlling the tempo of the match. 124 125

China National Team and Asian Cup

Li Luo becomes China’s central attacking figure in his national-team debut against Japan. Introduced as a substitute, he turns a 3–2 match in China’s favor with a hat-trick before making a decisive late header clearance. 51 In the Asian Cup, he scores a hat-trick against Saudi Arabia, scores twice and assists Wu Lei against Uzbekistan, and produces a solo goal after dribbling past five Japanese players. 79 81 84

China defeats Japan 3–1 in the quarter-finals, with Li Luo scoring a hat-trick, then reaches the final after beating Australia. 87 92 In the final against South Korea, Li Luo scores four times to secure a 4–2 victory and lead China to the Asian Cup title. 98 100

Manchester United Return

After turning nineteen, Li Luo returns to Manchester United and immediately transforms the side’s midfield. He scores against Southampton, then completes a hat-trick in his first match back as teammates begin treating him as the team’s “midfield soul.” 132 133 135

He leads Manchester United to a 5–1 Champions League victory over Barcelona with a hat-trick and an assist, controlling the match’s tempo from midfield. 142 He later scores a free-kick hat-trick against Chelsea and continues to carry a heavy schedule across league, cup, and Champions League matches. 151 165

His role expands into that of Manchester United’s undisputed central star. He scores twice and assists in a 4–3 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, defeats Juventus in the Champions League knockout stage, and helps lead the club through the final stages of its European campaign. 198 206

UEFA Champions League and Treble

In the UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid, Li Luo repeatedly drives Manchester United forward against the reigning European powerhouse. With the match nearly lost, he scores a 41-meter free kick in the dying moments to equalize and force extra time. 262 265

Manchester United ultimately win the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League treble under Li Luo’s leadership. The achievement transforms him into a global football superstar, with teammates, staff, and supporters recognizing the Li–Malanda–De Bruyne combination as central to the club’s revival. 269

World Cup Qualifying

As China’s captain in a must-win World Cup qualifier against Qatar, Li Luo opens the scoring with a long-range curving strike and completes a hat-trick in China’s victory. 152 154 His national-team performances make him a major public figure, commercial asset, and symbol of renewed hope for Chinese football. 100 101

He later leads China in high-profile international matches against elite opposition, including a draw with France despite their top-level European-based squad. 229 231 In Seoul, he helps China defeat South Korea 4–1, a result that further overturns the long-standing psychological pressure associated with the rivalry. 304 306 China later records a 4–0 victory over South Korea at Helong Sports Center, producing a nationwide celebration and further strengthening Li’s role as the symbol of Chinese football’s resurgence. 355

Rio Olympics

Li Luo carries the Chinese flag at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics before joining China U23 for the men’s football tournament. 271 Gao Hongbo’s team relies heavily on Li Luo as its attacking outlet, often defending in ultra-conservative shapes before giving him freedom to recover the ball and launch solo counterattacks. 272 275 279

He scores decisive solo goals against Argentina U23, Portugal U23, and Germany U23, with his complete Kaká-template integration allowing him to sustain elite long-distance carries under constant pressure. 272 275 279 China U23 ultimately win Olympic gold, after which Li Luo donates his medal and the final’s match ball to the National Museum. 293

Ballon d’Or and Club World Cup

Following his treble-winning season and Olympic triumph, Li Luo wins the Ballon d’Or. Despite receiving an overwhelming number of congratulations and facing unprecedented fame, he retains a quiet domestic routine and quickly returns to club obligations. 333

Manchester United then travel to Yokohama for the FIFA Club World Cup, where Ancelotti frames the tournament as the opportunity to win the club’s sixth trophy of the year. Li remains the central attraction of the campaign, with the Club World Cup final against Atlético Nacional promoted internationally as a contest between the champions of Europe and South America. 333 336

2016–17 Manchester United Campaign

Under Ancelotti, Li becomes Manchester United’s unquestioned tactical and emotional leader. During a Champions League match at Old Trafford, he leads a historic 7–0 destruction of Barcelona through scoring, defensive recovery, dribbling, playmaking, and long phases of possession control. The Old Trafford crowd chants “King” in recognition of his dominance. 321

He follows this with a hat-trick of long-range goals in a 3–0 Manchester derby victory at the Etihad Stadium, then continues to score and create during wins over Borussia Mönchengladbach, Burnley, and Celtic as Manchester United finish their Champions League group with a perfect record. 329

In the Champions League knockout rounds, Li helps Manchester United establish a 4–2 first-leg advantage over Paris Saint-Germain with two goals and an assist. 351 He later scores three times and provides an assist in Manchester United’s 4–3 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, earns Cristiano Ronaldo’s Golden Edge Module, and leads the club into the Champions League semi-finals after the subsequent tie. 359 365

Commercial Work and Public Profile

• Starred in a Volkswagen GG campaign with Lauren de Graaf and Larissa, portraying an explorer uncovering an ancient Egyptian princess. 17
• Signed a one-year Bayer endorsement worth ten million euros after Wolfsburg’s victory over Roma. 112
• Appeared in campaigns for Volkswagen, Braun, Bayer, underwear brands, electric scooters, watches, and other products. 35 58 138 169 215
• His Inward-Curling Arc against Inter Milan gained worldwide attention and spread rapidly through online clips and media coverage. 40
• Received the Laureus World Sports Awards Best Newcomer honor. 208
• Receives an offer to serve as a FIFA World Cup ambassador while travelling to the Rio Olympics. 271
• Films a charity advertisement with Savannah Blyde addressing cyberbullying and appropriate responses to online abuse. 317
• Participates in the Football Association’s Winter Warmth Initiative charity campaign, promoting the collection and distribution of winter supplies alongside Beiya. 341
• Films a sportswear commercial with Miriam Leone, which prompts further sensationalized tabloid coverage of his private life. 356

Notable Quotes

“I can't get addicted to hanging out with girls. I need to train hard.” 17

Trivia

• Li Luo’s Wolfsburg teammates call him the “Prince of the Pitch,” a title given to him by Japanese fans. 53
• Sir Alex Ferguson remains invested in Li Luo’s future after retirement and worries that Van Gaal’s approach could limit his individual talent. 3 67
• His status as a football icon is significant enough that Middle Eastern dignitaries discuss using him as a FIFA World Cup ambassador. 149 152
• He carries China’s flag at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics. 271
• Following Manchester United’s treble, his reported Transfermarkt valuation reaches 300 million euros. 269
• Old Trafford supporters chant “King” after his decisive performance against Barcelona. 321
• Li Luo wins the Ballon d’Or following his treble-winning and Olympic-gold-winning year. 333
• A Manchester United social-media post celebrating one of his major performances receives more than thirty million likes. 341