In the following days, Yang Yang focused intensely on his training, preparing diligently for the upcoming Asian Cup. Each morning, he woke early, often inviting Su Ye to join him for a run at the Summer Palace. Occasionally, Su Wenhong would accompany them as well.
Though Yang Yang often jogged at a relaxed pace, whenever it came to a sprint, he didn't hold back. He might have been humble about his speed, but he secretly enjoyed the challenge of keeping up with, or even surpassing, Su Ye and her father.
Su Ye, on the other hand, had her own set of strengths. As they ran through the Summer Palace, she would regale Yang Yang with detailed stories and historical facts about each major site. From the marble boat to the Longevity Hill, her knowledge was impressive, as if she had memorized every corner of the palace. Yang Yang was captivated, not just by the beauty of the surroundings but also by how much he learned from her. It was clear Su Ye had a deep connection with the place, and her passion for its history was contagious.
Yang Yang couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. He had visited the Summer Palace before, but his previous visits had been hurried, superficial—rushing through the sights without appreciating their deeper significance. Now, thanks to Su Ye, he realized that every spot had its own story, each name an allusion to the rich history behind it.
By late June, the lotus flowers were in full bloom, and the sight of Kunming Lake surrounded by vibrant greenery was breathtaking. The serene atmosphere made it hard for Yang Yang to leave each time they finished their morning runs.
In addition to his morning workouts, Yang Yang dedicated himself to intense solo training sessions at Su Wenhong's school. His evenings were typically quiet, spent either relaxing at home or taking occasional trips out to shop. However, most nights, he immersed himself in the Dream Training System, honing his star skill—Bergkamp's first touch. Determined to elevate his ball control and mastery, Yang Yang focused relentlessly on improving his technique, knowing that precision in receiving and controlling the ball could make all the difference in his performances on the field.
Yang Yang was eager to make an impact in the Asian Cup. He didn't want to let down the Chinese fans who had pinned their hopes on him, especially after his stellar performances in the UEFA Champions League and Toulon Cup.
As Yang Yang quietly honed his skills, video clips of his earlier school football matches had started to circulate online, creating quite a stir. The footage had been shared widely across the domestic football community, and the reaction was swift. Football fans, media outlets, and professionals alike began to weigh in on the young star's future.
With Yang Yang set to represent the national team in the Asian Cup, head coach Arie Haan faced a dilemma: how to best utilize his talents. The national team had traditionally played in a 4-4-2 formation, which didn't fully exploit Yang Yang's capabilities, especially in wide areas. However, pushing him up front as a striker, similar to how the U20 team had used him, was another option worth considering.
The problem, of course, was the competition for spots. Hao Haidong, despite his age, remained a key figure in the attack. Meanwhile, Li Jinyu and Li Yi, both in their prime, still struggled with consistency in front of goal. Even so, Arie Haan had called up Zhang Shuo, a promising 20-year-old, to add more depth to the forward line.
Li Jinyu, although not prolific, was known for his intelligent movement and link-up play, often acting as the glue in the attack. The question was, who would partner him upfront—Hao Haidong or Li Yi? And if Yang Yang were deployed as a striker, how would the lineup adjust?
At just 17 years old (18 by domestic age standards), Yang Yang was young, and despite his success, there were still doubts about whether he was ready to lead the attack at such a high level.
But once people saw the video clips circulating online, opinions started to shift. Fans, journalists, and football analysts alike began to marvel at Yang Yang's vision and passing ability. They noticed that his passes were not only precise but also creative, often unlocking defenses in ways that few domestic players could.
"His passing technique still needs refinement, and there's room for improvement in terms of consistency," commented a well-known veteran football analyst during an online interview. "But his creativity and vision on the ball are rare qualities in our domestic players."
The analysis quickly set off a flurry of debate across the internet.
Many fans began calling for Yang Yang to play a central role in the midfield if he wasn't going to be used as a striker.
"Based on his performances in the Toulon Cup, Yang Yang is more than capable. His passing is dangerous, and his four goals and four assists are proof enough of his quality," noted one football expert. "Of course, it all depends on how Arie Haan positions him on the pitch. Will he be a winger? A striker? An attacking midfielder? That's up to the coaching staff."
Whatever the decision, one thing was clear—Yang Yang's role in the national team had become a hot topic of discussion even before the Asian Cup had begun.
...
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At the end of June, Yang Yang received a long-anticipated call from the national team manager, Zhu. On the 30th, he arrived punctually at the Capital Airport, where he joined head coach Arie Haan and several prominent internationals, including Shao Jiayi, as they prepared to fly from Beijing to the mountainous city of Chongqing. This marked the official start of their preparations for the upcoming Asian Cup.
Due to the flight arrangements, the national team's coaching staff, support personnel, and most of the players were on the same flight. During the journey, Arie Haan made time to speak with Yang Yang, outlining his thoughts on the current state of the national team and its tactical direction.
Haan was direct, explaining that his preference was to implement a 4-3-3 formation. However, the challenge was that many of the internationals had not yet fully grasped his tactical philosophy. Having been developed at Ajax, where the 4-3-3 system was deeply ingrained, Yang Yang was already well-versed in the nuances of the formation, giving him an edge in adapting to Haan's vision.
From the discussion, Yang Yang could tell that Haan intended to build the team's attack around him and Yan Song. The Dutch coach saw their abilities as key to unlocking the offensive potential of the squad. However, he also emphasized the importance of a solid defense. For this system to work, the team's backline had to remain disciplined and reliable.
Haan was realistic about the challenges facing the Chinese national team. In terms of individual talent and overall tactical sophistication, China lagged behind other Asian powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, and even Iran and Saudi Arabia. The national team would need to rely on collective organization and a strong defensive structure if they were to be successful.
Even against seemingly lesser opponents in their group—Bahrain, Indonesia, and Qatar—Haan was cautious. He stressed that there was no room for complacency, warning against the dangers of underestimating any opponent. A misstep, even against a team perceived as weaker, could quickly turn into an embarrassing defeat.
Yang Yang understood Haan's position. Ultimately, the coach was under pressure to deliver results, and survival at this level meant prioritizing stability over flair.
In addition to his conversation with Haan, Yang Yang also spoke with Shao Jiayi, who was playing in Germany with Energie Cottbus at the time. Shao Jiayi expressed his admiration for Yang Yang's performances, particularly in the UEFA Champions League final, which had made waves in Germany. He told Yang Yang that his outstanding display had brought pride to Chinese football, earning respect across Europe.
Despite the praise from his senior, Yang Yang remained humble, insisting that he had simply done his best on the grand stage.
Before parting ways, Shao Jiayi expressed his hope that they could spend more time together in the future. With so few Chinese players plying their trade abroad, it was important to maintain connections and support one another.
...
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The flight touched down in Chongqing at five in the afternoon.
As Arie Haan led the national team players through the airport, a large crowd of media reporters and fans had already gathered, waiting eagerly. Among them were a surprising number of young female fans, and as soon as they spotted the team, they surged forward.
What took everyone by surprise was the fact that the crowd wasn't flocking to the well-known national team coach, Arie Haan, nor were they focusing on the seasoned internationals who had made their mark over the years. Instead, their attention was fixated on the newest call-up to the squad—Yang Yang. The excited fans and media bypassed the other players entirely and swarmed towards him.
Yang Yang was both flattered and overwhelmed by the sudden wave of enthusiasm. Although grateful for the support, the disproportionate attention left him feeling a bit embarrassed. After all, he was still a newcomer to the national stage.
The coaching staff, however, were more than happy to see the level of interest Yang Yang was generating. His rising popularity was a positive sign for the team, though the reactions from his teammates were mixed—some amused, others perhaps a bit indifferent.
Once outside the airport, the team boarded a bus and headed straight to their hotel, where they joined up with the other players who had already arrived earlier.
Room assignments had been made, and Yang Yang found himself paired with Zheng Zhi, the highly respected international from Shenzhen, who had long been a key figure in Chinese football.
The team would remain in Chongqing for five days, during which they would play a warm-up match against Lebanon on the 3rd of July. After that, they would fly to Beijing for a closed training camp at the Xianghe Base. From there, the team would head to Hohhot on July 9th for another friendly, this time against the UAE, before returning to Beijing to continue their preparations for the Asian Cup.
Barring any last-minute changes, Zheng Zhi would likely remain Yang Yang's roommate for the entire duration of the training period and the Asian Cup itself.
As Zheng Zhi explained while they unpacked, Yang Yang's original roommate was supposed to be Zhou Haibin. However, with Zhang Shuo joining the team, the two of them—long-time roommates—were paired up, leaving Yang Yang to room with Zheng Zhi. It wasn't a random decision; Arie Haan had made the arrangement personally.
Zheng Zhi, who played as a central midfielder for his club, had been asked by Haan to switch roles and play as a central defender for the national team. This was part of Haan's tactical adjustments, and Zheng Zhi was still wrapping his head around the new responsibilities.
"The old man's been talking to me about Dutch football and the role of a central defender," Zheng Zhi said, sitting down on the bed as Yang Yang continued to unpack. "To be honest, I'm still trying to make sense of it. How do they play the position in your team at Ajax?"
The concept of a ball-playing central defender was still somewhat unfamiliar in Chinese football, and Zheng Zhi was looking for some clarity. In the Netherlands, however, this was a fundamental part of the game.
Yang Yang immediately thought of the defenders he had played alongside at Ajax—Heitinga, Vermaelen, Escudé—players with the versatility to play multiple roles, whether it was in defense or midfield. These weren't old-school defenders whose sole focus was clearing the ball. Instead, they were required to be technically gifted, capable of initiating attacks from the back with intelligent passing and positioning.
At Ajax, the role of the central defender was crucial, and Yang Yang had heard head coach Ronald Koeman emphasize this point many times. In the Ajax system, the center-backs were integral not only for their defensive duties but also for their ability to link play with the midfield and distribute the ball effectively. Players like Heitinga, for example, were complete defenders who could step into midfield or even play as full-backs if needed.
The Dutch approach was clear—take calculated risks by playing a high defensive line, relying on the central defenders to manage the space behind them while also maintaining the team's shape and control over possession.
Zheng Zhi, eager to understand, listened intently. Yang Yang, recognizing his curiosity, was happy to share everything he had learned. He even pulled out his laptop, which was filled with training videos and tactical analyses accumulated during his time at Ajax. Together, they went through clips of Ajax's matches, and Yang Yang broke down the responsibilities of the central defenders, illustrating how Heitinga, Vermaelen, and others operated within the system.
Though Yang Yang wasn't officially part of the coaching staff, the material he shared proved invaluable to Zheng Zhi. Many of the concepts that had initially confused him were now starting to make sense.
However, as Zheng Zhi acknowledged, understanding the role in theory was one thing—putting it into practice on the pitch, especially in high-pressure situations, would require time, experience, and coordination with his teammates.
The conversation about football brought the two players closer, and by the end of the night, their connection had deepened, built on mutual respect and a shared passion for the game.
...
...
That evening, the national team gathered for their first team dinner, where Leader Zhu took the opportunity to formally introduce Yang Yang to the rest of the internationals. It was a significant moment, as Yang Yang's rapid rise to prominence hadn't gone unnoticed by his new teammates.
Reactions to his introduction were mixed. Many of the senior players were well aware that this young recruit had vaulted through the ranks, and there was a general understanding that he would likely be starting in the upcoming matches. Naturally, such swift progress could stir unease, especially among those who had fought hard for their positions over the years.
Still, while the prospect of increased competition for spots might have caused concern, there was no outward display of animosity. Professionalism prevailed, and the players treated Yang Yang cordially. The attitude among the team was clear: competition would be fair, and everyone's place in the squad would be earned on merit. Respect was mutual, but no one would relinquish their spot without a fight.
During the dinner, Team Leader Zhu also made a major announcement: the prize for winning the Asian Cup would be set at half a million euros, the largest reward ever promised to the national team. This figure was a clear indication that both the General Administration of Sports and the Football Association were fully invested in the team's success, hoping that this tournament could restore some pride and prestige to the national side after years of faltering performances.
However, as Yang Yang looked around the room, he could tell that the prize money wasn't the driving force for the players. The internationals didn't seem particularly swayed by the size of the bonus. What mattered to them more than financial rewards was something deeper—the desire to achieve success on the pitch.
Though the Chinese national team's popularity had waned in recent years, with the Football Association mired in controversy and the domestic league facing countless problems, putting on the national team's shirt still meant something. It wasn't about playing for the Football Association or personal gain; it was about representing the country.
For these players, the sense of honor that came with wearing the national colors outweighed the difficulties they faced. Ability, strategy, and hard work would determine whether they won or lost, but their commitment to playing for China remained unwavering. Even in the face of challenges, this sense of duty to their country united them.
Yang Yang, though still new to the team, could sense the weight of responsibility that came with being part of the national squad. He knew that beyond the competition for starting spots and the discussions about bonuses, there was something far more important at stake—the pride of the nation.
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The national team's first training session in Chongqing was a grueling affair, leaving many of the players who had just returned from their respective leagues struggling to keep up. The intensity was high, but the players understood the reasoning behind it—this was about sharpening their form ahead of the Asian Cup.
One player, however, seemed unfazed by the demanding session: Yang Yang. While some had initially worried about how he would cope with the national team's rigorous training, it quickly became clear that Yang Yang was more than capable. Compared to the intensity he was used to at Ajax, where training with the first team was even more demanding, this was something he had long adapted to.
His ease during the session didn't go unnoticed. Several of the seasoned internationals couldn't help but cast a few glances his way, realizing that this young player's ability to thrive under pressure was no accident. It became clear to them why Yang Yang had managed to score the winning goal in the Champions League final.
The national team's first warm-up match against Lebanon was a resounding success, as they triumphed 6-0. However, Yang Yang's involvement in the game was minimal. He came off the bench in the 75th minute, with the score already at 5-0. Head coach Arie Haan had kept his instructions simple, wanting Yang Yang to use the time to get a feel for his teammates and integrate into the 4-3-3 formation Haan was envisioning for the team.
The day after the Lebanon match, the team flew back to Beijing and headed straight to the Xianghe Base for further training. On July 9th, the squad boarded a flight to Hohhot to prepare for their next warm-up match, this time against the United Arab Emirates.
In this match, Yang Yang again started on the bench. The national team lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, fielding a near full-strength squad. However, their performance in the first half was lackluster. Both sides struggled to create clear chances, and the half ended in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate.
At halftime, Haan made three substitutions, but the changes led to some instability in the defense. A defensive error early in the second half allowed the UAE to pounce, and they opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. China's response was immediate, but ineffective, and just as they pushed forward to find an equalizer, they were caught on the break, allowing the UAE to double their lead in the 60th minute, making it 2-0.
Despite the setback, China fought back. Three minutes after the UAE's second goal, Zheng Zhi scored directly from a free kick, pulling one back for China and breathing new life into the game.
In the 70th minute, Arie Haan made another round of substitutions, bringing on Yang Yang, Sun Jihai, and Zhou Ting. The tactical setup shifted to a 4-3-3, with Yang Yang and Zheng Bin deployed as wingers while Li Yi operated as the lone striker. The midfield trio consisted of Zhao Junzhe, Zhou Haibin, and Sun Jihai, while Yang Yang had the reliable Wei Xin behind him at right-back, providing defensive cover but offering little support going forward.
Haan's instructions to Yang Yang were straightforward: attack the UAE's left flank aggressively. Eager to make his mark, Yang Yang didn't disappoint. Immediately after coming on, he burst down the right wing, breezing past the UAE's left-back with ease, earning loud applause from the crowd.
As the game progressed, Yang Yang became a constant threat. Every pass from midfield that found him sparked danger. His blistering pace and sharp dribbling wreaked havoc on the UAE's defense, leaving their backline in disarray. In the 83rd minute, Yang Yang whipped in a perfect cross from the right, which Li Yi met with a powerful header to equalize the score at 2-2.
Yang Yang's performance had now drawn the full attention of the UAE's defense, who began focusing on him in an attempt to shut him down. Yet even with the added pressure, Yang Yang continued to create problems. In the 88th minute, he made another dangerous run down the right, driving to the byline and earning a corner kick after being closed down.
From the ensuing corner, chaos erupted in the box as Sun Jihai was pulled down by a UAE defender. The referee didn't hesitate to point to the spot. Zheng Zhi stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty home, turning the game around and giving China a 3-2 lead.
China's late rally had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. However, despite the comeback, the overall performance of the team in the second warm-up match left much to be desired—especially on the defensive end, which had shown vulnerabilities.
In contrast, the performance of Yang Yang, who had come off the bench, received unanimous praise from the domestic media and fans alike. His energy, pace, and decisive contributions had made him the standout player of the match.
...
...
The day after China's national team returned to Beijing from Hohhot, the Xianghe Base opened its doors to the media, fans, and the team's main sponsor, Adidas.
As is customary before any major tournament, the team's sponsor unveiled a new kit. This time, Adidas had made only minor adjustments to the national team's jersey for the Asian Cup. The design featured a subtle change on the chest, where a pair of curved lines resembling two connected scimitars replaced the previous look. Otherwise, the jersey remained largely the same—clean and white. To the casual observer, the differences were hardly noticeable.
However, what caught everyone's attention was the fact that only days prior, Greece had worn an almost identical kit as they completed one of football's greatest underdog stories by winning Euro 2004. Otto Rehhagel's Greek side, led by the unlikely hero Angelos Charisteas, defeated Portugal 1-0 in the final. Charisteas' goal had secured Greece their first-ever European Championship title.
Interestingly, just after Greece's stunning victory, Ajax announced that they had signed Charisteas from Werder Bremen to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimović. The fact that Adidas chose to design a similar jersey for the Chinese national team was not lost on anyone. The symbolic gesture carried a message of hope—that China might pull off its own remarkable feat at the Asian Cup.
But the jersey reveal wasn't the only highlight of the event. Adidas China's General Manager had another significant announcement. He revealed that the company had designed a special pair of custom-made boots for Yang Yang, tailored specifically to his playing style and physical attributes.
"We are honored that Yang Yang has been wearing our Adidas boots while representing the Chinese national team and Ajax over the past year," the General Manager said, addressing the gathered crowd of media and fans. "To further showcase Yang Yang's unique abilities, particularly his speed and dribbling, we've created a pair of custom-made F50 boots for him, in Chinese red."
With that, all eyes shifted to Yang Yang as he stepped forward, wearing the sleek new boots. The fit was perfect, crafted precisely to his foot size. Yang Yang performed a few freestyle tricks on stage, effortlessly demonstrating his ball control and agility, much to the delight of the audience.
Both media members and the team's other players were taken aback. Neither the Chinese Football Association nor the national team had been informed about the custom boots beforehand. It became clear that Adidas was placing great importance on Yang Yang, a fact underscored by his status as the first Chinese footballer to receive this level of sponsorship.
The F50 boots had been released just before Euro 2004, with only Europe's top stars receiving them. The fact that Yang Yang had been chosen to wear these elite boots spoke volumes about Adidas' investment in his future.
Yang Yang wasn't surprised, though. His agent, Mino Raiola, had already informed him about the sponsorship deal. Negotiations between Ajax and Adidas had gone smoothly, but Raiola had arranged for Yang Yang's personal sponsorship deal to be negotiated separately. Adidas had the edge over Nike in the talks, but the final terms of the deal were still under discussion.
Adidas had offered Yang Yang an annual sponsorship of 300,000 euros, with the potential to rise to 500,000 euros depending on performance clauses. A 500,000 euro boot sponsorship was a massive deal in Chinese football, especially for a 17-year-old with a bright future ahead of him.
Raiola, however, had not yet given his final approval, and the negotiations were ongoing.
In a subsequent interview with the media, Yang Yang explained that he hadn't been involved in the contract negotiations himself. "Since returning to China, I've been focusing entirely on training and improving my game. Everything related to sponsorships is being handled by my agent and the club."
He expressed his gratitude for receiving the custom boots. "I'm happy to be recognized by Adidas, and at the very least, these boots represent that recognition."
As for his role in the national team, having come on as a substitute in both warm-up matches, Yang Yang said he wasn't concerned. "The coach has discussed it with me. I'm new to the team, and he feels I should get familiar with the system and my teammates first. I agree with him. Even though I've only played as a substitute so far, I'm confident I can contribute when called upon."
When asked about his ambitions for the Asian Cup, Yang Yang's confidence shone through. "I'm hungry for this tournament. I haven't played in an official match for a while, and the prospect of competing in the Asian Cup has me fired up. I can't wait for it to start."
He added, "I can't predict what will happen once the games begin, but I'll give everything I have to help the team. My goal is to help keep the Asian Cup in China."
National team coach Arie Haan, when asked about Yang Yang's readiness, was equally positive but cautious. "His form is excellent, and he's eager to play—I can see that. But we need to consider everything carefully. He's only 17, and physically, he's still developing compared to the more seasoned players. We need to be mindful of that."
"But," Haan concluded with a smile, "I believe he's ready."
Among the 25 internationals, Yang Yang was the only player to receive individual sponsorship from Adidas, making him the subject of admiration and even envy within the squad. Even some of the more experienced players, who had spent years on the team, couldn't hide their jealousy at the sight of Yang Yang's custom Chinese-red F50 boots.
Unfortunately for them, the boots had been custom-fitted to Yang Yang's exact specifications, meaning no one else could wear them, no matter how envious they were.
The Chinese Football Association found itself in a unique position regarding Yang Yang. Technically, since Yang Yang wasn't a registered player of the Football Association, they had no jurisdiction over his sponsorship deals. In theory, they could choose not to call him up, but given Yang Yang's skyrocketing popularity among domestic fans and his strong performances in Europe, excluding him from the national team was not an option. Doing so would risk public outrage.
For Yang Yang, however, the sponsorship deal and even the competition for a starting spot were of secondary importance. His primary focus remained the same: improving himself and making the most of every opportunity to play.
From his days in the Almere youth team to Ajax's second team, and now the first team, Yang Yang had lived by a simple motto:
"Opportunity awaits those who are prepared."