Estádio da Tapadinha, Weekend Matchday
In the fourth round of the Segunda Divisão B, Clube Atlético de Portugal prepared to host SC Olhanense, a formidable opponent with a reputation for strong performances.
Olhanense, hailing from Olhão—a port city in the southern Faro district—had a fierce determination to reclaim its place in the upper leagues. Unlike other teams in the district, such as the well-funded SC Farense, Olhanense had cultivated an impressive youth training system and built solid partnerships with top-tier clubs like Porto, Benfica, and Sporting Lisbon. This strategic collaboration allowed them access to young talent and resources, giving them a competitive edge despite recent relegation.
While Olhanense's academy had been producing promising players, their recent demotion had driven them to play with an intensity that made them formidable opponents. In contrast, Clube Atlético de Portugal, though a spirited team, lacked the same level of resources and support—a reality that quickly became apparent on the field.
From the opening whistle, Olhanense dominated the pitch, pressing Atlético back and seizing control. By halftime, Olhanense had already scored twice, exploiting gaps in Atlético's defense and maintaining relentless pressure. The scoreline was a stark 0-2, and Atlético seemed unable to gain any momentum or foothold.
Early in the second half, Olhanense struck again, making it 0-3, as Atlético struggled to regroup. The game became a harsh lesson in the disparity between the two teams. Su Dong watched from the sidelines, feeling the weight of the challenge as Atlético seemed overpowered, their defense unable to withstand the waves of Olhanense's attacks.
Even Atlético's reliable goalkeeper, Matello, who had shown resilience in the first three rounds, found himself overrun and outmatched by the onslaught.
In the 65th minute, Coach Pereira signaled for Su Dong, deciding it was time to send him in. The decision gave Su Dong a surge of adrenaline; though the score was heavily against them, this was his opportunity to show resilience, skill, and fight even against a stronger opponent.
Su Dong's entry into the game didn't alter the vast gulf in quality between the two teams, but by the 73rd minute, he managed to stun his opponents—and elicit spontaneous applause from the crowd.
The play began with a well-timed pass from midfielder Canelas, who sent a precise through ball arcing just behind Olhanense's two central defenders. Su Dong, initially trailing behind the defenders, exploded into a sprint. In an instant, he surged past them, seizing the ball in the penalty area.
With a deft touch, Su Dong controlled the pass, positioning himself between the defenders and the goal. Using his body to shield the ball from the center-back on his shoulder, he set himself up quickly and, with his right foot, unleashed a powerful shot.
The strike was sharp and unexpected, rocketing towards the bottom corner. The Olhanense goalkeeper reacted instinctively, diving sideways with remarkable agility and stretching out a hand to deflect the ball. His fingertips barely made contact, but it was enough to send the ball skimming just wide of the post.
The crowd erupted, applauding both Su Dong's fierce attempt and the goalkeeper's athletic save. The Olhanense keeper, visibly rattled, rose to his feet, turning immediately to shout at his center-backs, clearly frustrated that Su Dong had managed to break through so decisively and nearly score.
Though the score remained unchanged, Su Dong's bold attempt had sent a clear message: he could make an impact, even against formidable opposition.
...
...
"Did you manage to get that on film?" Benfica scout Abel Silva asked his colleague, who was adjusting a small video camera beside him.
"Got it—just barely," his colleague replied, a touch of awe in his voice. "The way he accelerates… I almost missed it."
Abel Silva nodded, captivated by what he'd just seen. Su Dong, with a height of over 1.80 meters, wasn't built like the typical speedster, but his ability to lean against a central defender with his body spoke volumes about his strength. Combined with his burst of speed and explosiveness, he was a rare type of forward—physically imposing yet agile.
Players with this mix of height, power, and speed didn't come around often. Silva watched as Su Dong received and passed the ball with minimal fuss, his movements clean and efficient, his footwork tight and controlled.
"Look at his technique," Silva murmured, his eyes following Su Dong's next moves. "He's got speed, skill, and a solid build. For a striker, that's a rare combination."
He turned to his colleague, unable to hide his excitement. "Clube Atlético de Portugal may have unearthed a real gem here."
...
...
As the game neared its end, Su Dong managed to seize another opportunity.
This time, the play began with a diagonal pass from the left flank. Su Dong, positioned with his back to the goal, used his pace to shake off Olhanense's central defender, who resorted to every tactic—both hands and feet—to keep him contained. Despite the defender's persistent efforts, Su Dong powered through, though the struggle had cost him precious time.
As Su Dong gained control of the ball, another central defender closed in, blocking his path. Sandwiched between defenders, Su Dong made a quick decision. With a sudden stop that threw his pursuer off balance, he accelerated once more, deftly slipping past the second defender. Near the arc of the penalty area, he wound up and unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from distance.
The shot, while forceful, lacked the precision and danger of his previous attempt and ended up in the hands of the alert Olhanense goalkeeper.
Although he didn't score, Su Dong's relentless attack drew a fresh wave of applause from the crowd. The fans of Clube Atlético de Portugal recognized that his two shots were the most promising chances their team had mustered all game.
Despite the overall dominance of Olhanense, Su Dong's presence had injected a spark, showing glimpses of his potential and giving the fans something to cheer for.
...
...
"He's the one—Su Dong!"
In the main stand of the stadium, a middle-aged Portuguese man in a sharp suit watched Su Dong walk back toward the center, clearly disappointed but still focused. An approving smile played on the man's face as he observed the young player.
"For a 17-year-old, he's quite impressive," his friend, dressed more casually, agreed with a nod.
The middle-aged man kept his gaze on Su Dong. "So, do you think Cristiano's assessment of him is accurate?" he asked, his tone curious.
His friend considered this, glancing back at the field. "It's difficult to say. His improvement sounds almost exaggerated. In under three months of rigorous training, he's gone from an amateur to a starting player in a semi-professional team. That's remarkable progress by any standard."
He continued, "He scored three goals in the last two games, and though he didn't score today, he managed two solid shots against a stronger Olhanense side. It's clear he has a certain presence on the field, and there's a hint of Batistuta's style in his approach."
The middle-aged man's brows lifted thoughtfully. "So…"
"Perhaps Cristiano's right," his friend admitted. "Su Dong may indeed be a hidden talent, just waiting to be discovered, and Clube Atlético de Portugal happened to unearth him at the right moment."
The middle-aged man chuckled, clearly intrigued. "To think he's come this far in just a few months—it's exciting to see where this might lead."
As the game clock ticked down, he exhaled heavily, glancing around the modest stadium. Accustomed to watching the high-stakes, fast-paced action of the Primeira Liga, observing this lower-division match felt slow, filled with errors in passing and missed connections. But the potential he saw in Su Dong made the experience worthwhile.
"Alright," he said, rising from his seat as the final whistle blew. "Let's go. The game's over; let's have a word with him."
...
...
The game concluded with a 0-3 home defeat for Clube Atlético de Portugal.
Su Dong, who had scored in the previous two rounds, didn't find the net this time, but his two attempts left a strong impression on those watching. Despite the loss, the fans appreciated his effort, recognizing that the defeat stemmed from the overall disparity in quality between the two teams.
This marked Su Dong's first official defeat, leaving him feeling somewhat dejected. Recently, his matches had been going smoothly, but this game was different. Under tight marking from Olhanense's defenders, he struggled to fully demonstrate his abilities, and the experience dampened his spirits.
After the final whistle, he headed back to the locker room with his teammates. Following a quick shower and a change of clothes, Su Dong re-secured the training sandbags he had removed before the match, preparing to continue his training regimen as he walked out.
By now, Estádio da Tapadinha was nearly empty, the crowd having dispersed into the evening.
...
"Hello, Su—could we have a moment to talk?"
A voice called out from behind. Su Dong turned to see two middle-aged Portuguese men catching up with him.
One of them was slightly shorter, dressed sharply in a suit that gave him the polished look of a corporate executive. The other, dressed in sportswear, appeared more casual and approachable.
"And you are…?" Su Dong asked, frowning slightly.
The man in the suit smiled warmly. "My name is Jorge Mendes. I'm a licensed agent with the Portuguese Football Association and FIFA," he introduced, gesturing to his companion. "And this is my partner, Jorge Manuel."
Su Dong didn't recognize them, and his brows remained furrowed.
Sensing Su Dong's caution, Mendes added reassuringly, "We're friends of Cristiano's."
Su Dong's face relaxed slightly. Cristiano had mentioned he was considering a new agent, but he hadn't shared any names. Perhaps these were the men he was talking about.
"Hello, Mr. Mendes," Su Dong replied, extending a hand.
Mendes shook it warmly, then gestured toward the parking lot. "My car is over there. Would you like to find somewhere quiet to chat?"
"Of course."
The three of them made their way to the parking lot across from the stadium. Mendes and his partner led Su Dong to a car, and as Jorge Manuel drove, Mendes sat in the back with Su Dong, sharing his vision and experience.
In the world of Portuguese football, Mendes wasn't yet a major player, but he had a growing reputation. Previously, he had worked alongside Feigel, a prominent Brazilian agent. His role with Feigel had been mainly in support—assisting with logistics and client management, especially as Feigel represented a stream of Brazilian and South American players breaking into the Portuguese Super League each year.
But Mendes was ready to step out from Feigel's shadow and start his own agency, aiming to shape his career independently. His first goal was to establish a foothold at Sporting Lisbon, whose youth academy had recently produced some of Portugal's brightest talents. Alongside first-team stars like Quaresma and Edgar Marcelino, promising young players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Viana, and José Fonte were making names for themselves in the academy.
Though it was only their first meeting, Su Dong found himself drawn to Mendes' confidence and clear ambition. He could sense Mendes had a well-planned strategy, a blueprint for advancing players' careers on the international stage.
"For big names like Figo, Simão, and Quaresma, I can't compete with someone as established as José Veiga," Mendes admitted candidly. "But there's another way forward: I focus on young talents—players with enormous potential who might not be getting the attention they deserve from agents like Veiga. I work hard to open doors for them."
Mendes leaned forward, his tone animated. "To be frank, I recently signed Hugo Viana. I'm actively working with contacts in the Premier League, and I have trusted partners there. My aim is to get Viana into the first team, give him the chance to play and showcase his talent. With that exposure, I can then open doors to the Premier League for him."
He continued, "Not just the Premier League. I have strong connections in Serie A, La Liga, and the Bundesliga. As long as a player has the talent, I can find the right team in any of Europe's top leagues."
Su Dong listened, impressed by Mendes' confidence and clear approach. As he had once told Cristiano, an agent's role was both crucial and complex.
Agents played an integral part in securing opportunities for players. Take Quaresma, for example. He had earned a spot on Sporting's first-team roster in the opening match of the new season and even came on as a substitute. His potential and ability were clear, but his agent's behind-the-scenes work had certainly played a role.
The first team had been left in need of fresh talent on the wings. Sporting had spent heavily to bring in Niculae, but the forward hadn't impressed in preseason friendlies. The club's pursuit of Jardel even led to the departure of Big Mpenza, a key winger, leaving a gap in the squad. As a result, young talents like Quaresma and Marcelino were called up to fill the void.
In such cases, agents were instrumental in ensuring their clients made the most of these chances. For major agents like Veiga, leveraging such opportunities was all part of the job. When Quaresma's performance against Porto turned him into an overnight sensation, it was a win-win for the player, his agent, and the club.
Su Dong now understood these dynamics better. His time spent around Cristiano and José Semedo had taught him how big clubs operated and how much depended on the power and influence of agents. In fact, he'd even heard stories of players with talent who missed out on opportunities simply due to a lack of agent support or other off-field issues.
A good agent's value lay in creating a stable environment where players could focus on performing. Cristiano's recent desire to renegotiate his contract was a typical example. As a young player showing promise, he felt ready for an improved deal, and it was his agent's job to negotiate on his behalf. Whether or not the club agreed, it was the agent's role to advocate for his client.
But Veiga's priorities lay elsewhere. With Quaresma excelling in the first team and Marcelino also on the rise, Cristiano's request was left unaddressed.
Mendes, seeing this gap, stepped in where Veiga hadn't.
Su Dong realized that Mendes was offering more than just representation—he was offering an active role in helping him build his career.
"Sometimes, the solutions to these issues are straightforward," Mendes said as they neared their destination. "What I can promise is that if you work with me, I'll do everything I can to get you the exposure and support you need to reach your goals."
They arrived at Belem Tower, the car slowing to a stop. Mendes smiled, his eyes earnest as he looked at Su Dong. "So, what do you think?"
Su Dong was quiet for a moment, absorbing everything Mendes had shared. He had seen firsthand how Ronaldo's frustrations stemmed from feeling overlooked. Mendes' vision felt refreshing—a proactive approach that might be exactly what he needed.
After a brief silence, Su Dong met Mendes' gaze and nodded. "I think it's worth considering."
...
"I've spoken with Cristiano a few times before, and I believe he may have mentioned me to you," Mendes said, a friendly smile on his face. "He praised you highly. Told me that even if you were on Sporting Lisbon's youth team, you'd be a starter—he insisted I come see you play."
Su Dong suddenly realized that it was Cristiano who had recommended him to Mendes. Not long ago, Su Dong had lent him some money to help bring his father to Lisbon for medical treatment. Now, it seemed that Cristiano was already looking for ways to return the favor.
Curious, Su Dong asked, "So, what do you think?" He couldn't hide a hint of nervousness; he was eager to know how he measured up in the eyes of professional agents like Mendes.
Mendes paused, then looked over at his partner, Jorge Manuel, inviting him to share his evaluation.
"At Sporting Lisbon's academy, there are two other forwards on the same team as Cristiano," Jorge Manuel began. "One is Gisvey, who's tall and physically strong. The other is Lawrence, who has exceptional speed. In my assessment, you have a slight advantage over Gisvey but are a bit behind Lawrence in terms of overall development."
Su Dong listened intently, taking in the evaluation without immediate reaction. Mendes, however, looked at his partner with raised eyebrows, as if surprised by the directness of the assessment. His expression seemed to ask, Are you sure this is accurate?
Jorge Manuel met Mendes' gaze, giving a small nod of confirmation.
Gisvey was known for his aerial prowess in Sporting Lisbon's academy, while Lawrence was a versatile striker who had shown potential on loan at Bristol in the English league last season. After an impressive performance, he had been retained by Sporting for the current season. Rumor had it that, if Sporting couldn't secure Jardel, Lawrence would be promoted to the first team as a backup for Niculae.
Taking Jorge Manuel's evaluation into account, Mendes turned back to Su Dong, feeling it necessary to share his own perspective.
"We both watched your game today, Su," Mendes said thoughtfully. "My main impression is that Clube Atlético de Portugal may no longer be the right fit for your level of play."
Jorge Manuel nodded in agreement. "The winter break is approaching, but looking forward to the end of the season, you should aim to join a stronger team in a higher league. Maintaining this momentum of growth is crucial at this stage."
Su Dong nodded, understanding their advice. He had just turned seventeen, an age where his skills and physical strength were rapidly developing. Competitive matches, especially in a challenging environment, were essential to his progress.
He thought of Quaresma, who had already made a name for himself on Sporting's first team, benefiting immensely from the exposure and competition. Cristiano, while excelling in the youth team, wasn't experiencing the same pace of development as Quaresma due to fewer opportunities in top-level matches.
"To be honest with you, Su," Mendes continued, his tone serious yet encouraging, "I'd be interested in representing you even without Cristiano's recommendation. I know your previous agent didn't handle things professionally, but that's all in the past. If you're open to it, I'd be honored to manage your career moving forward."
Mendes' expression grew focused as he added, "I'll draft a detailed short-term career plan for you, one that builds on your strengths and keeps pushing you forward. I want to see you reach your full potential."
Su Dong listened, feeling both validated and excited. Mendes' offer wasn't just about representation; it was an opportunity to shape his future with a clear direction and experienced guidance.
...
...
Mendes's proposal was deeply appealing to Su Dong.
At this stage, he was focused on one thing: strengthening his abilities on the pitch. But he also knew he needed an agent who could navigate the complexities of his career off the field. Coach Gorba had already mentioned that three or four clubs were keeping an eye on him, which made Su Dong realize the importance of having a clear career plan and understanding his next steps.
In professional football, transfers were critical. A well-timed move could elevate a player's career, while a poorly chosen one could stall it. He thought of Benfica's winger Simão, who had transferred to Barcelona with the reputation of being "Figo II." But the transition didn't go as planned, and Simão had returned to Benfica this season, his ambitions temporarily dimmed. The problem wasn't Simão's talent; it was that the timing and fit of the move hadn't been right.
This was why having a reliable agent was as crucial as honing his skills.
Yet, despite Mendes' enticing offer, Su Dong hesitated to agree immediately. He barely knew Mendes and was cautious about committing to someone he hadn't fully vetted. If it had been an established agent like José Veiga, Su Dong might have accepted on the spot without a second thought.
But for now, he decided to consider Mendes' proposal carefully, recognizing the potential benefits while wanting to be sure of his decision.
...
...
Back at his apartment, Su Dong continued his training regimen, pushing himself with intense focus.
After weeks of consistent physical training, his core attributes had shown significant improvement. His strength had reached 71, his speed had climbed to 78, explosive power was now at 76, and endurance had improved to 77. These gains were the result of his relentless dedication, day after day.
Not only had his physical attributes increased, but his technical skills had also surpassed 70—a testament to the balance he maintained between physical and technical drills.
During this period, Su Dong had also amassed a good number of Glory Tokens. Recognizing the importance of a well-rounded skill set, he had recently maxed out his defensive attributes, bringing each of them to a Glory potential of 99. Though he was primarily focused on his attacking prowess, he valued versatility and resilience, knowing they would serve him well in higher-stakes matches.
As a straightforward and diligent player, Su Dong's goal was to improve his attributes methodically before moving to the next level. He still had a Glory ability card available, but he was holding off on redeeming it. His current star ability, "Batigol," required further mastery before he could add a second card to his skillset. Eventually, he dreamed of becoming a player equipped with dual Glory abilities—ready to impact the game in multiple ways.
With his attributes steadily improving, training felt increasingly fluid. Yet, working under Pontes' rigorous guidance kept him challenged, as the coach continually raised the difficulty level. Take push-ups, for instance. Su Dong had progressed from standard two-arm push-ups to trying single-arm push-ups, alternating arms—a grueling exercise that tested his balance and strength.
Still, having tasted the rewards of his hard work, Su Dong was determined to persevere. He knew each effort, no matter how small, was bringing him closer to his goal of becoming a top-level player.
...
After another intense training session, Su Dong was drenched in sweat. He took a quick shower and, while at it, washed his workout clothes. Settling onto his bed, he checked the time—it was about right to call Cristiano's dormitory.
The phone was answered by José Semedo, whose ever-cheerful voice came through immediately. The moment he heard Su Dong, he began talking about their game that evening.
"Cristiano was brilliant! He dribbled past three players on his own… but then he took a shot, and let's just say, it was terrible!" Semedo chuckled, and Su Dong could almost picture Cristiano giving him a playful kick for the critique.
Soon, Cristiano took over the phone. Su Dong asked a few questions about the game, though he wasn't overly concerned. After all, he wasn't involved with Sporting Lisbon's youth team directly.
It didn't take long for the conversation to shift to Mendes.
"I think Mendes has a point," Cristiano said thoughtfully. "Your next step is crucial—you don't want to rush it."
According to transfer regulations, January 1st was the soonest he could make a move. That gave Su Dong about three months to weigh his options carefully.
"Just remember," Cristiano continued, "if you're considering a move, make sure there's a good chance you'll get playtime. If it's just going to be bench-warming, don't bother."
Su Dong agreed, recognizing that patience was key. There was no harm in taking his time to assess Mendes's sincerity and see what offers came through.
"I've known Mendes for a while now," Cristiano added. "He's reliable, attentive, and actually listens to what we need. That's something I haven't seen from Veiga."
He continued, "Think of Veiga like Real Madrid. Big reputation, lots of resources, and a great name, sure. But for players at our stage, he's more show than substance."
Cristiano clearly had a solid understanding of what he needed from an agent. "And remember, agents are there to serve us. The contracts give us control. For instance, even though I've given Veiga full authorization to handle my business, all I really need to end the relationship is a single fax."
Cristiano hadn't made his decision yet, as he was still discussing things with Sporting Lisbon's technical director, Aurélio Pereira. If Pereira didn't object, he planned to terminate his contract with Veiga and switch to Mendes.
Su Dong, meanwhile, had little experience with agents. The previous "agent" he had worked with had been informal and lacked proper qualifications, which meant that Su Dong's initial transfer hadn't been entirely above board. It had left him wary and uncertain about agent dealings.
Listening to Cristiano, however, helped him understand that players held considerable power in managing their own representation. Realizing this eased his concerns.
At this stage in his career, Su Dong was just a third-division player, with youth as his biggest advantage. If Mendes was respected by Cristiano and had already signed Hugo Viana, one of Sporting Lisbon's rising stars, then he seemed trustworthy enough.
Perhaps it was worth giving Mendes a chance. If things worked out, great. If not, Su Dong could always move on.
With this in mind, Su Dong felt his uncertainty lift. He now had a clearer view of his options and a sense of direction.