The result of the first El Superclásico of the 29-30 season was broadcast throughout Argentina.
A solid defense.
Dazzling offense.
Among all the highlights of the game, the one that shone the brightest was Yoo Ji-woo.
One goal and one assist.
It was incredible enough that he assisted after eating a banana thrown by a River Plate fan, but what amazed people the most was the dribble he displayed at the end of the game.
"The Seven Scarecrows."
A video with this title was uploaded to YouTube, garnering 5 million views in just one day and becoming a hot topic.
> [Who is this kid? Did a god possess him or something?]
[No one could stop that final dribble. When this video spreads, football fans will go crazy.]
[Did he take something? His stamina for the entire match was insane, and that speed at the end? Unstoppable! A one-man show.]
[My grandpa said it was like watching Diego Maradona in his prime. And to me, he kind of reminds me of Lionel Messi.]
[You guys thought the same? Who would've guessed an Asian kid would carry the essence of legends? What did Boca do to bring in such a gem?]
[Even among the players Rodrigo brought in, Yoo stands out. Javier's early days seem average in comparison!]
The video went viral, not just in Argentina but worldwide.
---
One day, after finishing regular training and preparing for personal training with Fausto Barco, Yoo Ji-woo was called over by head coach Sebastián Lancella.
"The chairman wants to see you now."
"Me? Why?"
"I don't know. Just don't give an immediate answer to whatever he proposes."
Since Yoo Ji-woo had proven himself capable of becoming a world-class player, Sebastián Lancella warned him, knowing clubs would be eager to snatch him up, and the chairman might see this as an opportunity to sell him at a high price.
"Understood."
In the chairman's office, men in suits sat sipping tea on the sofa. When Yoo Ji-woo entered, they stood up and greeted him with pleasant smiles.
"Yoo, it's a pleasure to meet you in person. I am…"
The business card read Director of the Argentine Football Association.
"We have something to discuss with you, which is why we called you here."
Hearing this, Yoo Ji-woo glanced at the director.
"…Why are you looking for me?"
"I'm not one to beat around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point. The Argentine Football Association formally offers you the chance to naturalize as an Argentine citizen."
The proposal was for him to change his nationality.
"You only need to reside in Argentina for three years to obtain citizenship. There will be no issues with naturalization."
"This is… unexpected."
"I imagine so. I sincerely apologize for catching you off guard like this."
After a polite apology, the director continued.
"The Association offers three things to you in return."
"First, a car and a chauffeur."
"Second, a house."
"Third, tax benefits."
The offer to naturalize in Argentina came out of nowhere, and the terms were highly attractive.
"Why are you offering me this? Didn't you see my previous interview?"
The director smiled broadly at Yoo Ji-woo's expression.
"We saw it. You said you want to wear the South Korean jersey no matter what."
"And you're still making this offer?"
"For the future of Argentine football."
"..."
"The level of Argentine prospects is so high that fans are calling them the golden generation. We're confident that if you join this golden generation and continue to grow, Argentina can aim even higher. That's why we're making this offer."
The Argentine Football Association, after much debate and discussion, had concluded that Yoo Ji-woo's performance in the recent game proved he belonged in their golden generation.
"This proposal is so sudden. May I take some time before giving an answer?"
"Of course. Please think it over carefully and let us know whenever you're ready."
---
On his way home, Yoo Ji-woo shared the proposal with his agent, Cha Myung-hoon.
After hearing the whole story, Cha Myung-hoon was furious.
"I can't believe they bypassed me and went straight to you! These things must go through me first."
Cha Myung-hoon was upset about the breach of protocol. No matter how talented the player, direct contact without involving the agent was unacceptable. Proper negotiations should have been arranged through him.
"I was taken aback."
"Of course you were! I'll strongly express my dissatisfaction to the club. This is disrespectful to you as a player."
As they neared home, Cha Myung-hoon asked, "Your stance on naturalization hasn't changed, has it?"
"No."
"Good. I'll inform the Argentine Association of your decision. Also, may I handle this situation?"
"Handle it how?"
"I'll fan the flames Yoo has lit and make them even bigger."
"Oh…!"
At first, Yoo Ji-woo wasn't sure what he meant, but he quickly caught on.
"You're quick to catch on."
"I trust you to handle this better than me."
With his permission, Cha Myung-hoon smirked.
---
A few days later, an article appeared in South Korean media.
[Argentine Football Association Offers Yoo Ji-woo Naturalization Proposal!]
The article created a massive stir.
---
December 4th.
The second leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinals.
La Bombonera, Boca Juniors' home stadium, was packed. Not a single empty seat could be found. Boca Juniors fans had hung a massive banner in front of the main supporters' section:
"Apologize for the Racism, You Chickens!"
This was a protest against the racial abuse Yoo Ji-woo faced in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinals.
"Santiago! Does playing for a racist club feel good? Are you happy?"
"Want some bananas too, you bastards?"
"Touch our boy again, and watch your backs in the streets."
Whenever River Plate players came near, they were bombarded with insults.
---
Second Half Begins.
[Boca Juniors 2 – 0 River Plate]
The momentum was entirely in Boca Juniors' favor. Desperate to narrow the gap, River Plate players pushed themselves to the limit.
Despite their determination, Fernando Belmonte's shots missed the target, and they failed to reduce the deficit.
[River Plate conceded two goals in the first half. Despite substitutions to turn the tide, Boca's fortress remains impenetrable!]
After thwarting River Plate's attacks, Boca Juniors launched a swift counter.
The goalkeeper passed short to Julián Martínez, who immediately looked to one spot.
Boom!
The right wing.
Where Yoo Ji-woo was waiting.
[Yoo receives the ball deep on the right flank! Such a clean and graceful touch! This guy could probably catch glass shards with his feet!]
Yoo Ji-woo, constantly running and leading attacks, was the focus of River Plate's defensive pressure.
"Stick to him! Don't give him any space to turn!"
River Plate defenders closed in aggressively, but Yoo Ji-woo, like an eel, slipped through the smallest gaps, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks.
"Damn it…"
With their offensive strategy failing, River Plate coach Lionel Benatti rubbed his forehead in frustration.
"Does that kid have eyes in the back of his head?"
Thump!
Yoo Ji-woo executed a delicate chip over Tiago Morales' head.
Tap.
He then nutmegged Santiago Medina, eliminating two defenders with just two touches.
[Yoooooo on the right wing again! And now, an early croooooooooss!]
Boom!
The ball, spinning with a perfect curve, passed over Ricardo Mesa's head in front of the goal.
River Plate's defenders looked stunned as they followed the ball's trajectory.
"…Oh no."
They realized they were doomed.
The ball surged precisely toward Ángel Molía.
Without taking his eyes off the ball, Ángel Molía struck a volley that rippled the net of River Plate.
[It's in!!! Ángel Molía with a sensational volley shot! River Plate sinks deeper into despair!]
[This season, Boca Juniors' attacking prowess is simply outstanding! Compared to last season, they've scored 16 more goals just in the first half of the season, utterly dismantling River Plate!]
Watching the goal go in, River Plate's coach Lionel Benatti slumped onto the bench.
The momentum had already been stolen, and it was impossible to overturn a three-goal deficit in the remaining time.
His gaze naturally turned to the player who orchestrated this entire situation.
'He has such a diverse playing style.'
At times, he moved like a classic winger with linear, straightforward runs.
Other times, he exhibited the destructive dribbling of an inverted winger to create opportunities.
Ultimately, all of these styles converged into one thing:
'A wide playmaker role... Sebastián Lancella has truly found a way to fully utilize the talents of that young Asian kid.'
This role, once proven at the youth level, had largely disappeared from modern football.
Through a deep understanding of the game, the wide playmaker had resurfaced—now embodied by this player.
If a player like that exists, a coach no longer needs to implement complex tactics.
Because that player is the tactic.
---
[WHISTLE BLOWS!]
[Jiwoo Yoo is being subbed off for Boca Juniors!]
[Once again, just like in the first leg, Yoo has delivered 1 goal and 1 assist! He has proven his worth yet again against their fierce rivals, River! Oh, look at this! The entire stadium is giving a standing ovation to their next-generation ace!]
In the 68th minute, as Jiwoo Yoo was subbed off, waves of standing applause echoed through the stadium.
"You're the best!"
"Stay with Boca forever!"
"What are the club management doing? Hurry up and sign him to a lifelong contract! I'll even pitch in my own money for his salary!"
At the same time, a song began to spread throughout the stadium.
It was a song Boca Juniors fans had prepared for Jiwoo Yoo, in response to the racial abuse he endured in the previous match.
---
**[When you take one step forward, face your fears.
When you take two steps forward, hear the cheers.
When you take three steps forward, seize the victory!
Clear the path, and bow your heads.
Kneel in reverence to the new king!
La-la-la-la-la-la-la!
La-la-la-la-la-la-la!
La-la-la-la!
Bow before our new king, Yoo!]**
---
From Boca's young prince to their new king.
The newly christened chant for Jiwoo Yoo echoed endlessly through La Bombonera, announcing the rise of Boca Juniors' newest star.