Chapter 6: Waiting for the Wind

Alessandro Rosa Vieira, known as Falcao, was an indoor five-a-side soccer player from São Paulo, Brazil. He was born on June 8, 1977. Falcao was exceptionally talented, being named the "Best Player" and "Top Scorer" twice at the World Cup for indoor soccer. Incredibly, he was also crowned the "World Indoor Soccer Player of the Year" five times.

In Brazil, it was common for players to have nicknames. Just like Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite was called Kaka, and Edson Arantes do Nascimento was called Pele, it wasn't surprising that Alessandro had the nickname "Falcao."

A young Kaka was familiar with Falcao and had watched videos of him playing. At that time, Kaka didn't know about the future accolades Falcao would receive. 

Indoor soccer was a niche sport without much global recognition. Even though Falcao was only 23 years old, he had already won several major championships, making him famous among fans. However, he wasn't yet well-known across South America.

Since it was the great Falcao, it made sense that Kaka was treated like a novice when they first met.

Kaka wasn't completely unfamiliar with indoor soccer. He understood the incredible skill level these players had in controlling the ball on the small indoor pitch. Their mastery was truly world-class.

Without hesitation, Kaka decided to learn from the master Falcao. Not just learn, but to become his friend and improve together.

During a game, Falcao took a penalty kick in an unconventional way. After a light jog, he suddenly turned around, trapped the ball between his feet, and gently jumped with his back to the goal. With a flick of his right heel, the ball sailed into the net before the goalkeeper could react. This would be a highlight-reel move in top leagues, but it was routine for the skilled Falcao. 

Apart from the dejected goalkeeper, everyone applauded Falcao's effort, keeping the atmosphere friendly.

It was Kaka's turn to kick off. Since he was part of the São Paulo youth team, the others likely passed to him to see his abilities.

Kaka wanted to show off fancy moves, maybe spinning 360 degrees to beat defenders, dribbling past the dizzy goalkeeper, and heading the ball into the open net. That would have been satisfying.

However, Kaka was used to a more efficient style of play. Transitioning to a flashy approach was difficult and unnecessary for him. He didn't want to be just a pure goalscorer like Cristiano Ronaldo or a showman like Denilson with fancy footwork.

Becoming a prolific scorer like Ronaldinho or an effortlessly stylish player like Ronaldo required a long, hard journey mastering those flashy techniques. 

Instead, Kaka dribbled at high speed, using two simple changes of pace and direction to go past two defenders before being dispossessed. But he quickly regained the ball and surged towards the goal, slotting it into the far corner with a clean, precise finish.

No one really cared about the score. The team that conceded just let out a disgruntled "Ooh" without punishing pushups. 

Honestly, this casual style of football was quite enjoyable. There was no animosity, dirty tactics or underhanded ploys. Everything revolved simply around the joy of the sport itself.

However, Kaka knew his destiny was to fulfill greater aspirations, not experience this simplicity. He aimed to absorb the essence of this stylish play into his technical abilities, becoming more graceful and formidable.

Kaka then consciously changed his approach, relying less on speed and more on dribbling skills to create chances. He occasionally tried fancy moves. 

The results were decent thanks to his strong foundations and exceptional physical talents. The defensive pressure was easy for him to handle. When he really unleashed himself, he was a spectacle - at least by ordinary standards, though avoiding embarrassment compared to these masters.

Still, anyone sharing the pitch with Falcao had to be highly skilled. The feints, named techniques, and ingenious moves they unveiled were mind-blowing. Just completing a basic stepover and failing to smoothly link it to a Marseille turn would be considered amateurish. Attempting a Cruyff turn without personal flair was unworthy.

After the game ended, some were satisfied while others wanted more. Kaka took the chance to consult the experts on technical intricacies he didn't fully understand. They were equally interested in guiding this promising São Paulo youth prospect, generously sharing knowledge, though some was irrelevant. Nonetheless, Kaka gained valuable insights.

He didn't claim an immediate transformation, but Kaka undoubtedly benefited. Remarking on the abundant talent among ordinary people, he happily exchanged contacts with some players and agreed to future games, establishing an initial connection. 

Afterwards, they said goodbye and went their separate ways. Street soccer and indoor soccer were now part of Kaka's training regimen alongside team practices and gym sessions, making his days remarkably fulfilling.

Kaka's changes didn't go unnoticed by the youth team's head coach Edinho. Kaka made no attempt to hide it, as honing skills on smaller pitches was common for Brazilian players. 

However, an 18-year-old dramatically changing his technical style was no easy feat. Edinho didn't fully approve but also didn't oppose it, even showing some appreciation. After all, Kaka's unorthodox style made it hard for him to fit in Brazil and South America, so his determination to change was positive.

Technical upgrades took time, not something achieved overnight. Kaka's immediate priorities were enhancing his long-range shooting to convert his talent into match-winning ability, and mastering high-speed dribbling by relying on his shooting and explosive pace as two main weapons. This would help him break into the first team, establish himself domestically, and gradually refine his overall style to make a big impression globally before moving to top leagues.

It involved scientific training, strict self-discipline, and taking advantage of his promising future aided by the football system's analysis. 

Time flew by quickly, and before long, the calendar turned to the end of January 2001. The wind of opportunity Kaka had been waiting for finally arrived.

(end of chapter)