Chapter 322: Lin Quan Wants to Be the King of Football!?

Chapter 322: Lin Quan Wants to Be the King of Football!?

After Casillas finished lifting the trophy, he handed the World Cup to Lin Quan. Lin Quan raised the trophy high, attracting countless photographers, with flashes going off non-stop, and the fans cheering enthusiastically.

Lin Quan didn't linger with the World Cup for long, immediately passing it to his teammates so they could also enjoy lifting the trophy.

At this moment, King Felipe VI of Spain, wearing a red Spanish jersey, appeared on the field from the players' tunnel with his two daughters, also in Spanish jerseys. Xavi handed the World Cup to Lin Quan, asking him to give it to the King.

King Felipe VI looked very emotional as he kissed the World Cup, then handed it to his daughters without lifting it himself. Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia excitedly received the trophy from their father and jointly raised it high.

This scene almost replicated the classic moment from four years ago, evoking nostalgic memories for the Spanish fans present and watching on TV. This generation of Spanish fans is undoubtedly happy, as their national team is experiencing its most powerful era in history. After failing to win a World Cup for eighty years, they won two in just four years. Since 2008, Spain has won 2 World Cups, 2 European Championships, and 1 Confederations Cup in six years, rarely losing in major tournaments and almost sweeping all available trophies.

However, every dynasty eventually declines. In this Spanish team, Xavi is 34 years old, Casillas, Xabi Alonso, and Villa are all 33. Apart from goalkeeper Casillas, the other three are likely to retire from the national team after the World Cup. They are too old to continue playing in top European leagues. So, they will probably leave for the Middle East or the North American Major League Soccer to make money or simply retire like Puyol.

Additionally, Torres and Iniesta, born in 1984, are already 30, and they can probably only play in one more World Cup. Players born in 1985 like Albiol, and those born in 1986 like David Silva and Ramos, along with 1987-born Piqué, Fàbregas, and Pedro, might also only manage one more World Cup, making it difficult for them to persist until the 2022 World Cup.

Compared to the young squad with an average age of 25.7 years four years ago, Spain's current average age has reached 27.5 years, which is quite high among past World Cup-winning teams. The aging roster is the primary problem Spain will need to address in the coming years, a challenge with no easy solution.

However, optimistic Spaniards aren't thinking that far ahead now. They believe that with the vibrant La Liga and the emerging young talents, the new generation will inherit the legacy perfectly and lead Spain to continued success. Fans and the Spanish media share this belief.

During post-match interviews, a group of reporters surrounded Lin Quan, asking about his feelings on the game and winning the World Cup. After Lin Quan answered, a Spanish reporter asked:

"Lin, did you know you were close to breaking a record set by the legendary Pelé 56 years ago?"

Lin Quan shook his head, indicating he didn't know what record the reporter was referring to.

"When Pelé first led his team to victory, he was only 17 years and 249 days old, making him the youngest champion in World Cup history. You won the World Cup at 18 years and 140 days, not far off!"

Apart from these two, Ronaldo participated in the 1994 World Cup at 17, and Brazil won, but he didn't play, so the reporter ignored his record. The reporter considered players like Lin Quan and Pelé, who participated and scored crucial goals as main players, more legitimate.

"I haven't paid much attention to this. After all, there was no World Cup for me to play in at 17!" Lin Quan responded, making the reporters laugh.

The World Cup is every four years, not annually. Finding young, exceptionally talented players like Pelé and Lin Quan is extremely rare, making Pelé's record hard to break, especially with the stringent conditions set by the Spanish reporter. Players need to be young, central to their team, perform outstandingly, and ultimately lift the trophy—each criterion being tough to meet.

"Does Pelé have other records that someone my age could challenge?" Lin Quan asked, known as the record breaker, showing interest in Pelé's records.

Hearing this, the reporters got excited. Did Lin Quan want to become the new king of football?

"Yes, Pelé's unique record is winning three World Cups, a record untouched for years," a reporter said, eagerly waiting for Lin Quan's response.

Winning three World Cups is incredibly difficult, as shown by no one achieving it since Pelé. Pelé's status as the king of football largely stems from this nearly impossible feat, making him the first recognized football king.

If Lin Quan could surpass Pelé's record, he might indeed become the new king of football. But could Lin Quan really accomplish such an impossible task? Some even doubted if he had the courage to accept this challenge.

A player's career is limited, usually no more than 20 years. Even if they start and end their career perfectly aligned with the World Cup, they can only play in up to six World Cups. Given the fierce competition, even a national team might struggle to win three World Cups in 20 years. Brazil, the team with the most World Cup victories, hasn't won since 2002, failing to reach the finals in the last three editions.

"Well, Pelé's record is indeed tough to break, but I feel I can give it a try. What if I succeed?" Lin Quan answered lightly, not claiming absolute confidence but willing to try with a positive attitude. Success would be great; failure wouldn't matter much since it's almost an impossible task.

Hearing Lin Quan's response, the reporters' eyes lit up with excitement. Big news! Lin Quan wanted to challenge for the king of football! While others wouldn't dare to dream of breaking Pelé's record, Lin Quan wanted to try, showing his confidence in his abilities. Such courage is rare!

With Lin Quan's performance in this World Cup, he certainly had the qualifications to challenge for the king of football. The media, eager to attract readers, exaggerated and sensationalized Lin Quan's interview. The BBC's headline was the most eye-catching:

"Lin Quan: I Want to Be the King of Football!"

The football world was in an uproar after these reports. Fans, still buzzing from the World Cup, passionately discussed the news online.

"Damn, Lin wants to be the king of football. I didn't know he had such ambition!"

"Lin is so confident and powerful. If anyone else said this, I'd think they were bragging, but from Lin, it seems possible!"

"Maybe because Lin truly has the ability?"

"Haha, you fans really believe this? Winning one World Cup is hard enough, let alone three. Keep dreaming!"

"Three World Cups are indeed tough, but not impossible. Rationally speaking, Spain just defended their title, so Lin already has one World Cup. He just needs two more in the next decade or so."

"Right, Lin is only 18. He can play in at least three more World Cups, maybe four if he maintains his form."

"Winning two more in four World Cups is still hard. Spain's lineup is aging!"

"True, but as long as Lin is there, they're still a top team. If other teams don't improve, Spain might defend their title again!"

"I think Germany is strong, and Argentina might be competitive in four years."

"I believe France could rise, with many young talents emerging in their league!"

"Young talents? The Professor will be thrilled!"

"The Professor has been spending more generously in recent seasons. Maybe he's now aiming for big stars instead of young talents!"

"No, no, the Professor is still the same, splitting pennies in half. He might be buying stars, but he's still stocking up on young talents to loan out for experience or sell for profit!"

"Wow, when did Arsenal become a black market dealer?"

"Don't say it like that. Arsenal is providing experienced captains for other teams. How can that be called a black market?"

"Stop it, Arsenal fans are about to cry!"

"Okay, no more teasing Arsenal fans. Let's get back to whether Lin can break the record!"

"Do you think it's possible for Lin to win three World Cups in the next four tournaments?"

"No way, absolutely not!"

"The odds are too low!"

"Haha, if that happens, the World Cup might as well be renamed the Spanish Cup!"

Many believe that even winning one more World Cup in the next four tournaments will be tough for Spain. After this generation retires, whether the next generation can be as strong is uncertain. Lin is amazing, but football is a team sport. He can't win alone, and weak teammates could hinder the team.

Because of this low likelihood, many think Lin was joking. Some rival fans seized the chance to mock Lin as arrogant. Challenging Pelé's legendary records?

The heated discussion reached Pelé himself. Contrary to the mockery from others, Pelé graciously said:

"Records exist to be broken by future generations!"

"Lin is a genius player. Watching him play is a joy for anyone. He is young and full of potential, so I won't easily dismiss him!"

Pelé's support boosted the confidence of Lin's fans.

"Haters, speak up!"

"Even the king himself supports Lin. Do you know better than the king?"

"Just call yourselves 'Know-It-Alls' then!"

While this debate raged on, Lin and his teammates flew back to Spain, bringing the World Cup to Madrid. Informed fans swarmed the Madrid airport, creating a sea of people. When the Spanish players appeared

in the arrival hall, they were greeted by a massive crowd.

"My God, how many people are here?"

"Must be tens of thousands!"

"More than that, look outside!"

"Is half of Madrid here?"

"Can we even leave the airport today?"

Surprised by the turnout, the players were initially shocked. However, the fans were relatively calm, chanting championship slogans without causing any incidents. After discussing with their coaches, the players brought out the World Cup and other trophies to show their achievements in this World Cup to the fans.

Seeing the World Cup excited the fans even more, and they surged forward, eager to touch the enchanting championship trophy. Fortunately, the Spanish national team had coordinated with the airport's security in advance, and numerous security personnel were present to maintain order, preventing any incidents.

After soccer officials announced that the World Cup would be publicly displayed for fans to visit, the crowd gradually calmed down. Instead, they started chanting each player's name. Veterans who had participated in two World Cups received special recognition, getting more applause and cheers. But one player stood out—Lin Quan, even though he had only participated in one World Cup, received as much if not more applause and cheers.

Lin was undoubtedly the key player in Spain's World Cup victory and was the undisputed team core. His contributions on the field were undeniable, so he rightfully received special treatment.

Not only the fans treated Lin specially, but the Spanish royal family also showed him particular attention. After the team's return, King Felipe VI hosted a celebration banquet at the palace, inviting all members of the Spanish team. After the banquet, the king awarded Lin the Queen Isabel Medal, established in 1998 to honor individuals and institutions that make outstanding contributions to the country or promote international relations.

In addition to the medal, Princess Leonor fulfilled a promise and granted him a baronetcy. Although Spanish titles aren't very valuable, having a noble title is something, right?

Lin wasn't the first national team member to be knighted. Four years ago, coach Bosque was granted a marquis title by the old king for leading Spain to their first World Cup victory.

This made Lin wonder if he would have received a viscount or even an earl title if King Felipe VI had granted the title instead of Princess Leonor.

(End of Chapter)