History Made
Even as he stood in the player tunnel of the Amsterdam Arena, Yang Yang found it hard to believe that this moment was real. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and the roar of the crowd echoed faintly through the concrete walls. He was about to step onto the pitch in the Champions League round of 16, a stage he had only dreamt of reaching.
This was his first time starting for Ajax's first team since he was promoted two months ago, and it couldn't have come at a more crucial moment. The stakes were enormous—facing Arsenal, one of the powerhouses of European football, in a knockout match. The significance of this game wasn't lost on him. If it weren't for the familiar faces of his teammates and the imposing figures of the Arsenal players surrounding him, Yang Yang might have thought he was still dreaming.
At the front of the line, the Swedish referee, Anders Frisk, was in animated conversation with Ibrahimovic and Ljungberg. The three seemed at ease, chatting like old friends. Their familiarity with each other was clear, a stark contrast to the nerves that fluttered in Yang Yang's stomach.
Ajax was lined up in their usual 4-3-3 formation. Bogdan Lobonț, the experienced Romanian, was between the posts, ready to marshal the defense. Maxwell, Escudé, Heitinga, and Trabelsi formed a solid backline, each a crucial piece in the defensive puzzle. In midfield, De Jong anchored as the defensive midfielder, with Van der Vaart and Sneijder pulling the strings in central midfield. The attack, Ajax's most potent weapon, was led by Wesley Sonck, Ibrahimovic, and Yang Yang himself— the young and unproven talent tasked with shouldering the team's hopes.
This was, without a doubt, the most important match of Yang Yang's career to date. Ronald Koeman, the Ajax manager, had placed immense trust in him, assigning him the critical role of breaking Arsenal's defensive lines and finding the back of the net. The weight of expectation was heavy on his young shoulders, and Yang Yang wasn't entirely sure he was ready to bear it. But there was no turning back now. All he could do was step onto the field and give everything he had.
Arsenal, on the other hand, deployed their formidable 4-4-2 formation. Jens Lehmann, the imposing German, guarded their goal. The defense consisted of the agile Clichy, the rock-solid Campbell, the ever-reliable Kolo Touré, and the experienced Lauren. Their midfield, a blend of finesse and power, featured Pirès, Vieira, Edu, and Ljungberg, all poised to dominate the game. Upfront, the lethal pairing of Thierry Henry and José Antonio Reyes promised to be a constant threat.
The absence of Gilberto Silva, still not fully fit, was a small relief, but Arsenal's depth meant they could replace one world-class player with another. Ashley Cole was also sidelined, and Bergkamp, a fan favorite, hadn't even made the squad, much to the disappointment of the Ajax faithful.
Despite his experience as a substitute, the nerves of starting such a critical match gripped Yang Yang. He understood the magnitude of this night for Ajax. Arsenal was a juggernaut, and failing to secure a win at home would likely spell the end of their Champions League hopes.
For Arsenal, this was just one more step in their pursuit of European glory, but for Ajax, both legs of this tie felt like finals. A chance to prove themselves against the best, to show that their young squad could compete at the highest level.
As Yang Yang scanned the Arsenal players, his eyes met those of Thierry Henry. The Frenchman was every bit as majestic in person as he had appeared in the Dream training system. Yang Yang couldn't help but smile at the thought, a brief moment of levity amidst the tension.
Almost as if sensing his thoughts, Henry turned his head and caught Yang Yang's gaze. The Arsenal striker returned the smile, a subtle, almost knowing gesture, as if to say, "Good luck, kid."
Patrick Vieira, Arsenal's towering midfielder, loomed ahead like a mountain. His presence alone was intimidating, a reminder of the physical and mental battles that lay ahead. Yang Yang couldn't fathom how someone of Vieira's size could move with such grace on the pitch, let alone dominate it. Behind him stood Sol Campbell, a defensive colossus whose mere presence could unsettle the strongest of opponents.
Further up, Robert Pirès, with his flowing hair and elegant demeanor, looked more like an artist than a footballer. His smile, calm and confident, was reflective of the way he played—smooth, effortless, and deadly.
As he took in the sight of these world-class players, Yang Yang couldn't help but question whether he was ready for this challenge. Could he really compete against such a formidable team? The self-doubt was creeping in, but he knew he couldn't afford to let it take hold.
With a deep breath, Yang Yang forced himself to relax. He reminded himself that once they stepped onto the pitch, the reputations and accolades of these players meant nothing. They were simply his opponents—men he had to outplay, no matter how daunting the task seemed.
Closing his eyes, Yang Yang took one final breath, centering himself. The roar of the crowd was getting louder, the anticipation building. He knew what he had to do.
He had to stay calm. He had to focus. He had to win.
...
...
"All the Ajax fans who have filled the Amsterdam Arena, the moment we've all been waiting for is about to begin—the first leg of the much-anticipated UEFA Champions League round of 16!"
The stadium announcer's voice boomed through the loudspeakers, igniting a wave of excitement among the crowd. "Let us greet our Ajax warriors with the warmest applause!"
In response, a thunderous wave of cheers and applause erupted, echoing around the grand arena.
"Leading our team, right behind referee Anders Frisk, is our captain, Rafael Van der Vaart!"
The stands reverberated with vigorous clapping and chants of Van der Vaart's name, his status as a fan favorite unmistakable.
"Next, our stalwart between the posts, Bogdan Lobonț!"
Once again, the fans roared, their applause blending with the collective shout of the goalkeeper's name.
"Wesley Sneijder… Julien Escudé… John Heitinga… Maxwell… Hatem Trabelsi… Wesley Sonck… Zlatan Ibrahimović… Nigel de Jong…"
The crowd's energy was palpable, each name drawing a fresh wave of applause. It was a ritual, a way for the supporters to show their unwavering loyalty to the men who carried their hopes and dreams on the pitch.
Then, as Yang Yang, walking at the end of the line, emerged from the player tunnel right behind De Jong, an unexpected hush fell over the stadium. It was as if the entire arena held its breath in collective anticipation.
"Oh my God, here comes the last one… our super-sub, Yang Yang!!"
The silence was fleeting, quickly shattered by an explosion of cheers that rivaled even the reception given to Captain Van der Vaart. Over 50,000 voices united in a deafening chorus, chanting Yang Yang's name, filling the stadium with electric energy. It was a moment of pure euphoria, the young player soaking in the adoration of the fans.
Yang Yang couldn't help but revel in the sensation—being cheered on by countless fans, embraced by their collective fervor. It was a feeling unlike any other, one that fueled his passion and determination.
During this outpouring of support, even seasoned figures like Arsène Wenger, along with the rest of the visiting team's staff, couldn't help but be struck by the magnitude of the moment. On the home side, Ronald Koeman, Ruud Krol, and Louis van Gaal, Ajax's technical director, who sat observing from the stands, were equally taken aback.
No one had anticipated that, in such a short time, Yang Yang would have such a profound impact on the hearts of Ajax supporters. His influence had quietly grown, blossoming into a phenomenon that even the club's management could no longer ignore.
"In the past few months, Yang Yang has brought us immense joy every time he's come off the bench," the announcer continued, capturing the collective sentiment of the fans. "Every appearance of his has changed the course of the game. Whenever we see him standing on the sidelines, all of us here at Ajax can't help but feel a surge of hope because we know that he never disappoints us."
The words resonated deeply with the crowd, a testament to the young player's burgeoning reputation.
"Tonight, we eagerly anticipate whether Yang Yang, making his first start for the team, can continue his extraordinary form off the bench and lead us to victory over Arsenal here at home."
...
...
The referee, Anders Frisk, blew the whistle, signaling the start of the match. Instantly, Ajax's front three surged forward, pressing Arsenal's backline with relentless energy.
Wesley Sonck and Yang Yang were the fastest, darting toward the left and right flanks, respectively, while Ibrahimovic charged down the center. Their collective speed and intensity were palpable, a clear statement of intent right from the kickoff.
But it wasn't just the forward trio; the entire Ajax team pushed up the pitch. The midfield trio and even the backline moved aggressively, compressing the space and forcing Arsenal onto the back foot.
"The start from Ajax is incredibly positive," the commentator noted, excitement in his voice. "They're pressing Arsenal hard right from the off, looking to grab an early advantage. It seems like the Gunners weren't fully prepared for this level of intensity on the road."
As Campbell received the ball, he quickly passed it to Kolo Touré, but with Ajax's pressure mounting, Touré opted to send a long ball toward the Ajax defense, hoping to bypass the press.
Heitinga rose high to meet the ball, clearing it with a commanding header. The ball landed in midfield, where Vieira, using his height and strength, won the aerial duel, heading it back into the attacking third.
Escudé quickly moved to intercept, pushing the ball out to the left where Maxwell was waiting. Ajax had successfully regained possession, and Maxwell wasted no time, charging up the left flank, eyeing an opportunity to attack.
Arsenal, however, had anticipated this aggressive approach. They swiftly dropped back, forming a tight defensive structure. Despite the Gunners' preparedness, Ajax maintained their pressure, with Van der Vaart moving up to offer support on the left.
Wesley Sonck cleverly drew Lauren away, creating space for Maxwell to advance. Van der Vaart sent a crisp pass forward, which Maxwell latched onto before whipping a cross into the penalty area. But Campbell, ever reliable, was there to head it clear.
Though Ajax's first offensive foray entered the penalty area, it failed to threaten Arsenal's goal. The ball, however, remained in Arsenal's half, signaling Ajax's intent to dominate.
The home side's aggressive tactics unsettled Arsenal, disrupting their usual rhythm. But the Gunners, seasoned by countless high-stakes battles, quickly adapted, minimizing Ajax's opportunities while looking for a chance to counter.
Arsenal did manage a counterattack, but the final ball was overhit, allowing Lobonț to claim it without much trouble.
As the game progressed, the strategies of both sides became clear. Ajax, buoyed by their home crowd, were determined to overpower Arsenal early, hoping to capitalize on their initial momentum. Arsenal, aware of Ajax's energetic start, chose to absorb the pressure, waiting for their chance to strike back once Ajax's energy waned.
Yang Yang was a constant presence in the front line, tirelessly pressing Arsenal's defenders and positioning himself to receive the ball from his teammates. However, Arsenal's defense was disciplined and meticulous. Clichy, in particular, was vigilant, giving Yang Yang little room to maneuver. With Vieira and Edu fortifying the midfield, Yang Yang found his opportunities limited, often forced to operate near the sideline with defenders always nearby.
Facing such a formidable opponent, Yang Yang knew better than to rush his plays. He focused on maintaining possession, passing the ball when no clear chances presented themselves, and biding his time, waiting for the right moment to make his move. He was careful not to give Clichy any openings to dispossess him.
As time ticked by, Ajax's attacks increasingly funneled down the left side. Wesley Sonck, Maxwell, and Van der Vaart were the key orchestrators, but breaking through Arsenal's defense was proving difficult. Ibrahimovic, caught between Campbell and Touré, struggled to receive passes, while Wesley Sonck, despite his constant movement and effort, found his opportunities equally limited.
It was during one such play that Sonck, having pulled wide to the left, received the ball. Lauren was immediately on him, and with Edu closing in to help, Sonck chose to pass back to Van der Vaart. Cutting inside the penalty area, Sonck was tightly marked by Lauren, leaving him little room to maneuver.
Van der Vaart, under pressure from Edu, spotted Sneijder asking for the ball. But before he could make the pass, Vieira was already closing in, forcing Sneijder to turn and shield the ball. With Vieira pushing from behind, Sneijder barely managed to pass it back to Van der Vaart before losing his balance.
Seeing Edu charging at him, Van der Vaart quickly returned the ball to De Jong, who immediately sent it wide to Yang Yang on the right. The pass nearly got intercepted by Pirès, but Yang Yang, anticipating the challenge, managed to retrieve the ball just in time.
Yang Yang's first touch was a deft flick past Pirès, pushing the ball toward the middle. However, with Clichy standing in front of him and the ever-looming threat of being closed down by Arsenal's French duo, Yang Yang didn't dwell on the ball. Activating his [God Vision], a special ability honed through countless hours in the Dream training system, he quickly assessed the situation. He noticed Ibrahimovic was closely marked by Campbell, leaving little room for a direct pass. Instead, Yang Yang opted for a more subtle play, threading the ball behind Clichy into space.
Ibrahimovic, always alert, chased the ball as it rolled into the right side of the penalty area. Clichy and Campbell were drawn out of position, leaving Wesley Sonck to dart into the box, drawing Kolo Touré's attention. Van der Vaart, lingering at the top of the penalty area, was poised to pounce on any loose balls.
Yang Yang could hardly believe what he saw—an open space in the Arsenal penalty area, completely unmarked. His heart raced with excitement and disbelief. Sensing an opportunity, he surged forward, shouting to Ibrahimovic as he did.
"Nine o'clock!"
The shout caused a moment of confusion among the players on the field. What did he mean by "nine o'clock"? But Ibrahimovic understood immediately. The duo had developed a set of secret signals during training, and "nine o'clock" referred to the direction from their offensive line—Yang Yang was asking for a pass back into the box.
Without hesitation, Ibrahimovic made the play, sending a low cross between Clichy and Campbell, directly into Yang Yang's path.
Yang Yang, full of confidence in Ibrahimovic's ability, timed his run perfectly, meeting the ball just inside the penalty area. With a deft touch, he used the inside of his right foot to guide the ball toward the far corner of the net. The shot wasn't powerful, but it was placed with precision, the ball skimming off the turf and bouncing just before reaching the goal.
Lehmann, Arsenal's veteran goalkeeper, dived to his left, his outstretched fingertips grazing the ball, but it wasn't enough. The ball nestled into the bottom corner of the net.
For a split second, Yang Yang stood in disbelief, his eyes wide as he watched the ball cross the line. Then, as the realization hit him, he clenched his fists in triumph and sprinted toward the corner flag on the right side of the pitch.
The entire Amsterdam Arena erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause. The noise was deafening, with more than 50,000 fans on their feet, chanting Yang Yang's name. The stands shook with the fervor of their celebration, as countless fans rushed to the barriers, their faces filled with unbridled joy.
On the sideline, head coach Ronald Koeman couldn't contain his excitement. He leaped out of the technical area, nearly running onto the pitch before the fourth official intervened, holding him back from joining the players in their celebration.
"God, what a goal!!!" the commentator exclaimed, his voice almost drowned out by the roaring crowd.
"Just eight minutes into the game, and Ajax have taken the lead against Arsenal!"
"This goal was completely unexpected, and it's come from the young Yang Yang!"
"This is his first start for Ajax, and it's hard to believe that his first shot in the game has resulted in such a crucial goal for the team!"
"This is also his first goal in the UEFA Champions League!"
"The goal came so suddenly, catching everyone off guard, but we have to congratulate Yang Yang. What a way to mark your first Champions League start—scoring a goal against one of the best teams in the world!"
...
Yang Yang was so overwhelmed with excitement that he instinctively sprinted out of the penalty area, his legs carrying him toward the sideline in sheer elation. Before he could even process the magnitude of what he had just accomplished, he was abruptly tackled by his teammate, Ibrahimovic, in a bear hug.
The towering Swedish striker, drenched in sweat, pressed his damp hair against Yang Yang's cheek, his voice booming in Yang Yang's ear as he half-complained, half-joked. They had agreed before the match that Yang Yang would do everything he could to set up a goal for Ibrahimovic. But here they were, with Ibrahimovic providing the assist and Yang Yang finding the back of the net.
Yet, the final words of Ibrahimovic's playful rant were lost on Yang Yang. His mind was a blur, completely consumed by one overwhelming thought: Goal.
He could hardly believe it. He had actually scored.
The opportunity had unfolded so quickly. One moment, he saw the gap in Arsenal's defense, a rare vulnerability in their usually impenetrable backline. The next, he found himself in the perfect position, with Ibrahimovic delivering a flawless pass right to his feet. All Yang Yang had to do was connect with the ball, guiding it with precision toward the far corner of the net.
It reminded him of those countless hours spent in Almere's skate park, where he'd practice his shots against a graffiti-covered wall. The technique was second nature to him now, just like those quiet moments when it was only him, the ball, and the wall. Only this time, it wasn't practice. This was the UEFA Champions League, and he had just scored against Arsenal.
His teammates swarmed around him, their hands grabbing at his shoulders, shaking him in a shared frenzy of joy. Someone—he wasn't sure who—planted a quick kiss on his cheek in the midst of the celebration. But none of this could pull Yang Yang out of his state of disbelief.
Surprise and sheer, unadulterated joy consumed him, filling every part of his body and soul. The roar of the crowd echoed around him, with thousands of Ajax fans chanting his name in unison. The floodlights, the roaring applause, the intensity of the moment—it all felt surreal, like something out of a dream.
On the sidelines, cameras zoomed in, capturing his every expression. Every eye in the stadium was on him, every lens focused on the young player who had just shocked the footballing world. He briefly wondered what he must look like—was his face flushed with emotion, or did he seem as stunned as he felt? Did he look composed, or was he grinning like a fool?
But none of that mattered. All he could think about was that he had scored—he had scored in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, against Arsenal, no less.
The weight of that realization began to settle in. This wasn't just any goal. It was a goal that had given his team the lead against one of the most formidable opponents in Europe, in one of the biggest matches of his young career.
And it was his goal.
Yang Yang finally began to emerge from his daze, the joy and disbelief still mingling in his chest. As he looked around at his ecstatic teammates and the jubilant crowd, he allowed himself a brief smile, savoring the moment that he knew would be etched in his memory forever.
...
"Wait a moment, everyone watching at home and all the fans here at the stadium—we've just received confirmation from UEFA's official website," the commentator's voice crackled with excitement, the news too monumental to contain.
"Yang Yang, who has just scored his first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League, is only 17 years and 122 days old today. Before tonight, the record for the youngest goal scorer in Champions League history was held by Peter Ofori-Quaye, who scored for Olympiacos in a group stage match on October 1, 1997. He was 17 years and 195 days old at the time."
The commentator paused, letting the gravity of the news sink in.
"That means, ladies and gentlemen, both here in the Amsterdam Arena and watching from around the world, you have just witnessed history. Yang Yang has shattered the record for the youngest goal scorer in Champions League history, advancing it by more than two months."
"Let's give Yang Yang the warmest applause and congratulations—he is now the youngest goal scorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League!"
The stadium erupted into a frenzy once more. The cheers, already deafening, reached a new crescendo as the 50,000-strong crowd absorbed the magnitude of what had just happened. Ajax fans were ecstatic, their joy spilling over into every corner of the Amsterdam Arena.
A brand-new record had just been set, and it was one of their own who had done it.
Amazing! Truly unbelievable!
Just two months ago, Yang Yang had already made headlines by becoming one of the youngest goal scorers in Eredivisie history. And now, in a stunning turn of events, he had broken the record for the youngest goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League. It was as if he was born to break records, a prodigy destined to etch his name into the annals of football history.
The fans were in awe, their disbelief palpable. This was a surprise as sudden and exhilarating as Yang Yang's goal itself, catching everyone off guard in the most delightful way possible.
Even Yang Yang, still celebrating with his teammates on the pitch, was visibly stunned when he heard the news. He had no idea who held the previous record for the youngest goal scorer in the Champions League, nor had he ever concerned himself with such statistics.
But now, he had scored. And in doing so, he had broken a record.
The realization slowly began to dawn on him, his expression shifting from shock to sheer joy. He could hardly believe it—he was now the youngest goal scorer in Champions League history.
As the applause and cheers continued to echo through the stadium, Yang Yang felt the weight of the moment. This wasn't just a goal. This was a moment that would be remembered, a milestone that would forever be associated with his name.
...
...
In the stands, Van Praag and Van Gaal exchanged glances, their smiles tinged with a mix of bemusement and concern.
"Putting him in the starting lineup was a gamble," Van Praag admitted, his tone reflecting the calculated risk they had taken. "We needed someone on the right wing to create opportunities, but we always expected the real threat to come from the left. Who could have imagined he would actually... score a goal?"
Van Gaal's expression was one of conflicted astonishment, as though he was still processing what had just transpired. "This goal came down to his excellent positioning, and while Ibrahimovic's assist was crucial, the goal itself wasn't particularly difficult to execute. So, in a way, it's not surprising that he managed to score, but..." He trailed off, his words underscored by a wry smile.
He hesitated to attribute the record-breaking goal to sheer luck, knowing that finding space and making the right run required a certain level of intelligence and vision. Yet, Yang Yang's goal had been so unexpected, so sudden, that it left a lingering doubt—was it luck or something more?
"Off-the-ball movement has always been one of his strengths," Van Gaal continued, now in full analysis mode. "He has an uncanny ability to find and exploit empty spaces, and that's not surprising to me. But what stood out tonight was Ibrahimovic's play—he was exceptionally active, drawing a central defender out of position and creating the gap that Yang Yang was able to exploit."
Van Praag nodded thoughtfully. "Well, the goal's been scored, the record's been broken. But what about his contract renewal?"
Van Gaal's face tightened, the earlier satisfaction replaced by a more pressing concern. The question had been hanging over them for days. Raiola, Yang Yang's agent, had been conspicuously elusive, avoiding any real negotiations. He hadn't even bothered to come to Amsterdam, likely waiting for a moment like this to drive up his client's value. Now, with this goal, Yang Yang's worth would skyrocket, and Raiola would almost certainly seize the opportunity to demand a higher salary.
"Michael," Van Gaal asked with a resigned smile, "should we be happy about this? Or worried?"
Van Praag laughed, a sound that conveyed a mix of relief and pragmatism. It was clear that despite the looming contract negotiations, he was mostly pleased with the outcome.
Both Ibrahimovic and Van der Vaart were likely on their way out of Ajax, and the club desperately needed a new star to emerge. From what they had seen so far, Wesley Sonck, while talented, still lacked certain qualities needed to step into the spotlight. Surprisingly, it was the youngest player, Yang Yang, who had shown the most improvement and delivered the best performances on the field. Tonight's goal would undoubtedly make him a household name, but it would also complicate the situation regarding his contract renewal.
"We may have a headache with the contract," Van Praag mused, still smiling, "but at least we know we've got a potential star in the making."
Van Gaal sighed, knowing that the celebration of tonight's success would soon give way to the challenging task of securing Yang Yang's future at Ajax—a task that had just become significantly more complicated.
...
...
"Yeah!"
As the referee confirmed the goal on the television screen, a wave of exhilaration swept through Shen Ji Chinese Restaurant in Almere. The place erupted with cheers, the sound of jubilation filling the air as patrons celebrated Yang Yang's sudden and spectacular goal. Coaches, players, and local fans who had gathered to watch the match were all on their feet, caught up in the excitement of the moment. No one had anticipated that he would score in such a pivotal game.
Among those cheering, the Shen family, Yang Yang's closest supporters, were the most jubilant. But it wasn't just them—Johnny Rep was equally thrilled.
"Yang Yang's positioning was absolutely brilliant," Rep exclaimed, still caught up in the excitement. "And the way he combined with Ibrahimovic was perfect. The two of them passed back and forth, breaking down Arsenal's defense with such precision, and that opened up the space for Yang Yang to take his shot."
"Yeah, it was all so sudden," Dick Van Poer added with a nod. "He had been pressing on the left all game, and then, out of nowhere, he shifts to the right and just slices through their defense. The way he took that shot in the penalty area—so crisp, so decisive. You could see how calm he was under pressure. His mental strength is impressive."
Yang Yang's connection to Almere was well-known, and as he continued to shine at Ajax, the entire town felt a sense of pride. His success was their success, a testament to the talent that could emerge from their small community.
"It looks like our summer training program is going to be even more popular this year," Dick Van Poer chuckled, already anticipating the influx of young players eager to follow in Yang Yang's footsteps.
Yang Yang had become a living symbol for Almere, a beacon of what their youth training could achieve. The better he performed at Ajax, the more attention Almere's football programs would receive. It would lead to more sign-ups, a broader pool of talent, and, ultimately, a higher standard of youth development for the entire town.
"Oh, and make sure," Johnny Rep chimed in, turning to Mr. Shen, "that next time Yang Yang is back in town, we get him over to Almere for some promotional photos. We can use them for our summer youth enrollment campaign. The kids will love it, and it'll do wonders for us."
Just a year ago, who would have thought that Yang Yang would become Almere's pride and joy?
Henk Dimer, Nick, and some of the other young players who had grown up with Yang Yang watched the celebration with a mix of pride and wistfulness. They had once shared the pitch with him, trained alongside him, and even outshone him at times. But now, as they struggled to establish themselves in the Dutch third division, Yang Yang was playing in the Champions League knockout stages, scoring goals on one of the biggest stages in world football.
It was impossible not to notice the widening gap between them. Once, they had all taken the same bus past the Amsterdam Arena, dreaming of playing there one day. Now, while they still rode the Almere team bus, Yang Yang had become the focus of the entire stadium's attention.
The realization was bittersweet. Their friend had soared to heights they could only dream of, and while they were proud, it also underscored how far they still had to go.
But for now, they set aside any lingering doubts or regrets. Tonight was about celebrating Yang Yang's incredible achievement, a moment that would be remembered in Almere for years to come.