Chapter 18: Youthful Achievements without Self-Doubt

Someone once said, "The same path can lead one to be a fool heading south or a remarkable individual heading north, so the direction in life is the most crucial." This quote reminds us that the trajectory we choose determines our destiny.

For a reincarnated soul like Kaka, the paths in life are countless, and becoming a football player is not necessarily the best option. The intense competition, grueling training, self-punishing lifestyle, and risk of injury, though accompanied by fame and fortune, are not the most desirable pursuits for someone with a nearly two-decade head start in knowledge and experience. An easier route to success lies within his grasp.

Undoubtedly, Kaka wavered in his decision. His doubts stemmed not only from the uncertainty of his choice but also from a lack of self-confidence. He was a talented individual, but he was not the true Kaka; he had become Kaka, but he was not the authentic Kaka.

However, in the moment when the ball crossed the goal line, all those winding paths converged into a perfect circle. If his extraordinary performance in the first match could be attributed to the opponents' underestimation and luck's favor, this goal shattered his hesitation, fear, confusion, and anxiety.

"Thank you, São Paulo, for making me realize how awesome I am."

This paradoxical mindset is common – sometimes feeling like an underachiever despite impressive results, and at other times doubting one's abilities despite a sense of accomplishment. Not everyone can maintain the unwavering confidence of Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who exude an aura of superiority. Most individuals grow and succeed through the constant interplay of self-affirmation and self-doubt, gradually maturing and finding success.

Regardless of how Kaka perceived himself, this goal solidified his standing among the coaches and teammates and made the opponents truly recognize his threat.

São Paulo did not make personnel changes after conceding the equalizer, but they adapted tactically, particularly in their cautious approach to defending against Kaka. Although this successfully neutralized Kaka, it allowed other São Paulo players to play more freely.

The tide began to turn in São Paulo's favor, and even luck seemed to be on their side. The Santos striker's header at the edge of the six-yard box was cleared off the line by São Paulo's defender, Lugano. The follow-up shot was miraculously saved by a flying Cheni, and the third attempt was an astonishing clearance, making one suspect that the shooter was playing some sort of double agent role.

Santos' head coach, Dioniki, looked utterly dejected. If Kaka's goal had dealt a severe blow to their morale, these three consecutive missed shots exposed psychological issues among the players, making them increasingly timid, while São Paulo grew more confident. Despite lacking clear-cut chances, they successfully reversed the momentum.

In the final stages, as Santos attempted a counter-attack, the ball was intercepted in midfield and eventually reached Baptista's feet. Kaka observed Baptista's movements while positioning himself.

The Santos defender stuck to Kaka like glue, following him relentlessly in every direction, as if made of sticky toffee, impossible to shake off.

However, Kaka's fitness advantage became increasingly apparent through this frantic running.

He gradually slowed down, appearing to stop, and as the defender breathed a momentary sigh of relief, Kaka suddenly sprinted away. Baptista's pass rolled towards them at the same moment, grazing their feet. Kaka shielded the Santos defender with his body, controlled the ball with the inside of his right foot, and seamlessly completed the turn.

Disaster struck! Santos players and staff watched in horror as Kaka gained a one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper.

It was only a half-chance initially, as another defender was almost level with Kaka, just two or three meters behind.

No one expected that defender to catch up with Kaka.

With a simple burst of acceleration, Kaka transformed the half-chance into a clear-cut one-on-one.

The Santos goalkeeper reacted swiftly, rushing off his line as soon as Kaka had left the two defenders behind.

His sixth sense had been warning him about this number 23 kid, so he had been closely monitoring Kaka's movements, allowing him to make the correct decision instantly.

As for Kaka, his rookie tendencies had not entirely dissipated.

Although he had beaten the two defenders, he could not immediately control the ball. With the goalkeeper's decisive charge, the ball now lay in the space between them, leaving Kaka with minimal time and space to shoot.

Seizing the fleeting opportunity, Kaka stretched his long leg and flicked the ball sideways with his toe.

As the ball rolled away, the goalkeeper dived, but instead of gathering the ball, he caught Kaka's foot.

At that moment, Burgis darted towards the goal like lightning, crashing the ball and Kaka's body into the net.

The score went from 0-1 to 1-1 and then to 2-1 in São Paulo's favor.

Santos had numerous chances to kill the game, but they only capitalized on the most difficult one, while São Paulo had few shots on target but managed to take the lead.

All this was due to the three substitutes, or more precisely, due to Kaka.

Instead of berating his players, Santos' head coach stood with folded arms, contemplating the young players celebrating wildly.

His team also had two promising youngsters, initially intended for promotion to the first team the following year. However, Kaka's performance had prompted him to reconsider giving youth more opportunities sooner.

Little did Kaka know that his butterfly's wingbeats had inadvertently altered the course of history for two individuals.

They now sat on the sidelines, enviously watching the radiant Kaka on the pitch.

These two youngsters were named Diego and Robinho.

(end of chapter)