Chapter 15: No Flashes in the Pan

February 4, 2001, São Paulo State League, São Paulo vs Santos.

Santos, a coastal city just 75 kilometers from São Paulo, made this a derby match.

São Paulo held their collective breath, as they hadn't defeated their rivals in five years.

Kaka, the star of the previous match, didn't start, remaining on the bench. Partially because as a newcomer, he hadn't fully integrated into the tactical system, and also due to a three-month injury layoff, prompting Álvarez's caution over his fitness.

Much like the previous game, São Paulo fell behind early.

Their defense was lackluster, allowing Santos numerous first-half chances, making their goal unsurprising. However, Santos' defense was equally poor, making São Paulo's failure to convert any of their five shots rather baffling.

Álvarez scanned the substitutes' bench, the players unconsciously puffing out their chests like concubines awaiting the emperor's decree.

"Kaka, Burgess, warm up."

Burgess nonchalantly responded, immediately taking to the field, seemingly forgetting his team's deficit.

"Kaka is coming on, along with Gibbs, another young player recently promoted from São Paulo's youth team. Perhaps Kaka's impressive debut has emboldened Álvarez in his use of youngsters. Let's hope this newly-turned adult striker doesn't disappoint him. Of course, fans are more interested in whether Kaka can replicate his stellar performance from three days ago."

Traditionally, regional leagues formed the base of a nation's football pyramid, with national competitions taking precedence over provincial (state) ones. However, Brazil was the opposite – their state leagues operated independently, free from the Brazilian FA's oversight, with each state determining its format. For clubs and fans alike, their state leagues held greater importance than the national competitions.

Although restricted to the state of São Paulo, its football market alone dwarfed China's Super League, making this state league highly anticipated. Kaka's emergence had drawn significant attention, with fans eager to determine if his goals resulted from pure luck or genuine ability.

Kaka maintained his composure despite his prior experience, appearing far calmer than the eager Burgess.

"The second half kicks off in the 19th minute, 1-0 to Santos. A familiar script, let's hope Kaka can deliver a familiar performance."

While Santos didn't underestimate Kaka, they were unlikely to be as complacent as Botafogo. Instead, it was Gibbs who faced lax marking, receiving a decent shooting chance shortly after taking his position.

A long ball from the defensive midfield area only required Burgess to chest it down and turn to face the goal, with the nearest defender three body-lengths away.

Contrary to his usual restlessness, Burgess remained composed on the ball, settling it at his feet before pushing it forward and striking.

The ball soared like a cannonball, its ferocity carrying it high into the air...

On the other end, Fabiano shrugged, his position equally promising. Had Burgess been less selfish, the score could have been 1-1.

Santos took the goal kick short to their fullback, launching an attack down the flank.

This foray was quickly snuffed out by a young beast baring its claws.

"Baptista with a superb tackle wins possession for São Paulo. I know many, like myself, immediately looked for Kaka, but unfortunately, he's tightly marked. Ochito comes to support, another long ball, this time finding Luis."

Luis Fabiano cushioned the ball with a gentle leap before threading a pass toward the edge of the penalty area.

With defenders either side and an unfavorable shooting angle, he had intended to lay it off to Burgess, but a glimpse of Kaka's driving run prompted an instinctive pass in his direction.

Kaka shaped to shoot, prompting the Santos defender to charge and block. Kaka's right foot feinted the shot, instead attempting to dribble past, but the experienced defender swiftly shuffled across, intercepting with a well-timed tackle.

Kaka swiftly attempted to win it back, but the ball had already been cleared.

São Paulo's attack fizzled out, with the midfielder assigned to mark Kaka only just arriving.

"What a fake shot, is this São Paulo's wonderkid? My niece could do better."

"How long has it been since São Paulo last had a genuine talent? Promoting these two is embarrassing."

Santos' manager Lura tensed as Kaka received the ball, rising from his seat, his apprehension lingering even after Kaka's dispossession, prompting his assistant's relaxed response, "You're overreacting. Botafogo was too careless against a debutant."

Lura stood on the touchline, arms folded, eyes fixed on Kaka, brow furrowed.

No coach could ignore a substitute who created three goalscoring chances, even if that player was still two months shy of his 19th birthday.

"Technically raw, poor organization, but impressive work rate, composed mentality, unafraid to take risks. Passing and shooting abilities require further observation." Not just Lura, but the assorted pundits in the stands constantly reassessed Kaka after that brief cameo.

"A poor shot, a failed dribble. Álvarez's lad hasn't shown convincing ability. We can't judge a player based on one or two matches, especially a developing youngster. But clearly, Burgess and Kaka still have a way to go before becoming true superstars. Álvarez can't rely on his wonderkids as super-subs every time his team falls behind but should focus more on tactical organization..."

The Flag TV broadcaster providing commentary was their lead analyst Yeck Cafu, who had been greatly impressed by Kaka, hence his particular attention.

Kaka gave Fabiano a thumbs-up for the excellent pass before tracking back.

Unaware his performance had captured the eyes of countless scouts and fans, he knew many doubted his ability. But he also knew those doubts would soon dissipate because...

In the script of a true prodigy, there were no flashes in the pan.

(End of Chapter)