Chapter 21: Shooting Star, Piercing the Defense

For those who lack a good touch with the ball, dribbling feels like running an engine with poor lubrication – it may move, but it's a real pain. Thankfully, there's the shooting star.

Speed, high stride frequency, a great sense of rhythm, excellent control of distances, and a strong synergy with the ball...

Looking back over the last few decades in football, the only player who has perfectly combined all these attributes is Kaka. In comparison, while equally skilled at rapid dribbling, players like Robben are more delicate and agile when dribbling, but lack the acceleration. On the other hand, players like Maradona and Carlos tend to be a bit too wild, often losing control. 

Only Kaka's fast dribbling is nearly perfect, not only ensuring control of the ball but also pushing speed almost to the limit. However, the physical and talent demands are so extreme that after Kaka's retirement, this style of dribbling seemed to be lost.

So when the shooting star was unleashed in the form of a straightforward skill, Kaka truly became a shining star on the pitch. Not artistic, not graceful, not delicate, but fast, efficient, and concise.

Fabiano made a perceptive run, creating space. In the closing minutes of the first half, Sao Paulo had their best chance of the game so far.

"Kaka dribbles again, but this time at great speed – this is the real Kaka. Earlier he looked like a fool with his feet tied together. Let's see how he handles this."

What else could he do but pass or keep dribbling? This was the thought of most spectators, and given the Brazilian nature, they hoped Kaka would continue dribbling, preferably all the way into the net.

Kaka was four or five meters from the penalty area. From the god's-eye view of the stands and TV cameras, he had enough space to break through and suitable passing lanes – either dribbling or passing was a reasonable choice.

Few saw that there was actually a shooting opportunity here. This required a quick shot, curling the ball past the defender towards the top left corner of the goal.

To strike such a perfect arc required the shooter to be calm, decisive, with impeccable technique and perfect timing.

Conveniently, Kaka possessed all of these qualities at an elite level. Like the legendary grandmaster in martial arts novels who defeats all challengers with his signature moves, Kaka was almost unbeatable with his trademark style, able to subdue heroes with his unorthodox skills or defeat vastly superior opponents with a single palm strike.

He mapped out the optimal breakthrough route, seized the best shooting opportunity, and struck the ball. Following the imagined trajectory, the ball curled past the defender's ear and into the top left corner of the net.

The shooting star lived up to its name, piercing the defense with pinpoint accuracy. The defender only reacted after the ball had crossed the line, and the goalkeeper moved to save it too late. As Kaka raised his arms and ran towards the sideline, the fans finally remembered to jump up and cheer.

"Kaka... Goal!!! A spectacular world-class strike! When everyone expected a pass, Kaka suddenly shot, using just one stride but generating tremendous power and nearly perfect placement! We knew Kaka was a rapid dribbler, but this tall, slender youngster also has a powerful long-range shot – a true treasure trove of surprises."

The Treasure Boy Kaka, no doubt about it.

While others may not have known about Kaka's long-range shooting ability, his coaches and teammates did, with many aware of his extra training on long shots and set pieces. Still, they couldn't help but exclaim when the ball went in.

Fabiano, who had been anticipating Kaka's pass, let out a cry of either excitement or frustration before rushing towards Kaka.

On Sao Paulo's bench, no one remained seated as those who had previously questioned the coach's decision to start Kaka fixed their eyes on the quietly celebrating figure.

Sao Paulo's fans showered the young midfielder, whose football style was as fierce as a thunderbolt, with their most passionate cheers and applause. Yet in celebration, he seemed quiet and reserved – arms raised, hands pointing to the sky, a slight smile, and a calm gaze, like a pious saint bathed in divine grace, exuding an indescribable elegance.

Kaka has always scored highly in terms of demeanor, as it's tied to appearance. A good-looking person only needs to avoid bizarre or vulgar movements and greasy, exaggerated expressions to carry an air of grace, even when picking their nose. Kaka's celebratory gesture was undoubtedly stylish.

"Four goals in three games – this kid is a true genius. What more could we ask for? We see his hands pointing to the sky again, a gesture whose meaning many may not know. But if you knew that less than six months ago, this radiant young talent was bedridden, his ability to even walk again uncertain, you too would be filled with gratitude towards fate and destiny like he is."

Of course, phrases like "uncertain fate" are beautified interpretations of blunter original statements like "an uncertain future filled with despair." But such plain narration doesn't stop the audience from imagining a twisting, mysteriously colored tale of perseverance, filling the gesture with interest and respect.

It's a gesture of gratitude, one with a story behind it. His world-class skills, good looks, and the imagined winding, enigmatic journey have further enriched Kaka's image in the fans' minds.

(end of chapter)