Chapter 74: Blue-Black and Red-Black

The Brazilian team won the 13th U-20 World Cup after defeating Argentina on their home soil. Kaká was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, while Saviola scored twelve goals to claim the Golden Boot as the top scorer.

The reports of Brazil's triumph dominated the sports headlines for several days, with the national U-20 team players receiving excessive praise within the country. Kaká, who was previously known only in the state of São Paulo, had now become a nationwide sensation. Players like Oliveira and Roberto also gained significant fame, attracting the attention of renowned agents and major clubs, who offered them lucrative contracts to secure their services.

Everyone had truly achieved both fame and fortune.

For Kaká, however, the most significant reward from this journey was not the newfound fame but rather the honor points he had earned. The U-20 World Cup victory brought him 25 honor points, and the Best Player award added another 10 points. Combined with his existing 15 honor points, Kaká's total had reached 50 – the cost of acquiring a new skill.

He decided to keep saving his points for now.

A celebration was undoubtedly in order.

Brazil's recent football performance had been dismal, resembling a flock of turkeys attempting to fly. In the World Cup qualifiers, the Brazilian national team suffered defeats against Paraguay, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Argentina, and even Bolivia. They resorted to changing their head coach three times within a year, struggling desperately to secure a World Cup berth and ultimately tarnishing the reputation of the once-mighty football kingdom.

In the Confederations Cup, Brazil not only lost to France, their old foe from the 1998 World Cup, but also suffered a defeat against Australia, a team they would have typically dismissed without a second glance.

In the Copa América, Brazil was eliminated after losses to Mexico and Honduras, adding further humiliation.

Brazil, who had maintained the top spot in the FIFA World Rankings for seven consecutive years, slipped behind France and Argentina, narrowly avoiding a fall from the top three.

Amidst this string of failures, Brazilian football desperately needed a prestigious honor to wash away the gloom and set the stage for the upcoming World Cup. A U-20 World Cup championship perfectly fit this requirement.

In many countries, football is merely a sport, but in Brazil, it is politics, economics, culture, and everything. The national team's performance can impact every aspect of the nation. Consequently, players like Kaká were viewed as angels in the eyes of Brazil's elite.

The Brazilian Football Confederation not only organized a grand trophy parade but also hosted numerous lavish parties, attended by football legends and influential figures from various sectors.

However, the celebrations had become somewhat excessive, moving beyond simple recognition and becoming tainted by various ulterior motives.

As the team captain and the tournament's best player, Kaká could understand his role as the centerpiece of these events, but he couldn't comprehend why he was receiving more attention than others, even surpassing the head coach, Costonio.

It wasn't until the following morning, when he looked in the mirror, that he realized the reason behind his popularity.

In this world obsessed with appearances, his looks had indeed become an asset.

Kaká also had his first encounter with Pelé.

The undisputed King of Football, a three-time World Cup champion, and an immortal icon in the sport, Pelé was a legendary figure whom even prodigies like Kaká dared not claim to surpass. Of course, Kaká had no interest in the elderly man beyond a polite greeting and casual conversation.

His interest was drawn towards the various young ladies present, one in particular.

She was stunningly beautiful, with an explosive figure, and seemed somewhat familiar, but Kaká couldn't quite recall her name. The name was on the tip of his tongue, but he just couldn't articulate it.

As Kaká searched his memory, a white man in his thirties approached, swirling his drink and smiling at him. "Quite captivating, isn't she?"

Kaká nodded, "Indeed."

"But, forgive my bluntness, you two wouldn't be a suitable match."

"Huh?" Kaká was puzzled.

He had only glanced at her because of her familiarity and his appreciation for beauty; it hadn't escalated to infatuation or lustful intentions.

He wasn't a wolf, instantly attracted to every pretty girl he saw.

"First of all, she's older than you. Let me see... you were born on April 22, 1982, and she was born on July 14, 1980, so she's about two years older."

Kaká became intrigued. "I know many men are quite particular, only interested in eighteen-year-old girls regardless of their own age, but some are more open-minded, accepting a range from eighteen to twenty-eight. Like myself, for instance."

"An interesting perspective. Alright, let's dismiss the first reason. The second reason is that she already has a boyfriend, and his charm exceeds yours."

"..." Kaká opened his mouth, not to argue but because he had also noticed the woman's boyfriend. "You seem to have a high opinion of me."

It was none other than Leonardo DiCaprio.

The global megastar who had already achieved widespread fame with his iconic role.

As for the woman, she was the same model who later commanded exorbitant fees for her runway appearances during the Rio Olympics.

No wonder she seemed so familiar.

Even before his tragic accident, DiCaprio's charm could outshine anyone else's. Kaká not only lacked any intention to pursue another man's girlfriend but also stood no chance, even if he tried.

He knew his place and didn't want any trouble.

"Allow me to introduce myself," the man said, extending his hand after they both averted their gaze. "Cesar Silva. I understand you're looking for an agent, and your requirements are quite high. I believe I can meet them."

"No offense, but an agent who can recall a supermodel's birthday with such precision doesn't seem like the type I need."

"Just a personal interest, nothing more. I know you're different from them," Silva gestured, encompassing many people in the room, referring to the other national U-20 team players. "I'm different too."

"Actions speak louder than words."

"Then let me prove it with facts. Can I consider myself on a trial period?"

"While your approach is certainly unique, I believe these matters should be handled with caution."

"Of course. Allow me a proper introduction. Cesar Silva, 36 years old, from São Paulo, a graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. More specific details might not be appropriate here, but I've already spoken with Mr. Bosco, and I believe I can meet your requirements. By the way, according to your father's arrangements, our first meeting was supposed to be in two days. This encounter is merely a coincidence, but it seems to have worked out well, don't you think?"

"Not bad," Kaká raised his glass, lightly clinking it against Silva's. "I thought someone like you would be on Wall Street, not at a celebration hosted by the Brazilian Football Confederation. But I must admit, your method of showcasing connections is quite impressive."

The two had a minor exchange.

Silva claimed their meeting was a coincidence, while Kaká suggested it was Silva's careful orchestration. The truth didn't matter; what mattered was that they both demonstrated their competence: Silva proved his ability to attend important football events, while Kaká showed his discernment.

Pretending not to notice the implied meaning in Kaká's words, Silva merely shrugged. "Wall Street? I've been there and came back. Not the most pleasant experience."

"Sounds quite heartbreaking," Kaká remarked. "Since my father introduced you, you must be aware of my requirements. Any thoughts?"

"A strength and conditioning coach, a nutritionist who's also a chef, a physiotherapist, a private doctor, a yoga instructor – preferably a woman. Anything else?"

"The nutritionist should ideally be skilled in various cuisine, and all staff members should speak Italian. These aren't mandatory requirements, but they would be bonus points."

"Italian? So, Turin or Milan?" Silva quickly deduced Kaká's desired next destination. "My personal recommendation would be Milan, the blue-and-black one, you know, where Ronaldo is playing."

"Blue-and-black? Someone might get beaten up over that."

"Pardon?"

"Never mind. I just imagined myself wearing the two different Milan jerseys, and I think the red-and-black one would suit me better," Kaká said in a joking tone. "As for Ronaldo, being national teammates is enough. His club achievements... never mind, you wouldn't understand."

(End of chapter)