Chapter 52: You Really Dare to Think That

The Brazilian football team easily defeated Australia 4-0, while their biggest rival, Argentina, had to play hard for the full 90 minutes before narrowly winning 2-1 against their opponents.

In front of over 40,000 Argentine fans, the young talented player Adriano scored a goal, instantly making him famous overnight. 

Although titles like "Super Platinum" might be too exaggerated, this youthful team undoubtedly had great potential. Many of the players were still very confident and ambitious, casually mentioning top clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona, even looking down on leagues like the Dutch Eredivisie and the Swedish Allsvenskan.

During those years, a popular saying emerged: "The national under-17 team is world-class, the under-20 team is world-class, and the senior national team... let's not even talk about it." 

Despite being said as a joke, it accurately reflected the reality. This "Platinum" team had something special about them.

In other matches, the United States lost 0-2 to Egypt, France won 3-2 over Germany, Ukraine fell 1-2 to Paraguay, Costa Rica lost 1-2 to the Czech Republic, Angola was defeated 0-2 by the Netherlands, and Ghana edged out Ecuador 1-0. 

The four big favorites – Brazil, Argentina, France, and the Netherlands – all advanced, with Brazil and Argentina considered the two strongest contenders for the championship.

On the individual scoring leaderboard, Kaka emerged as the clear star player, scoring six goals and providing four assists across four matches. Close behind were players like Savitore, Robert, Adriano, Xisi, and Ohler (Germany), who were all generating a lot of buzz and attention. However, in terms of worldwide popularity and fame, Kaka still surpassed even Savitore and Adriano.

To an outsider, these names might seem like just entertainment news, but for Kaka, they meant a lot more.

Though Adriano, Savitore, and Xisi later had some ups and downs in their careers, they still managed to establish themselves to a certain level. But players like Robert and Ohler – who had even heard of them?

Just representing nations like Brazil and Germany alone showed their talent, and their outstanding performances further validated their abilities. Yet, as time passed, they were all overshadowed by the constant stream of new talents in the world of football.

Adelton Martins was the top scorer of the 1997 FIFA U-20 World Cup, setting numerous records, including scoring ten goals in the entire tournament and six goals in a single match. The Brazilian team from that year achieved remarkable feats, such as winning matches by huge scorelines of 10-3 and 10-0, which were unmatched in the history of the U-20 World Cup. However, nowadays, who remembers Adelton? How many players from that great Brazilian team are still remembered? 

It only highlighted the many factors that could lead to a player's decline and fall from stardom. To steadily improve and rise in this profession required a level of dedication and perseverance that was unimaginable for most young players.

After this realization, Kaka didn't channel his energy into redoubling his efforts and making the most of every opportunity. Instead, he leisurely accompanied his family on a sightseeing tour of Argentina.

Although the initial level of attention wasn't particularly high, as the tournament progressed and Brazil and Argentina delivered exceptional performances, the U-20 World Cup gained increasing local interest in the region, even becoming the most watched event there. Naturally, Kaka, praised as the tournament's standout star, was recognized by many local people.

Most locals maintained a friendly welcoming attitude, and even those who expressed excitement did so in an endearing way, often proudly exclaiming, "Our nation's football is the best!"

Kaka's non-football activities remained reasonable and healthy, and most players, learning from the example of another team's mistakes, chose to behave themselves properly. However, the word "most" implies that there was a small group who preferred to act differently and stand out more.

For instance, the Ukrainian players.

Rumor had it that they partied every night, rarely spending the early morning hours in their hotel rooms, either going to bars or casinos frequently. After matches, they would often go as a team to internet cafes... or, as they are now called, "surfing" establishments. 

In any case, their lifestyle was even more glamorous and relaxed than being on vacation.

It seemed that the scouts' quest to find the next promising young talent remained an arduous and difficult task.

However, their search for the next Ronaldo proved significantly more successful and fruitful. 

Adriano was continuously demonstrating his potential to one day inherit the coveted number 9 jersey worn by Ronaldo. Many clubs had joined the race to try to sign the "new Ronaldo," not just from the Dutch Eredivisie or French Ligue 1, but also from the big money Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga clubs. Currently, Inter Milan was leading the chase to sign him.

Although the future star had yet to accomplish anything major, he was on the verge of obtaining Italian citizenship, laying the first foundation for his eventual rise to prominence in the Italian league.

There were also numerous clubs interested in signing Kaka, even more than Adriano, but most couldn't even get past his agent and inner circle. The only one who managed to meet with Kaka in person was Boshio, a seasoned scout from Barcelona – a true heavyweight club in the football world.

The two met at the hotel where the team was staying, with only the three of them present – Kaka, his agent, and Boshio – privy to the details of the private meeting.

"Hello, would you mind if I called you Kaka? To be honest, it's a nice name," Boshio's English was decent, although it carried a slight accent, but at least it was clear enough to understand his intentions.

"Of course, everyone calls me that," Kaka gestured for him to take a seat before sitting down himself.

"Well then, Kaka," Boshio unbuttoned his suit jacket, revealing a confident smile, "let's get straight to the point. My purpose for being here should be obvious. I believe you are one of the most talented young players today. Your current league is no longer the most suitable place for you; you should move to play in Europe."

"Such as..." Kaka smiled in response, "Barcelona?"

"Barcelona," Boshio nodded affirmatively, the prestigious name giving him an endless source of confidence to face any superstar in the football world without having to be too flattering. "A 16-time league champion, one of the most competitive clubs in Europe, and undoubtedly one of the finest clubs in the world."

He turned his head towards Kaka's agent after finishing his statement.

In his mind, the agent was the true authority figure calling the shots.

The agent too smiled, taking a ceremonious sip of his coffee, exuding an air of vast experience and shrewdness. 

He wished he could advise Kaka on what decision to make, but... alas, the boy had grown up, and he could no longer dictate his choices.

It was a bitter realization for the agent, one he preferred not to voice aloud.

"Of course, I'm aware that Barcelona is one of the greatest clubs in the world..."

In fact, I know more about their greatness than you do, Kaka silently added this thought before continuing out loud:

"But we both know that the best is not always the most suitable fit and option."

Boshio's gaze shifted back to Kaka, not only because he had realized that Kaka was the ultimate decision-maker, but also because Kaka had managed to accurately understand and grasp the key issue at hand. 

The best is not necessarily the most suitable – this was a sentiment that even amateur internet trolls could express. However, when faced with a major life decision concerning oneself, it was unlikely that anyone could apply this theory rationally and with a clear mind.

The best clothes, the best car, the best house, the best job – who wouldn't want them? But can you truly afford them and are they the right fit...?

Boshio had developed a genuine interest in and respect for Kaka's maturity. 

Not just any young prospect, but even established superstars within prestigious clubs might not have the composure and perspective to contemplate the huge prospect of potentially joining Barcelona in such a grounded way.

"I understand what you're thinking, Kaka. I've seen many talents," Boshio emphasized, "many, many, but very few actually succeed. Why? Because they lack a superior team, a mature developmental system, and teammates who are equally promising and can grow together..."

Kaka smiled and looked at him, conveying an "I'm listening" expression, causing Boshio's voice to involuntarily soften out of respect.

"We're all adults here, and there's training this afternoon, so let me be direct. I know it's too ambitious to expect a core starting position right away," Kaka set down his cup, "...a spot in the 18-man matchday squad, a guaranteed number of league and European matches per season, not just playing in some youth league with kids or a vague vision of becoming a future star at the home stadium someday. Can you ensure these playing opportunities, Mr. Boshio?"

Boshio was rendered speechless, stunned into silence. 

A spot in Barcelona's 18-man matchday squad immediately? Kid, you really dare to make such a bold demand...

Boshio paused, realizing it would be difficult to explain certain daily realities at a high-profile club like Barcelona without risking offense. He decided it was better to focus on the potential playing opportunities instead.

"Kaka, you are absolutely one of the most talented prospects I've scouted," Boshio started carefully. "However, Barcelona is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We have a very deep squad full of established world-class players. For a young player like yourself, no matter your ability, getting consistent games at the highest level will be very difficult at first."

Kaka nodded, showing he understood the reality.

"But..." Boshio continued. "If you join us, you will be immersed in the absolute highest level of training and development every single day. You will be pushed immensely hard to reach your full potential by playing alongside and learning from the best players and coaches in the world."

"I can guarantee you will get opportunities in the cup competitions and some cameo substitute appearances in league games at first. Work hard, keep improving, and further chances will follow. The coaches know true talent when they see it."

Kaka remained silent, taking in Boshio's words. The agent studied them both attentively.

"So those are the assurances I can make," Boshio stated. "The rest is up to you - your dedication, passion, and inner drive to truly be the best. If you can keep developing at Barcelona, the path to become a club legend is there. But it will require immense sacrifice and resilience."

"You're still so young, Kaka. This isn't a decision to be made lightly or in haste. Think it over very carefully..."

(end of chapter)