Chapter 125: Chapter 125: King of Chinese Football? No, Not Yet

"What did I just see? What did I just see!?"

On CCTV Sports Channel 5, commentator Huang Jianxiang roared into the microphone.

"Ye Chen dribbled past three defenders in the final moments – single-handedly dismantling Bayern's defense!"

"He's created a miracle!"

"Ye Chen is China's ninth wonder!"

"When he faced Boateng, he actually feinted and made him fall to the ground!"

"This moment will go down in history!"

"With his feet, Ye Chen has shown the world that Chinese players can play football too!"

"Ye Chen, the King of Chinese Football – no doubt about it!"

Huang Jianxiang's voice echoed through households across the nation.

Suddenly, the title "King of Chinese Football" spread like wildfire...

However, many voiced their doubts. He had only played seven matches in the Bundesliga – wasn't it too early to call him the King of Chinese Football?

Some argued back – if not Ye Chen, then who?

In fact, there was indeed a true football king in Chinese history – Li Huitang!

Li scored 1,860 goals in his career – an astonishing record! In 1928, the Asian Football Confederation named him the "King of Asian Football." When Global Football Magazine hosted a worldwide poll for the greatest players, Li Huitang stood alongside legends like Brazil's Pelé, England's Matthews, Argentina's Di Stéfano, and Hungary's Puskás – the world's top five football kings!

That's internationally recognized greatness!

With such a giant in history, could Ye Chen really claim the title "King of Chinese Football"?

Ye Chen faced ridicule from all sides.

Even people who didn't watch football joined in to criticize him...

In a villa in Barcelona, Rocuzzo was eating fruit while watching the match.

"Leo, come here! This goal is incredible!"

Messi, casually walking on the treadmill, reluctantly stepped off and looked at the big screen.

Ye Chen's goal was playing on replay.

"Wow!" Messi gasped. "Who is this guy? That goal was amazing!"

Rocuzzo smiled. "I told you, the German Klassiker is exciting. This kid Ye has already scored four!"

Messi looked surprised. "Scoring four against Bayern? That's impressive!"

"What do you think of the goal?"

Messi rubbed his chin, hesitating. "He could have chipped the ball for the final shot, but his speed was great – he got past Neuer. Otherwise, it could have been risky."

"By the way, his dominant foot is his right."

"Really? His left looks just as good!"

"That's why I say he's a genius. This is my first time watching him, but I'm already a fan. He's incredible!" Rocuzzo said in admiration.

"Which country is he from? Japan? Korea?"

"Neither – he's from China."

"China?" Messi paused. "I know Chinese fans are some of the most passionate, but their football..."

Halfway through his sentence, Messi realized something. "Wait, did you say you're his fan?"

"Yep. He's talented, and he's handsome... what a player!"

"What about me?"

Messi pouted – jealous.

Thus, music filled the Barcelona villa...

At Clairefontaine, France.

"Kylian, it's getting late – time for bed!" A middle-aged woman called out to a boy who resembled a certain speedy turtle.

"Mom, I'll sleep after this match!"

"You're watching the German Klassiker? I thought you liked the Spanish one."

"That was before. Starting now, I'm a Dortmund fan!"

"What? Ronaldo will be disappointed!"

The boy shook his head. "I have a new idol – Ye! He's unbelievable – super fast, incredible shots – he's like a superhero on the pitch... Hey Mom, do Chinese people all know kung fu? I bet Ye practicing kung fu looks awesome!"

His mother smiled helplessly. "Chinese kung fu is great, but their football... Maybe Ronaldo is a better choice – after all, China hasn't even made it to the World Cup."

"No! I like Ye! Mom, can I have some money?"

"For what?"

"I want to buy Ye's poster and cover my room with it!"

"If you score as many goals as Ye in tomorrow's training match at Clairefontaine, I'll give you money. Otherwise, I'm not spending a dime!"

"You said it!" The boy grinned.

Tomorrow, he was determined to score like his new idol!

After celebrating passionately, Ye Chen returned to the pitch.

At that moment, the referee showed Badstuber a yellow card.

Since Badstuber had already received one earlier in the 53rd minute for a foul on Lewandowski, two yellows meant a red – he was sent off!

Lahm immediately protested to the referee, but the official stood firm.

The referee wasn't favoring the home team – the atmosphere influenced him.

Technically, he could have ignored it.

But Badstuber's tackle was dangerous – Ye Chen narrowly avoided serious injury.

Just last week, the Bundesliga committee had held an emergency meeting to crack down on dangerous fouls. Badstuber ignored the warnings!

The fact that it wasn't a straight red was already lenient...

The match entered its final five minutes.

Both teams were down to ten players.

At 87:24, Jupp Heynckes waved his arms furiously from the sideline. "Push forward! Don't let them breathe!"

Gustavo, panting heavily nearby, thought, "Boss, you're not suffocating them – you're killing us!"

Still, he pushed forward, sending a cross into the box.

Gómez and Petersen jumped, but the ball sailed past the far post and out of bounds.

Bayern fans sighed.

In the box, Götze was down, clutching his thigh.

Ye Chen rushed over. "Cramping?"

Götze nodded painfully. "I can't keep going. Too exhausted!"

"Go forward – I'll cover at full-back!" Ye Chen helped him stretch.

"Can you keep up?" Götze asked, concerned.

"I'll manage for a few more minutes!"

Ye Chen could play extra time if needed, but he didn't show it – he didn't want to end up as a lab experiment!

It wasn't just Götze – the entire Dortmund squad was gasping for air.

The last few minutes were sheer willpower...