Chapter 22: Ken's Number One Fan
Beep—!
The referee's whistle cut through the roaring noise of Morumbi Stadium.
Ken took a steady breath and began his run-up. His steps were smooth and controlled, exactly as he had practiced countless times during training sessions with the veteran captain. His left foot planted firmly about twenty centimeters beside the ball, his left arm slightly raised to balance his body, and then—
Smack!
The inside of his right foot struck the ball cleanly.
The shot rose sharply, skimming over the defensive wall. The ball curved beautifully through the night air, brushing so close to André's head that it ruffled a few strands of his hair before bending toward the upper-right corner of the goal.
Goalkeeper Cássio reacted instantly, springing off the ground with everything he had. His body stretched to its absolute limit, fingers reaching desperately toward the spinning ball.
"Just a little more… just a little more…" he muttered through clenched teeth, wishing his arm were even a few centimeters longer.
But the next sound answered everything.
Swish.
The net rippled.
The ball was already inside.
---
"Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!"
Streamer Liam shouted so loudly his voice nearly cracked as he jumped out of his chair.
"A brace! Ken is unbelievable! That free kick—perfect curve, perfect power, perfect placement! That looked like Beckham wearing a São Paulo jersey!"
Inside Morumbi Stadium, the crowd exploded once again. Waves of red, white, and black surged across the stands as fans screamed, clapped, and waved flags wildly. Some supporters even held up hand-drawn posters with Ken's cartoon portrait and his name written boldly beneath it.
Ken sprinted toward the sideline, fists clenched in excitement, before teammates surrounded him in celebration.
[He can dribble, pass, shoot, and now free kicks too—he's only seventeen!]
[How did a player like this sit out for two years anywhere?]
[Forget the past—just enjoy watching him now!]
The fans' cheers echoed like thunder. With the score now 2–0, São Paulo had seized full control of the match.
---
Halftime
Soon, the referee blew the whistle for halftime. The São Paulo players walked into the tunnel with relaxed smiles, while fireworks lit the stands outside in celebration.
Inside the locker room, coach Ramalho clapped his hands.
"Well done, everyone. Especially you, Ken—excellent performance. That free kick showed the results of your hard work."
Captain Rogério Ceni handed him a bottle of water and gave him a proud nod.
"Good technique. Keep your focus in the second half."
Veteran defender Lúcio added in a firm voice, "Be careful. This is a derby. They'll target you more now. Use your body well and protect yourself."
Ken nodded seriously. "Understood."
---
Second Half Pressure
The second half began quickly, and Corinthians immediately made an attacking substitution, bringing on fresh firepower and shifting to a more aggressive formation.
Within minutes, their attack intensified.
In the 53rd minute, a cross from the right wing found Guerrero, who powered a header past the defense and into the net.
2–1.
The momentum shifted instantly.
Liam's commentary grew tense:
"This is dangerous now. Corinthians have the momentum!"
Wave after wave of attacks followed. São Paulo's defense was forced deeper, with Ceni and Lúcio constantly organizing the backline. Even Ken began dropping into midfield to help recover possession, pressing opponents and closing passing lanes.
Despite the pressure, he stayed alert, constantly scanning for counterattack opportunities.
---
The Turning Point
The opportunity finally came in the 70th minute.
Ken intercepted a loose pass near midfield and quickly turned forward.
"Beautiful steal by Ken—counterattack!" Liam shouted.
He immediately sent a quick pass to Jadson on the right flank. With Corinthians pushing high, their defense was exposed. Jadson accelerated forward, cut inside, and delivered a precise pass into the penalty area.
Fabiano met the ball with a clean finish.
3–1!
Morumbi Stadium erupted once again.
"See? I told you!" Liam laughed excitedly. "From now on, I'm officially Ken's number one fan!"
---
Final Minutes
After restoring their two-goal lead, São Paulo regained control of the match. Corinthians continued attacking desperately, but their formation no longer dared to push as aggressively, wary of another counterattack.
Ken continued working tirelessly—tracking back, distributing long passes, and organizing quick transitions whenever space appeared. His influence was visible everywhere on the pitch.
In the 85th minute, Ramalho finally substituted him out, allowing the young star to receive the crowd's applause.
As Ken jogged off the field, the entire stadium rose to its feet, chanting his name rhythmically:
"Ken! Ken! Ken!"
He waved modestly toward the stands, breathing heavily but smiling. Performances like this were exactly what every young footballer dreamed of.
---
Full-Time
93rd minute.
The referee blew the final whistle.
São Paulo 3 – 1 Corinthians.
With two goals, constant defensive effort, and key involvement in the decisive counterattack, Ken was unanimously named Man of the Match, extending his remarkable streak of scoring performances.
As the players left the pitch, many fans remained standing, still chanting, unwilling to let the moment end.
Somewhere in the stands, scouts quietly closed their notebooks, exchanging knowing looks.
The message was clear:
A new star was rising.