On the podium, Torres cried as he walked up to receive his medal.
For Atlético Madrid, there was no joy.
3–0.
That was never the scoreline they imagined.
Soon after, Sporting CP's young players stepped onto the stage.
And once again—
Kai lifted the UEFA Youth League trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo watched with obvious envy.
A reporter noticed and quickly intercepted Ronaldo after the ceremony.
"Congratulations, Ronaldo. Not only did you win the championship, but you were also named Best Forward and top assist provider, and selected for the Team of the Tournament."
"But during the group photo, you kept staring at the trophy Kai was holding."
"Do you wish you could lift it? As captain?"
Cristiano Ronaldo shook his head rapidly.
"No, no. I don't care about lifting the trophy. That's unnecessary. Everyone knows what I contributed."
"Kai is our true captain. Not just appointed by Coach Maxa — he's trusted by all of us. It's only right that he lifts it."
"As long as we're champions, I don't care who holds that thing."
The moment he finished speaking—
Kai walked over and casually shoved the trophy into Ronaldo's arms.
"Hey, man. How can you not hold it while giving an interview?"
Ronaldo tried to refuse.
"No, really, I'm not interested—"
But his hands had already gripped the trophy tightly.
When he turned back toward the cameras—
His face betrayed him completely.
Eyebrows raised, grin splitting his face.
He looked exactly like the day he would lift the European Championship trophy years later.
Meanwhile, Kai was surrounded by reporters.
Reporter: "Kai, why were you spinning in circles on the pitch? Some people see that as disrespectful."
Kai: "If dancing distracts defenders, I'm willing to dance. The facts prove it worked. And it doesn't break any rules."
Reporter: "But your second spin triggered the conflict. Atlético players say it was provocation."
Kai: "This is a Youth Champions League final. What's provocation? As long as there's no personal insult, psychological pressure is part of the game."
"You don't seriously think I could send Gabi flying with one pull if he wasn't emotionally heated, right? He's one of the best defensive midfielders in this tournament."
"Compared to my so-called provocation, maybe his studs into my Achilles deserve more attention."
"But I understand him. That moment doesn't define his character. I won't hold it against him."
Kai remained composed.
He didn't attack Gabi personally.
There's a difference in how tricksters are perceived.
Ronaldinho loved outrageous flair — but when defenders kicked him, he smiled, shook hands, and moved on.
Neymar also uses flair — but often shows visible frustration and resentment when fouled.
One absorbs the anger.
The other confronts it.
Both are understandable.
But perception changes everything.
Kai belonged to another category entirely.
"I know I'm provoking you. So if you kick me, I won't cry about it."
We're not saints playing polite football.
So we don't demand gentlemanly treatment either.
Later, in the locker room, Torres watched Gabi's interview with Kai.
The bitterness in his chest faded.
"He's… surprisingly reasonable," Torres said, patting Gabi on the shoulder before pulling him into a hug.
Gabi snorted.
"If he ever joins Atlético, I'll love him to death."
"But right now? I'm still pissed. Next time I see him, I'll mark him so tight touching the ball becomes a fucking luxury."
Gabi was confident.
As a core midfielder, he had responsibilities that limited his defensive aggression.
But as a pure man-marker?
That was different.
Despite the loss, Torres and Gabi were selected in the Team of the Tournament.
The lineup also included Petr Čech, Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm, Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, and others.
Of course, limited spots meant some excellent players were excluded.
Robin van Persie missed out.
So did Bayern's Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Hitzlsperger.
Ajax's John Heitinga.
Turin's Fabio Quagliarella.
All impressive — none selected.
Kai's interview continued.
Reporter: "You once said you would teach Manchester United how to win the league. You won here. They won domestically. Now you've taken the Youth League title. Do you think Manchester United will win the Champions League final tomorrow?"
Kai: "Of course."
Reporter: "Why do you always link Sporting U15 and Manchester United? Are you riding their popularity?"
Kai smiled slightly.
"When I predicted their season, Manchester United wasn't exactly fashionable, were they?"
"I never claimed I 'gave' them anything. Someone asked for my opinion. I gave it."
Reporter: "So in your view, Manchester United are the strongest team this year?"
Kai: "If they win the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup — the Treble — then yes. They'd be one of the best teams on the planet."
Reporter: "Why 'one of'? Are you leaving room in case Bayern are better? High IQ move. Very clever."
Kai didn't flinch.
"Bayern are excellent. But this year? They don't deserve the word 'best' in my opinion."
"I'm not leaving room for myself. I just have confidence in Manchester United."
"And I say 'one of' because this year, aside from Manchester United, the strongest team on the planet is Sporting CP U15."
"We won every competition available to us."
The reporters froze.
Then laughter erupted.
Strongest on the planet?
A U15 side?
Has he lost his mind?
One reporter pushed further.
"But Manchester United would be Treble winners. You've only won two trophies."
Kai shrugged.
"They have one more trophy because they entered more competitions."
"If we had three tournaments, we'd win three."
Reporter: "If you compare a U15 team to Manchester United, won't their players be offended?"
"I doubt it."
At that moment—
Paul Scholes and Roy Keane walked toward him.
Scholes spoke first.
"Kai gave us belief when things were difficult. He's one of the reasons we succeeded this season."
"We all like him."
Cameras exploded with flashes.
Scholes and Keane stood beside Kai for photos.
Amid the shutter storm, Kai leaned closer and whispered:
"Uh… could you guys sign a few footballs for me?"
"I'm actually a huge fan."
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