In the full Portugal U16 squad, Sporting CP U15 contributed six players.
Including the older age group, the Green-and-White Legion provided more than ten youth internationals in total, becoming the backbone of Portugal's campaign in the European Junior Championship.
Sporting's youth academy completely outshone FC Porto and SL Benfica.
The squad list was as follows:
Forwards:
Ricardo Quaresma, Hélder Postiga, Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Almeida, Luís Lourenço.
Midfielders:
Hugo Viana, Kai, Raul Meireles, Igor, Veloso, Amorim, Semedo.
Defenders:
Jorge Ribeiro, José Fonte, Ricardo Duarte, José Bosingwa, Ângelo, Araújo, Pereira.
Goalkeepers:
Bruno Vale, Pilar, Weir.
Almost all of them came from Portugal's three giants.
This lineup was anything but lacking in star power.
Quaresma and Cristiano Ronaldo operated on the wings — both destined to become household names.
Postiga would later move to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, though his time there earned him the unflattering label of a "flop."
Hugo Almeida would become a starting striker for Portugal's senior national team.
Hugo Viana was once hailed as Portugal's most gifted left-footed playmaker.
Raul Meireles would go on to become a reliable midfield engine at Liverpool and Chelsea, even winning fan-voted awards in the Premier League.
José Fonte would later become a European champion with Portugal.
José Bosingwa would win the Champions League with Chelsea.
Kai looked at this squad and felt extremely confident.
"Kaikai, hurry up! We'll miss the flight!"
The UEFA Youth League final marked the end of the season.
Kai had just completed an unprecedented campaign, winning a domestic title and the Youth Champions League.
But there was barely any time to rest.
The European Junior Championship was coming this summer.
This year's tournament would be hosted in Prague, Czech Republic, with matches played across several major stadiums in and around the capital.
Since Portugal's usual training facilities were under renovation, the U16 team rented training grounds in Prague in advance to acclimate early.
Portugal had failed to qualify for the previous World Cup, and Luís Figo had boldly declared that Portugal would rise again in the European Championship.
That statement reignited national attention toward international competitions — even youth tournaments.
Sporting's Youth League success benefited from that hunger.
Fans wanted redemption.
Kai's parents were accompanying him to Prague and taking a short trip themselves.
Their salaries had always been modest.
They couldn't normally afford such travel.
But now?
They had a champion son.
League assist king bonus.
Best midfielder bonus.
League champion bonus.
UEFA Youth League MVP bonus.
Golden Boot bonus.
Best midfielder award in the youth Champions League.
Altogether, the money nearly reached six figures.
Two or three times the scholarship Kai once received from the University of Lisbon.
His parents were speechless.
No wonder he insisted on playing football.
This business was ridiculously profitable.
Cristiano Ronaldo also received bonuses — but far less than Kai.
Most of the prize money came from the Youth Champions League, and Kai collected more individual honors there.
In terms of reputation, Kai and Ronaldo were evenly matched.
But when it came to actual cash?
Kai had to admit — sorry, Ronaldo.
He won that round.
During the three days in Prague, Kai's parents enjoyed themselves immensely.
Meanwhile, a certain young Portuguese player — Ronaldo — had already reported to the training camp.
Players like Kai, who arrived late, were rare.
On the fourth day — the final day Kai spent sightseeing with his parents — they visited a forest park on the outskirts of Prague.
The scenery was beautiful, dotted with castle-like buildings.
His parents walked hand in hand.
True love.
Kai was clearly the accident in their romance.
He didn't disturb them.
Instead, he found a bench and began reviewing his post-season rewards.
He hadn't had time to claim them after the Youth League final.
Training boosters and special recovery drinks had piled up.
After the European Junior Championship, he planned to train like a demon all summer.
He already had a plan to torture Ronaldo.
Let's see who can out-train whom.
Kai focused on his skill rewards.
Frontcourt Pressing:
Through smarter movement, your pressing efficiency and coverage increase.
Offensive and Defensive Metronome:
When the team switches into attacking mode, your passing ability is enhanced.
Precise Crossing:
Your crossing accuracy improves, giving teammates inside the box a higher scoring probability.
Bengbu Spin:
"My ball protection is like Thierry Henry! As the legendary move of Chinese striker Li Yi, the Bengbu Spin is eternal. When performing it, your physical confrontation ability increases."
Kai almost laughed out loud.
The first three skills were elite.
But the last one?
Was this supposed to be a golden-tier skill?
Were they underestimating Emperor Li Yi?
"Frontcourt Pressing" perfectly suited Kai's aggressive style.
"Offensive and Defensive Metronome" was even more interesting.
Its core wasn't the transition itself — it was the passing bonus triggered during attacking transitions.
If the team's wing play failed and the ball reached Kai, his through balls and chipped passes would gain additional power and accuracy.
That was exactly his style.
His so-called "stream-of-consciousness passing" would become even more dangerous.
"Precise Crossing" offset the side effects of his high-risk creativity.
As for "Bengbu Spin"—
Frankly, it wasn't ideal for Kai's physique.
He wasn't built to bulldoze through two or three defenders.
If someone pulled his shirt like they did to Li Yi back then, Kai would probably be dragged down instantly.
But—
The move itself was insane.
The Bengbu Spin was a rare 720-degree rotation.
The Marseille turn was only 360 degrees.
Most feints barely reached 180.
Only flashy golden-tier tricks could spin twice in rapid succession.
And even masters rarely completed a clean double spin in real matches.
From a technical standpoint, Bengbu Spin was outrageous.
Imagine this—
Kai performs a double spin to bait defenders.
Triggers their reactions.
Then immediately follows with another 720-degree rotation.
Stacking boosts.
Bursting forward.
From Li Yi—
To Kaká.
Just thinking about it was exhilarating.
"Uuuuuuu…"
A faint crying sound interrupted his thoughts.
Kai froze.
Was someone bullying a girl in the park?
He stood up immediately.
If something was wrong, he'd call the police.
Following the sound, Kai walked toward the trees.
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