Marca: "Judging by last season alone, Su Hang's outstanding performance more than qualifies him to be captain. The question is whether he can maintain that brilliance over time!"
Sport: "Making a substitute captain? He's only nineteen! Is Real Madrid really this short on leaders? The players won't respect this!"
Clara's Column: "If Real Madrid truly has no one, then Barcelona should know best. How does it feel finishing second in the league? If that counts as 'having no one,' then what exactly does Barcelona have?"
Some say the team captain is chosen by the players.
But Su Hang wasn't elected—and even if he had been, few would believe the club would have approved it.
Raúl must have feared exactly that. Worried the club might block Su Hang's appointment, he sealed the matter in front of 100,000 fans, making it a done deal.
Right now, the club is probably still discussing it.
To be blunt, this could make Real Madrid less appealing for new signings.
If outsiders see a kid in charge, won't they look down on the team?
Wouldn't they start throwing their weight around once they arrived?
That would only create endless locker room conflicts.
With Raúl, though, any incoming star would have to follow the rules. After all, the few who could openly disrespect him are already on the squad.
Some may be bigger names or even stronger players, but they're still in the same bracket.
Raúl is still far above Su Hang.
It's clear management wrestled with this for a while.
Only when Florentino personally called to congratulate Su Hang—acting as if he'd just learned the news—did Su Hang realize the decision was final.
The board had approved his captaincy.
Sure enough.
The next day, Real Madrid's official site announced it with a headline and a photo of Raúl lifting Su Hang's arm while Su Hang held the captain's armband:
"A Legendary Handover! Looking Toward the Future!"
"El Capitán remains Real Madrid's Golden Boy! The Crown Prince is now the team's leader for next season!"
"Thank you, Raúl, for your dedication to the club. May you continue to run free on the pitch for Real Madrid!"
"Welcome Su Hang as the 20th captain in Real Madrid's history! He will lead the Galácticos forward!"
The dust had settled.
The captaincy had officially changed hands.
Those hoping for a twist—expecting the club to block Raúl's departure or Su Hang's promotion—had to accept reality.
On one hand, critics scoffed at how a giant like Real Madrid could appoint such a low-profile captain.
On the other, many marveled at Su Hang's youth and his sensational season.
This instantly raised the bar for signing young players.
In the past, clubs could lure them with empty promises.
Later, you had to guarantee playing time.
Now? You might even have to offer the captaincy.
Right, Arsenal?
...
"Congratulations, Su!" Guti raised his glass to toast Su Hang.
Su Hang had organized this dinner.
But with most players already on vacation, only a few remained in Madrid, keeping the gathering small.
The main reason for it was Zidane, who was in town for business.
For stars like him, summer means not just vacations but a packed schedule of commercial obligations—sometimes planned by the hour.
Zidane had just rushed over directly from another dinner.
"Welcome, Zizou. True to your world-class status—only an hour and a half late," Su Hang teased.
"What's this? The new captain trying to set an example with me? Chicken to warn the monkeys—did I get that one right?" Zidane jumped right in, clearly relieved to drop the formality of the previous event.
"By the way, save me one of your signed jerseys," Zidane added as he skewered some meat.
"What, I've got fans now?" Su Hang grinned proudly.
Zidane nodded. "I just had dinner with the King of Spain. The atmosphere was stiff. If it weren't for the little princess being your fan, I wouldn't have known how to start a conversation."
"I'll send someone to deliver it tomorrow."
"I still don't get what the princess sees in you."
Su Hang froze.
Unbelievable.
Zizou's business network already reached the Spanish royal family.
Now that's influence.
Score goals and set up assists like him, and you get to dine with the King of Spain?
That's why you can't just compare surface-level achievements.
Behind-the-scenes connections count as resources too.
In China, this was often overlooked, leaving a generation blind to it.
But through hardship and the internet's reach, people gradually woke up—breaking free from the numbing comfort of motivational clichés.
Most so-called success stories were built on solid foundations or significant financial backing.
People only see who succeeded, never how they gained the qualifications or overcame endless obstacles.
"My brilliant performances prove that those who like me truly understand football," Su Hang said cheerfully.
"Luxemburgo's been quiet lately," Guti cut in. "I think he's really pissed off. He's always looking for ways to make life hard for us."
"Now that Su Hang's captain, if you clash with him, we've got your back."
"With the club and the fans on our side, he shouldn't be able to stir much trouble next season."
Zidane shook his head. "It might not be that simple."
"The reason Luxemburgo's gone quiet is probably because he's scouting."
"Florentino won't put all his chips on one side."
"By making Su Hang captain, he's united the current squad. But he'll also give Luxemburgo enough funds to build his own loyal group."
"Next season, it'll be straightforward: whoever performs, plays. Whoever brings victories, has the final say."
Su Hang nodded. He agreed.
"Breaking news! Just moments ago, Real Madrid and Santos FC finalized a deal."
"Both sides reached an agreement on the transfer of Robson de Souza, better known as Robinho—hailed as the next Pelé in Brazil!"
"Reports say his transfer fee reached a staggering €24 million, the highest price in the current market!"
"Luxemburgo praised the signing, saying Robinho will be a key player for Real Madrid next season, helping the team win games and chase Champions League glory!"
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser