After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!
Chapter 332 Award Ceremony
Inside the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
The world's football elites gathered here, men in suits and women in flowing gowns, awaiting the most exciting moment of the year.
Center stage.
The two hosts of this year's Golden Globe Awards ceremony.
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba and Real Madrid midfield maestro Luka Modric are already in place.
Didier Drogba, in a deep blue velvet suit, exuded his usual domineering presence; Luka Modric, on the other hand, wore a well-tailored classic black tuxedo, looking refined and composed.
The pair's combination symbolizes the perfect blend of strength and skill, and also hints that tonight will be a night that connects the past and the future.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 2019 Ballon d'Or Awards ceremony!" Drogba's deep voice resounded through the microphone, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
Modric added with a smile, speaking in English with a Croatian accent: "Tonight, we will witness together the awarding of the most outstanding individual honor in the world of football."
The awards ceremony proceeded as scheduled.
The first award presented was the Kopa Award.
After a highlight reel of several talented young players flashed across the big screen, Modric opened the envelope and announced:
"The winner of the 2019 Kopa Trophy is Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus!"
The young Dutch center-back Matthijs de Ligt stood up with a look of surprise, straightened his suit, and strode onto the stage.
His speech was full of energy, thanking the club, teammates and family, and showcasing the confidence and potential of the new generation of players.
Next up is the Yashin Award, which symbolizes the best goalkeeper of the year.
Didier Drogba announced in a dramatic tone: "This year's Yashin Trophy is awarded to a goalkeeper who has repeatedly made crucial contributions in critical moments – Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal!"
Upon hearing his name called, "Big Martin" clenched his fist in excitement. He stood up and first turned to Captain Yan Yuan, who was sitting not far away. Yan Yuan was already smiling and had his arms outstretched; the two embraced tightly.
"Well done, Amy!" Yan Yuan patted Martin hard on the back, genuinely happy for him.
"Thank you, Captain!" Martinez replied in return.
Martinez's eyes gleamed as he nodded emphatically before excitedly walking onto the stage.
His acceptance speech was full of passion, especially mentioning the moment he saved a penalty in last season's Champions League final, as well as the support from his teammates, especially Yan Yuan. His heartfelt words were truly touching.
Then, the winner of the Women's Golden Globe Award was announced.
Megan Rapinoe, captain of the U.S. women's national soccer team, was selected based on her dominant performance at the Women's World Cup.
Her speech was powerful and full of expectations for women's football.
After the three award winners finished their acceptance speeches, the music in the room gradually became soothing and suspenseful.
The theater lights dimmed, leaving only a few spotlights lingering on the most dazzling faces in the audience. The air seemed to freeze; everyone knew that the highlight of the evening was about to begin.
The winner of the Men's Golden Globe Award will be announced soon.
Drogba and Modric stood side by side in front of the microphone again, their expressions turning serious.
Drogba spoke slowly, his voice deep and magnetic.
"Now, we come to the most important moment of the evening. Please welcome the staff to bring you the final results of the Men's Golden Globe Awards."
A staff member in a formal suit solemnly presented a golden envelope onto the stage.
Modric took the envelope but did not open it immediately.
Just then, the large screen on site began rapidly switching cameras, with the focus always remaining on the faces of the three people.
Yan Yuan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi.
Yan Yuan was sitting in a chair, his posture upright and his expression calm, but upon closer inspection, one could see that his hands, which were resting on his knees, were slightly clenched.
Sitting next to him, Lin Jianwei was even more nervous than usual.
She instinctively gripped Yan Yuan's hand tightly, her palm even feeling slightly damp and cold.
She could feel her heart pounding like a drum.
Yan Yuan noticed her nervousness, turned his head slightly, leaned close to her ear, and whispered to Lin Jianwei with a smile in a voice that only the two of them could hear.
"Relax, Weiwei, you're crushing my hands. I'm the one who should be worried, not you."
Yan Yuan's humor instantly eased Lin Jianwei's tense nerves. She loosened her grip a little, feeling embarrassed, but still didn't let go.
She leaned her head closer to Yan Yuan's shoulder and whispered something to him.
"This is about your first individual top honor, so of course I'm nervous for you."
Yan Yuan gently pressed his cheek against the top of her head, then lightly stroked the back of Lin Jianwei's hand to reassure her.
On stage, Drogba finally received the envelope from Modric.
He took a deep breath, and amidst the anticipation of the entire audience, tore open the seal and took out the card inside.
After taking a look, Drogba smiled.
He raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the audience before finally settling on Yan Yuan.
"In 2019," Drogba's voice, transmitted clearly through the microphone, resonated in every corner of the world.
"The winner of the Men's Golden Globe Award is...."
He paused deliberately, whetting everyone's appetite, and then, with all his might, announced in a loud voice:
"Yan Yuan! From Arsenal Football Club and the England national team!"
"boom--!"
The entire Châtelet Theatre was instantly engulfed in thunderous applause and cheers!
All the spotlights immediately locked onto Yan Yuan!
The big screen began to flash rapidly with explosive visual effects, showcasing Yan Yuan's astonishing achievements from the previous season (2018-2019):
English Premier League champions
UEFA Champions League winner
FA Cup winner
English League Cup winner
UEFA Nations League Champions
He won the top scorer award in all five competitions: the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Nations League!
And the European Golden Boot!
A total of 112 goals in a single season! This sets a new record in football history!
Each line of subtitles was accompanied by increasingly loud exclamations and applause from the audience.
These figures are terrifying, completely crushing all competitors of the same era.
The moment Yan Yuan heard his name, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
When I opened my eyes again, they were filled with a clear and resolute light.
He turned around first and hugged Lin Jianwei tightly, whose eyes were red with emotion, and kissed the back of her hand.
Then he stood up.
He straightened his suit buttons, a humble yet confident smile on his face, and hugged and shook hands with the football stars who stood up to congratulate him along the way, including De Bruyne, Van Dijk, and Salah.
These top stars also sent their sincere blessings, which is the most direct respect for the strong.
Yan Yuan walked steadily onto the stage step by step.
Drogba and Modric both extended their hands to him, and the hands of the three giants of the football world clasped tightly together.
"Congratulations, son, you deserve all of this," Drogba said sincerely, and Modric also smiled and congratulated him in English.
Yan Yuan smiled.
"Thank you, Mr. Drogba, and thank you as well, Mr. Modric."
When Yan Yuan received the heavy, gleaming football trophy from Drogba, his fingers trembled slightly.
He held it high, facing the entire audience, receiving the adoration of his peers, seniors, and the world.
"Splash splash splash..."
The applause lasted for a long time.
After the applause subsided, he walked to the microphone, took a deep breath, and began his acceptance speech.
His voice was clear, steady, and filled with genuine emotion:
"Thank you, thank you everyone. At this moment, I stand here with immense excitement and gratitude."
"First of all, I want to thank Arsenal Football Club. Thank you to the club's management for your trust in me. Thank you to all my teammates, Martinez, Rodri, Rice, Saka, Odegaard, Aubameyang... I couldn't have achieved these things without you."
Football is a team sport, and this trophy belongs to our entire team. I especially want to thank Professor Arsène Wenger, who brought me to the Premier League and gave me a stage to showcase myself.
I also want to thank my current coach, Julian Nagelsmann. Your tactical philosophy and trust in me have allowed me to reach new heights.
"Thank you to England manager Gareth Southgate and all my national team teammates. It is an honor to play for the Three Lions."
"Thank you to my parents." His voice softened. "It is your selfless love and support that has enabled me to pursue my dreams. No matter the circumstances, you will always be my strongest support."
The camera pans to Mr. and Mrs. Yan wiping their eyes in the audience.
Dad didn't cry, but his eyes were red, and Mom had already used several tissues to wipe away her tears.
Then, Yan Yuan's tone suddenly became relaxed and humorous, and his gaze turned to Lin Jianwei, who was still very excited in the audience.
"Finally, I would like to give special thanks to one person, my girlfriend, Lin Jianwei." The audience burst into good-natured laughter and applause.
Yan Yuan said with a smile.
"Thank you for your continued companionship, understanding, and support. Especially when I'm too tired to talk after training or a match, you always find a way to cheer me up. But..."
He then changed the subject, his tone becoming somewhat sarcastic.
"Honey, next time I win an award, could you hold my hand a little gentler? I almost thought you were going to crush it just now."
The audience burst into even louder laughter.
The camera immediately focused on Lin Jianwei.
Lin Jianwei was covering her face in the audience, feeling both shy and happy. She covered her face with her hands while trying to control her shyness, and then applauded for Yan Yuan.
This humorous little incident made the whole speech more heartwarming and humane.
"This trophy is a tremendous honor and a new beginning," Yan Yuan said solemnly at the end. "I will continue to work hard, for the team, for the fans, and for everyone who loves me, to play even more exciting football. Thank you everyone!"
The 2019 Golden Globe Awards ceremony concluded with the iconic image of Yan Yuan holding up the Golden Globe.
……
Back home in Hangzhou, Mr. and Mrs. Lin, who had been staying up all night, finally got their wish.
When Drogba on TV read out that person's name.
"Yan Yuan!"
"Ah—! It's Xiao Yan! It really is Xiao Yan!" The moment Lin's mother saw Drogba pronounce Yan Yuan's name, she jumped up from the sofa excitedly, hugged Lin's father tightly, and her voice was trembling with tears.
"Old Lin! Did you see that?! Little Yan won!"
Lin's father's reaction was even more "exaggerated".
This usually composed veteran fan suddenly jumped three feet high off the sofa like a young man, waving his fist and shouting loudly.
"Yan Yuan Niu Bo Yi!"
Lin's father felt as if he had become more than ten years younger at this moment.
He paced back and forth in the living room excitedly, his face flushed with excitement, muttering to himself.
"See? I told you! 100%! 100%! 112 goals this season! Four-time champion! It would be an injustice if this didn't go to Yan Yuan!"
He suddenly stopped, turned around, and said to Lin's mother with shining eyes.
"Hey... honey, what do you think...? How about when Xiao Yan and Weiwei come back next time, I'll talk to him and see if... I can touch that Golden Globe trophy and see what it feels like! I've never touched a real one before, so I'll want to touch it then."
Lin's mother was amused by Old Lin's childish wish and smiled through her tears, playfully patting him on the shoulder.
"Look at how pathetic you are!"
"Look at me, what a success I am! What's wrong with my father-in-law looking at his future son-in-law's Golden Globe trophy? It's only natural! Who knows, he might even get to touch the World Cup trophy someday..."
This night was significant for Yan Yuan, Lin Jianwei, their families, and countless Arsenal and England fans.
It was a sleepless night for all Chinese people who follow football.
Tonight, sports media editorial offices around the world are on high alert, with lights on all night and the sound of keyboards clicking incessantly.
These media outlets will all be working overtime tonight because this year's Globe Awards are just too significant.
Tomorrow, the front pages of all major sports media outlets around the world will be dominated by the same name, the same Eastern face, and the same golden trophy.
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