After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

The dust has barely settled from the Euro 2016 final, and the celebrations in London and throughout England continue.

However, the professional football machine and media engine have precisely shifted the focus from collective glory to individual historic moments.

The number 7 on Wembley night—Yan Yuan.

Today, his name is no longer just a football player's code name, but has become a phenomenon, a symbol, and even a representation of national sentiment.

The morning after the final.

While most fans were still basking in the joy of a hangover,

The front pages of major English media outlets have already sounded the horn for a new "coronation" in the most fervent and undisguised language.

The Times' front page featured a large photograph of Yan Yuan being tossed into the air by his teammates, with the headline proclaiming:

"The throne is vacant, awaiting a new ruler!"

The article passionately argues:

Harry Kane is a great captain, an outstanding striker, and a dedicated player. But the football world, and indeed England as a whole, needs a symbol now—a symbol that can define this era and carry all hopes and dreams.

Yan Yuan, at the age of 20, has proven himself to be an extraordinary player with his absolute core performance. The FA must realize that appointing him as England captain is not merely a reward for his achievements, but also a response to public opinion and an inevitable choice to usher in a new era.

The Daily Mirror's headline was more direct.

"Give Yan the armband! Now! Immediately!"

The article is full of the passion of everyday life:

What is the FA waiting for? Do they want to wait until he wins the World Cup? Look at the 90,000 people chanting his name at Wembley! Look at the adoration in his teammates' eyes! He is the chosen one!

Kane is a good man, but Yan is God's chosen one to lead us forward! He is the one and only king of the Three Lions!

The Guardian, however, offered a more rational perspective: "From tactical core to spiritual leader: Yan Yuan's path to captaincy has been paved."

The article points out that Yan Yuan not only decided the game with his goals, but also took on the responsibility of a leader through his running, shouting, encouragement and his commitment in critical moments.

His chemistry with young players, his ability to stabilize morale during adversity, and his enormous global influence make him the FA's top choice to enhance the national team's brand value, unite the dressing room, and strive for higher goals.

Even the Financial Times, known for its rigor and even rigidity, unusually published a commentary in its business section: "Yan Yuan's Economics: The Commercial Value of a Captain."

The article estimates that once Yan Yuan is officially appointed as England captain, his personal brand value and its driving effect on the FA's commercial development will increase exponentially.

If Yan becomes captain, he will be the youngest national team captain in English football history. He will also be England's most globally influential sports icon since Beckham, and his athletic achievements have already surpassed those of all his predecessors.

At the same time, Yan Yuan's former club, Arsenal, also launched a full-scale publicity campaign.

Arsenal's official website and social media accounts have been continuously posting highlights of Yan Yuan's performance in the European Championship and moments of victory, with the title invariably emphasizing "Our Captain".

The giant poster outside the Emirates Stadium has been replaced with a composite image of Yan Yuan holding up the Champions League trophy, with the caption: "The legend is being written."

Arsenal is both promoting their star players and sending a clear signal to the FA:

Such a treasure deserves the highest honors.

On social media, the hashtag #CaptainYan spread like wildfire.

Fans created various pictures and videos, photoshopping the armbands of famous England captains from past years onto Yan Yuan's arm.

The vast majority of comments were filled with anticipation:

"This is no longer a question of whether it should be done, but rather when it should be announced."

"Kane is a great player, that's true, but Yan Yuan is a revolutionary leader."

"The FA, do the right thing now!"

"Yan will become the most legendary captain in England's history."

……

Public opinion surged like a tidal wave, and the media's amplification further propelled this expectation to its peak.

Everyone understands that the FA's personnel appointment is no longer a simple tactical arrangement, but a decision that follows the trend of history.

……

As expected, just as all discerning people predicted, the FA did not keep this wave of public anticipation waiting for long.

Perhaps they also wanted to create this terrifying record.

It was a sunny Tuesday morning, just three days after the European Championship final.

The Football Association held a high-profile press conference at its headquarters in London.

At the press conference, reporters gathered, their cameras and microphones aimed at the stage.

FA Chairman Greg Clark attended in person, with England manager Gareth Southgate sitting next to him, and Yan Yuan with a smile and a solemn expression.

Today, Yan Yuan wore a custom-made black suit and tie, adopting an even more serious demeanor than when he accepted the Golden Globe Award.

Chairman Clark spoke first, his voice solemn yet full of joy.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today we gather here to announce an exciting and historic decision for English football."

He paused, looked around the room, and continued.

"After careful discussion between the FA Board and the coaching staff, and with the full understanding and support of Harry Kane himself, we have unanimously decided that..."

Effective immediately, Yan Yuan is officially appointed as the first captain of the England men's national football team!

As soon as he finished speaking, a flurry of flashbulbs went off at the scene.

Thunderous applause!

Although this was an expected outcome, it still brought a huge shock when the official news was confirmed.

Clark then released astonishing data:

At just 20 years and 345 days old, Yan Yuan became the youngest official captain in the history of the England national team!

He broke the record previously held by Michael Irving.

We believe this appointment is not only a recognition of Yan Yuan's outstanding contributions and exceptional leadership during the past extraordinary season and this European Championship, but also a significant investment in the future of English football. He represents the hope, courage, and limitless potential of a new generation of English football.

Following this, Southgate delivered a speech, highly praising outgoing Harry Kane's dedication and teamwork, and emphasizing Yan Yuan's qualities.

"Yan possesses extraordinary football intelligence, strong mental attributes, and a charismatic leadership that inspires the entire team."

On the field, he is the core of the tactics; in the locker room, he is the bond that unites the team.

We firmly believe that under his leadership, the England team will continue to strive for even higher goals.

Finally, it was the turn of the newly appointed captain, Yan Yuan, to speak.

He adjusted the microphone, his gaze sweeping across the room, his voice clear and powerful:

"First of all, I want to sincerely thank the FA, the coaching staff, and my teammates, especially Kane, for their trust in me. It is a great honor and a heavy responsibility to be the captain of England."

"I am well aware of the history and expectations this armband carries. I will learn from every legendary captain who has ever worn it, and with humility and 100% effort, fight alongside my teammates for the honor of England."

"Our European Championship title is a wonderful start, but certainly not the end. We will continue to work hard, stay united, and meet every challenge ahead. Thank you!"

Yan Yuan's speech was concise, appropriate, and powerful, winning applause from everyone present.

This moment was broadcast live on television and the internet, reaching every corner of the British Isles.

The era of Yan Yuan as captain has officially begun.

……

However, the surprises didn't end there.

On the same afternoon that the Football Association announced the appointment, another, even more significant piece of news came from the British Cabinet Office.

The Cabinet Office has officially released a list of sports figures who have been awarded the Queen’s Birthday Honors (the list was postponed due to the European Championship).

In a prominent position on the list, the following text was written:

In recognition of Mr. Yan Yuan's leadership of the England national team to victory in the 2021 European Football Championship and his outstanding contributions to British sports and international image, Her Majesty the Queen has gladly conferred upon Mr. Yan Yuan the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

The Order of the British Empire (OBE) is the fifth level of the British Order of Merit, but it is an extremely high honor awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society and played a leading role.

(The officer's medal is not a title; a title requires a knighthood medal.)

In the sports world, only legendary coaches like Sir Alex Ferguson had previously received a medal of the same caliber.

Awarding this honor to an athlete who is only 20 years old is unprecedented!

The announcement also stated: "Due to Her Majesty the Queen's illness, the investiture ceremony will be personally presented to Mr. Yan Yuan by His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, at Buckingham Palace in five days."

This news, like a final, heavy blow, solidified Yan Yuan's social standing in England.

This goes beyond the realm of football; it represents official recognition from the highest levels of the nation.

This means that Yan Yuan's achievements and influence have been recognized by the entire mainstream British society.

He is no longer just a sports star, but also the pride of a nation and a role model for the younger generation.

From being the absolute core player on the court to becoming the official captain of the national team, and then to receiving the OBE medal, a symbol of national honor.

In just three days, Yan Yuan achieved almost every honor an athlete could attain. His image was instantly linked with terms like "national hero" and "youth leader."

……

Five days later.

At 10:00 a.m. sharp, the atmosphere in the magnificent drawing room of Buckingham Palace was solemn and elegant.

All of England's media outlets were broadcasting the grand award ceremony live.

A huge crystal chandelier reflected the sunlight streaming in from the window, and a scarlet carpet laid out a path leading to glory.

On either side of the seats sat guests dressed in formal attire, their hushed conversation revealing their anticipation.

Today, Yan Yuan wore a tailor-made blue suit, a white shirt, and a tie, with his hair perfectly styled, and stood in the designated position.

Beside him were his parents, dressed in their finest attire, their faces beaming with a mixture of pride and nervousness, and his girlfriend, Lin Jianwei.

FA Chairman Clark and manager Southgate, also dressed in morning suits, stood at the front of the stands.

The hall fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on the tightly closed door at the front of the reception room.

"clang--"

A soft chime rang out.

The hall doors slowly opened.

First, a royal attendant stepped forward, stood at attention, and announced in a clear and loud voice.

"Ladies and gentlemen, His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, has arrived!"

All the guests immediately stood up.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, His Royal Highness Prince William, dressed in a formal dark suit, with a gentle and dignified smile on his face, walked steadily into the reception room and came to the center of the front of the hall.

The attendant, holding the list, began to call out the names.

"The recipient: Mr. Yan Yuan, is awarded the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of football and his enhancement of the national image."

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Yan Yuan took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing, and walked steadily down the red carpet towards Prince William.

His steps were firm, his posture upright, and his face showed a composure and seriousness towards the ceremony that was rare for a young man.

Lin Jianwei held Yan Ma's hand tightly, while Yan Ma nervously held onto Yan Ba's arm as they watched their son go on stage.

He stood about 1.5 meters away from Prince William.

Yan Yuan stopped in his tracks.

Following royal etiquette guidelines, I gave His Highness the Prince a standard, moderate bow.

Prince William smiled and nodded in return, then took the Order of the British Empire, a symbol of honor, from the dark blue velvet tray held by his attendant.

The medal features a cross design with pearl gray edges and a rose pink ribbon. The center depicts Saint George battling a dragon, a design that is both exquisite and noble.

His Highness stepped forward and personally pinned the medal to the pre-arranged spot below the left lapel of Yan Yuan's suit.

His movements were skillful and dignified.

He then took a deep red certificate of merit from the attendant and solemnly handed it to Yan Yuan.

After the awarding ceremony was completed, Prince William extended his right hand and shook hands firmly with Yan Yuan.

He didn't immediately loosen his grip, but instead began a brief conversation with an appreciative and encouraging tone.

His voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for people nearby to hear clearly.

"Mr. Yan," Prince William said sincerely, "I sincerely congratulate you. This medal is an honor you deserve."

"Thank you very much, Your Highness." Yan Yuan bowed slightly and replied in a clear and respectful voice.

"I, like all English people, am incredibly proud of your performance at Wembley," the prince continued, his tone tinged with the passion of a football fan.

"That world-class goal was a masterpiece. You truly brought football 'home'."

"You flatter me, Your Highness. This is the result of the hard work of the entire England team, and I am honored to be a part of it." Yan Yuan's reply was humble and appropriate, attributing the honor to the team.

Prince William nodded approvingly.

"Humility is a virtue, but your leadership and talent are undeniable. To take on the responsibility of captaining the national team at such a young age is not only a blessing for the football world, but also a huge encouragement for young people across the country."

"I will do my utmost to live up to this trust and expectation, Your Highness," Yan Yuan promised, his eyes resolute.

"Very good." Prince William's smile widened. "I look forward to seeing you and the team achieve even greater glory at next year's World Cup. Please give my regards to your family; they must be incredibly proud of you."

"Of course, Your Highness. Thank you again." Yan Yuan bowed slightly once more.

The handshake ends, the conversation concludes.

Prince William took a step back and nodded to Yan Yuan again.

Yan Yuan bowed to His Highness the Prince again, then turned to face all the guests.

At that moment, the officer's medal on his chest gleamed under the light.

"Whoosh—"

A long and enthusiastic round of applause filled the reception room.

The guests all stood up to pay the highest tribute to this young football hero.

The applause was a testament to the achievements in football, and even more so, a resonance with national honor.

Mother Yan and Lin Jianwei were already in tears, clapping their hands vigorously, and Old Yan also clapped his hands vigorously for his son.

Yan Yuan stood in the center of the red carpet, facing the crowd, with a humble yet honored smile on his face.

He gently stroked the medal on his chest, feeling its heavy weight.

This is not only a recognition of his football skills, but also the highest affirmation of his personal character, leadership ability, and contributions to the country.

At the prompting of the official photographer, Yan Yuan shook hands with His Royal Highness Prince William again, leaving behind a historic photograph.

He then posed for a group photo with FA chairman and manager Gareth Southgate, among others.

After the ceremony, champagne was served to soothing music.

Prince William had a brief but pleasant informal exchange with Yan Yuan and his family.

The atmosphere became much more relaxed, but the aura of glory still enveloped the entire Buckingham Palace drawing room.

On this day, Yan Yuan's name was not only engraved in the annals of football history, but also closely linked to the national honor of Britain through this Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

He has officially stepped from a football prodigy into the ranks of national role models.

At this moment, glory belongs to him, to this young man who has made history.

With the 2022 World Cup finals just around the corner, the Three Lions are making steady progress under the leadership of Yan Yuan.