From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 444 - 122: Ma Sanfei’s Running Stats! A Promise with Isabella! Zurich Golden Ball Award Ceremony!

"I wonder if those of you in front of the TV feel the same as I do. The grand event hasn’t even started, and yet I’m already covered in goosebumps, unable to stop trembling!

"This is the charm of football, the joy and passion the stars have brought us over the past year, now gathering once again in our hearts, making us feel as if we’ve returned to those sleepless nights of watching games."

"....."

"Here we have Shakira, the international diva from the South Africa World Cup, who also happens to be Barça star Pique’s wife. Today, she will be presenting the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award."

"This is the FIFA President, Joseph Blatter, born right here in Zurich, Switzerland. He looks radiant today, seemingly eager to start."

"Ah, Messi has appeared on camera too! The Argentinian forward has impressively won five crowns this past year! He’s the core of Dream Three Barcelona, one of the best athletes on this planet!

"There are many fervent fans on site waiting for his autograph, and he chose to sign for Barça fans first, haha....."

"Here is Zidane, he’s here too! He’s... oh, the camera has shifted again. A new limo has stopped at the end of the red carpet, now who could be stepping out of the car?"

...

In the limo, Zurich, Switzerland.

"Click, click..." Flashing lights madly flickered outside the window, making it hard for anyone to keep their eyes open. All the fans and reporters had their eyes on the limo, even stars walking upfront were turning their heads in observation.

"Congratulations...!" The driver turned around, offered a quick congratulations, and then hastily got out to open the back door.

Feeling all of this, Ma’el’s mind was in a constant state of excitement; it certainly felt like a dream-come-true kind of day.

"Clatter..." The limo door opened, the driver congratulated him again, then extended a hand inviting him to step out.

Wearing a dark-red suit, under continuously flashing lights, Ma’el stepped out of the car, his first step landing on the red carpet laid beneath.

Feeling the soft carpet underfoot and the significance of this moment, Ma’el’s breathing quickened. He waved to both sides and then walked forward with slightly unsteady steps.

After all, feeling a bit nervous and awkward at such a grand event for the first time is normal; the second time around, it won’t be that big a deal.

"Ma’el!!"

"Ah!!"

"Oh...!"

A chorus of shouts arose, Swiss fans on either side seemed to recognize him too. Many squeezed to the front holding Arsenal jerseys, hoping to get his autograph.

He eagerly went over, as if finding a savior. At moments like this, occupying his hands with signing could stave off awkwardness.

"Thank you!"

"I’ve been watching your matches. All the Arsenal fans in Switzerland really like you, we believe you’ll achieve even more than Henry!"

"We hope you can win the Puskás Award today, go for it!"

"You definitely have to lead Arsenal to victory this new season. That’s not just the wish of Arsenal fans in the United Kingdom, but also from other countries; the whole world is looking forward to that moment!"

"....."

Ma’el was signing with a pen, hearing the noisy cheers from all around, sometimes blinded by the camera flashes; all of this made him unable to stop smiling.

During the signing, he felt a gust pass by, turned to see it was Pique’s wife, Shakira, leaving the venue, who nodded at him along the way.

He nodded back at this Latin diva and then saw Ronaldo walk past.... the Brazilian Ronaldo.

"Hi!"

At this celebratory moment today, everyone’s mood seemed great. Even though Ronaldo hadn’t met him before, and fans often compared the two online, he still approached willingly.

"I have high hopes for you, kid."

Ronaldo slapped him on the palm and was then whisked away by a fan for a photo, showing off his signature teeth.

Ma’el waved at him, and before he could react, saw Vidic, Javi, Guardiola, Ferguson, and other players and coaches pass him by.

Seeing him sign autographs for fans, they all nodded and smiled at him.

On such an important day, rivalries seemed to be set aside. No one wanted to ruin the mood.

He didn’t linger too long and followed a hostess into the conference center’s main hall. Even before entering, he could hear the grand music playing inside.

"Congratulations...!" The hostess smiled and congratulated him too; it seemed like everyone was smiling today.

Ma’el nodded at her; he never tired of this. Before entering, he took a deep breath and stepped in.

"Swish!" As he stepped in, a golden-brown spotlight immediately shone down on his head, moving with him as he walked.

Entering the interiors for the first time, looking at the magnificent two-tiered venue, and the gold and jade splendor of the main stage, Ma’el’s excitement swelled.

With slightly unsteady steps, he continued forward. Glancing around, he noticed many stars and coaches already seated, especially those in the front row, practically a who’s who of the most famous in the football world.

He recognized people like Sir Alex Ferguson, Rooney, and Suarez, having crossed paths before.

But Messi, Javi, Guardiola, Florentino, Saint Casillas, and Alonso seemed less familiar to him.

He greeted them all along the way, walking to his seat, number 6 in the 3rd row, which wasn’t too far from the center.

"We’ve noticed."

CCTV broadcast center, He Wei’s voice changed along with the changes in the scene, "the director zoomed in on Ma’el three times, getting off the car, entering the venue, and stepping into the conference center.

"Isn’t this expressing the fact that everyone favors him highly, everyone feels that he will be one of the most outstanding stars in the world football’s future!

"We also see his slightly awkward steps. These are moments common in youth; it takes multiple experiences for one to be at ease.

"With that, I’d also like to send a Chinese ancient poem to this player I truly admire. Though he’s young, he deserves this phrase."

He Wei’s tone shifted, his commentary already naturally poetic, which made quoting poetry effortless, and not at all uncomfortable to listeners, "Do not fear the lack of knowing friends on the road ahead, for who in the world does not know you!"