January 11, Zurich, Switzerland.
The annual FIFA Golden Ball Award ceremony was about to begin.
That afternoon, before the Golden Ball Award ceremony started, this year's three candidates attended the official press conference as usual.
As the greatest star in world football today, Yang Yang was also the overwhelming favorite for this year's FIFA Golden Ball Award. Everyone even considered his victory a foregone conclusion. The other two finalists were Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of Barcelona, which left many Real Madrid fans indignant.
In terms of results, Real Madrid had undoubtedly performed better. They had successfully defended their treble, and whether it was Suarez, Hazard, David Silva, or Modrić, all of them had possessed the ability and reputation to make the top three. Yet, regrettably, it was Barcelona's two superstars who had been nominated.
At the press conference, all three superstars were relaxed and cheerful. They joked around, praised one another, and maintained a very easygoing atmosphere.
Cristiano Ronaldo publicly stated that he believed Yang Yang could win the Golden Ball Award.
"If Yang Yang wins the Golden Ball Award, I won't be surprised at all, because I know he has extraordinary advantages at the collective level, while his advantages in individual performance are equally obvious."
"For me, being able to get this far is already a very successful and fortunate thing. My greatest wish is simply to keep playing for as long as possible. Ideally, I'll hold on until Yang Yang retires or leaves the top flight. Then I'll have a chance."
Cristiano Ronaldo's joke sent everyone present into laughter. It was somewhat self-mocking, but it was also the truth. As long as Yang Yang remained there, with Real Madrid developing at its current pace, it would be difficult for the Portuguese to challenge him.
Not to mention