When UEFA President Platini announced that the on-site voting was beginning, the atmosphere throughout the Grimaldi Forum instantly grew tense. Everyone stared intently at the three superstars seated in the front row.
At the podium, the giant screen simultaneously showed live footage of Yang Yang, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Of the three, Cristiano Ronaldo could barely conceal his disappointment, while Messi looked somewhat uneasy. Only Yang Yang appeared completely relaxed.
Everyone knew that Yang Yang was the overwhelming favorite. It could even be said that there was little suspense.
He had scored fifty-five goals in La Liga, breaking Spain's all-time record and setting a new record for Europe's Top Five Leagues. He had also won the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, as well as the Champions League Top Scorer and Copa del Rey Top Scorer awards. Under such circumstances, it was practically impossible for the inaugural Best Player in Europe Award to go to anyone else.
Little Ronaldo of Manchester United had no hope at all. Only Messi still had a sliver of a chance.
But when the answer was revealed shortly afterward, even Messi lost that final glimmer of hope.
Forty-four votes!
When the results of the second round of voting by the fifty-three journalists present were announced, the entire venue erupted in thunderous applause.
Yang Yang had taken forty-four of the fifty-three votes, winning the inaugural Best Player in Europe Award without the slightest suspense.
Messi came in second, but had received only six votes. Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United received just three. Neither superstar had been able to shake Yang Yang's overwhelming performance.
UEFA President Platini once again stepped onto the podium and announced loudly, "The inaugural Best Player in Europe is Yang Yang!"
The venue erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers. The Real Madrid