After the award ceremony, Zhang Kuang was surrounded by reporters in the interview area.
The flashlights and microphones are as dense as a battlefield.
Questions came one after another.
"Zhang Kuang! You just said, 'When Westerners encounter difficulties, they wait for God to come to rescue them. When China people encounter difficulties, they rely on their own hands to solve them.' What is that specifically?"
"Is your statement an insinuation of Messi's 'beautiful football'?"
"Are you questioning Noah's Ark's story? Are you questioning Christianity's beliefs?"
"Cristiano Ronaldo stood up and applauded you for the first time. Has your relationship gone beyond the boundaries of rivalry?"
"..."
Zhang Kuang stood still in front of the microphone, looking calm.
"Come one by one."
He spent nearly forty minutes answering all questions.
Regarding 'Beautiful Football', he said, "I did not insinuate anyone, nor did I deny 'Beautiful Football'.
This is like a beautiful, sunny painting where the sun shines brightly, everything revives, and spring is endless. Is it good? Of course it is, and everyone who sees the painting feels beautiful and yearns for it.
And a realistic painting of war, blood and violence, Hero and victory, blood and passion, is it good?
I think it's pretty good. It at least expresses the most simple and realistic emotions. So, which painting do you think is better? Each has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and there is no conflict.
Hegel once said: Some things are opposites, but they are unified. It means that summer and winter are opposites, two extremes of the two climates, but they are unified, unified in the general law of the four seasons, and the four seasons will be imperfect without either.
So there is no such thing as "beautiful football" that is bad, but my "unbeautiful football" is good. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and they are opposites and unified.
I respect Messi, he is one of the greatest players of this era, and his way of playing has brought countless fans to football.
What I'm talking about is my own football philosophy: China people pay attention to practicality and efficiency in doing things, which is related to our historical tradition.
I'm just explaining 'why I play football like this', not commenting on 'whether it's good for others to play football like that'. You can understand that China dishes and France dishes are both delicacies, but the methods are different."
The reporters nodded fiercely, being able to use Hegel's philosophical thoughts to explain the style of football, which won Zhang Ge the impression of a knowledgeable and talented football superstar in the reporters' minds.
Regarding Noah's Ark, he said, "When I tell that story, I am not questioning any religious belief. I am just explaining a cultural difference: in the face of disaster, Western culture has narratives about God saving the world, while China culture relies more on human strength to overcome difficulties.
There is no distinction between these two ways of thinking, they are just different. But it is precisely because I have been immersed in this 'rely on yourself' culture since I was a child, so when I encounter difficulties, I choose to come to Europe to make a living instead of waiting for fate to favor me. It's that simple.
In the same way, the Western belief in 'God saves' has given believers tremendous spiritual power and guidance, making Westerners believe that no matter what desperate situation they are in, as long as they persevere, God will definitely come to save everyone."
Regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, he smiled, "Cristiano and I are friends, and he is one of the active players I respect most.
His pure love for football is admirable. I rarely see people eating unpalatable football meals year after year just for this passion, and I rarely see athletes persist in training beyond ordinary people year after year.
It is extremely rare for a football player to restrain his desires for money, beauty, food, material, etc. to the extent that he does. No one can do it.
Including me, yes, I can't control food and beauty, maybe I'm just indifferent to money.
Therefore, Cristiano Ronaldo is the person I admire the most, and he will also be the most suitable role model in the history of football for ordinary players to learn from.
People like Messi and myself rely on talent to play football, which ordinary people cannot learn. But Cristiano Ronaldo relies on hard work to play football, and many football players can learn and copy it.
Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo's talent is actually one of the best in football, but it is even more admirable that he still works so hard despite his talent."
Reporter: "Then why can't you be as talented and hard-working as Cristiano Ronaldo? Wouldn't it be better to be stronger?"
Zhang Kuang: "I don't have the motivation to work hard. I already average two goals per game. Why should I work hard? Who is better than me? If someone can average two goals per game, then I can work hard to average three goals per game."
When you become a tiger, do you still need to train your hunting ability every day? Who in the entire animal world is better than you?"
"Haha..." the reporters laughed.
Indeed, when you are a tiger, you no longer need to practice hunting training. You only need to lie down lazily or idle in the jungle.
Regarding the issue of not greeting Barcelona players, Zhang Kuang's expression cooled down a little. "I have already answered this question.
What is a gentleman? In fact, it is the behavior of a strong man to disguise his ferocious side, covering up his original cruel nature in polite and gentle gentlemanly etiquette.
I express my emotions more directly because I don't need to disguise myself. In the world of football, strong is strong and weak is weak. You won't be able to win on the court and defeat your opponents just by pretending to be a gentleman.
Gentlemen are something that capitalists and politicians should practice, because after they have oppressed and exploited people in the middle and lower classes, they still have to pretend to be kind so that the exploited people in the middle and lower classes will not hate them and even praise them.
If I act like a gentleman on the court, will the fans praise me? Will my opponents not hate me for scoring their goals?"
These words made the Spain reporters present look at each other. Some wanted to refute, but they couldn't. Zhang Kuang's words were too rigorous, logical and persuasive.
The moderator has moved on to the next question.
Finally, a reporter asked, "Your speech tonight was very culturally impactful. Did you intentionally cause controversy?"
Zhang Kuang looked at the camera and showed a shallow smile, "I just told the truth. You are used to hearing polite words, but that doesn't mean the truth is provocative.
There is a saying in China people's culture: 'Knowing is knowing, not knowing is not knowing, it is knowing.' I say what I know, and I don't say what I don't know. It's that simple.
Moreover, if the world wants to develop, doesn't it require more diversity? Aren't different cultures diversity? I heard that some Europe environmentalists oppose excessive development of the environment every day in order to ensure the diversity of the biological world.
Europe people may be able to listen to the voices of people from different cultures and countries. This will help you not to stay locked in your own narrative.
This is just like you always think that if there are aliens, they will invade the earth. In our minds, humans will not invade the resources of ants unless they are bored.
Aliens can fly to the earth. How high does their technological level have to be? Can they care about the resources on the earth? What do they want in space? Do they have to come to rob the earth?
So, if cultures are different, you can get out of your inherent cultural narrative and smile knowingly at your own ignorance."
On the other side, Messi was sitting backstage removing her makeup, looking a little startled as Zhang Kuang was talking on the TV.
Guardiola came over and patted him on the shoulder.
"Rio, what do you think of this person? He is your most powerful opponent."
Guardiola raised his chin and clicked on Zhang Kuang on the TV.
Messi frowned slightly, a little confused.
"I don't know, he makes me hate him, but his information makes me admire him, and his speech and behavior are so Zhang Kuang and personality.
However, if I were an ordinary fan, I would be deeply attracted by Zhang Kuang and his personality, because what he said was so convincing.
Did you listen just now? Not only can he quote the ideas of Hegel, but he can also give examples of things that ordinary people would not dare to think about, such as religious beliefs, cultural narratives, and science fiction, and what he said is so reasonable.
I listened, and I really admire him. I have never seen any football player who can talk about Hegel, as well as religious beliefs and cultural narratives."
Guardiola Hearing this, he opened his mouth full of words, not knowing what to say.
Yes, Messi is right. Zhang Kuang's information and personality are really hard to fault. Except for the personality Zhang Kuang, everything else is so perfect.
Guardiola: "Rio, believe in yourself, you are the best."
Messi smiled bitterly, "No, in terms of hard work, I can't compare to Cristiano Ronaldo. In terms of talent, I can't compare to Zhang Kuang. In terms of personality and talent, I can't compare to Zhang Kuang."
Guardiola:"..."
In fact, not only Messi behaved like this, Cristiano Ronaldo also watched the interview on TV, and he smiled helplessly.
This Zhang Kuang is so charming, really, no matter what he says or does.
There is still a long way to go to catch up.
Ferguson was grinning non-stop. He was so lucky to have such an excellent player playing football in his hands. It was so fun.
After listening to Zhang Kuang's interview, everyone else in the football world had mixed expressions, ranging from disdain to hostility to admiration.
In particular, Zhang Kuang explained to the gentleman that the essence of this is that after politicians cover up, oppress and exploit the middle and lower classes, they still have to pretend to be kind, so that the exploited middle and lower classes will not hate them, and even praise them. When he said this, many people smiled knowingly, and someone peeled off their skin.
This has the power of propaganda to incite people to think independently. He cannot be allowed to say more like this.
After the interview, Zhang Kuang walked out of the opera house.
Zurich The winter night was so cold that the white air he drew out was clearly visible under the street lamp.
He held the Ballon d'Or cup in his hand, and the cold metal touch came from his fingertips.
The lights in the opera house behind him were still bright, and in front of him were the empty streets and the dark shadow of Alps in the distance.
He will also accept a series of exclusive interviews, including the interview with CCTV.
--
That night, after the award ceremony, an interesting detail was announced: According to FIFA official information, China National Team head coach Camacho and captain Li Weifeng both cast their first votes for Casillas, not Messi or Zhang Kuang.
This information itself is not too surprising, after all, each judge has his own selection criteria. But what happened next made the whole incident more subtle: Li Weifeng publicly stated on his personal social media:
"I had no idea what I was voting for. Who voted in my name? Please stand up!"
The message was quickly picked up by domestic media and caused quite a stir on social media.
Fans were talking a lot, some questioned the transparency of the voting process, some speculated that Camacho voted for Li Weifeng on behalf of Li Weifeng, and some thought there might be a misunderstanding in communication.
But the controversy ultimately did not escalate further.
FIFA did not officially respond to this, and Li Weifeng's message was gradually submerged in subsequent news.
However, this episode left a question mark in the hearts of many China fans. Isn't it said that the West is the most fair and just? Why do people with votes not know why they voted for someone they have not voted for?
How much of the voting really comes from the judges' own wishes? This question may never be answered.
In the early morning of January 10, when the first ray of sunshine shone on Lake Zurich, the photo of Zhang Kuang holding Ballon d'Or had already appeared on the front page of major newspapers around the world.
"France Football": "Ballon d'Or returns: Zhang Kuang's 105-goal season is unmatched!"
The article uses two pages to review Zhang Kuang's 2011: five trophies, 105 goals, UEFA Champions League Golden Boots, Premier League Golden Boots.
Commentator Vincent Druk wrote, "Whether you like the way he plays or not, the data is there, he is the most efficient finisher on the planet.
Ballon d'Or gives him the most basic respect for the sport of football: score the most goals and win the most championships."
But the article also euphemistically mentioned. "It's just that the words of this new Mr. Ballon d'Or are as hard to ignore as the trophy in his hand."
"Kicker": "Zhang Kuang Effect: What should Bundesliga be wary of?"
Germany media is relatively neutral. The article analyzed. "The rise of Zhang Kuang has a profound impact on the Europe football pattern. After having this super shooter, Manchester United has re-established its dominance in Europe.
If the Bundesliga team encounters Manchester United, what they need to think about is not how to defend Zhang Kuang, but how to prevent the game from losing suspense in the first half."
"Milan Sports Newspaper": "Ballon d'Or belongs to Zhang Kuang, but the dispute belongs to everyone!"
Italy newspaper wrote with typical Latin speculation, "We admit that Zhang Kuang's information is historical, but we must also admit that his speech made many people feel uneasy.
'Man can conquer heaven'?, 'God built the ark in the west, China man controls the water in the east'? These words sound like they are denying something.
We prefer to believe that he just wanted to express his pride in China culture, rather than challenge other people's beliefs."
"The Times": "The pride of Premier League: Zhang Kuang has made Premier League the center of the world again. The battle over Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent years has caused many people to ignore outstanding players other than La Liga."
United Kingdom The media cheered unabashedly. "Since Cristiano Ronaldo won the award in 2008, Premier League has not produced Mr. Ballon d'Or for three years.
Zhang Kuang's award marks that Premier League has regained the right to speak in the world's first league. His goals, his speed, and everything about him are telling the world: the best football is here."
"The Daily Telegraph": "The boundaries of genius: Zhang Kuang needs to learn to shut up!"
The conservative newspaper's attitude was more complicated. "Zhang Kuang is a great player, there is no doubt about that. But he needs to understand that football is the language of the world and should not be hijacked by any party's political narrative.
Although his acceptance speech was wonderful, it also made many people wonder: Is this young man deliberately creating opposition?"
"Mundo Deportivo": "The failure of beautiful football and the return of rude culture!"
Catalonia's newspaper will naturally not look down upon Zhang Kuang: "Ballon d'Or is awarded to a person who can only score goals, which shows that football is going backwards.
Isn't Messi's ability to dribble, pass, and create space more valuable than a violent long-range shot? If the number of goals is everything, then we simply cancel Ballon d'Or and directly issue the 'Best Scorer Award'."
"Marca": "Cristiano Ronaldo's position: He recognizes Zhang Kuang, but Real Madrid is his home!"
Madrid media made a fuss about Cristiano Ronaldo's remarks. "Cristiano Ronaldo publicly stated after the award ceremony that Zhang Kuang was worthy of Ballon d'Or, which caused dissatisfaction among Bernabéu fans.
Portugal people seem to have forgotten that he is wearing a white shirt. La Liga What we need is unity, not praising the enemy in front of the enemy."
"Bild": "Zhang Kuang phenomenon: What can De China national football team ball learn from it?"
Germany people are as rational as ever. "The rise of Zhang Kuang tells us that football is not only a competition of technology, tactics, and systems, but also a manifestation of cultural confidence.
He said, 'The Chinese rely on their own hands.' Isn't this the sentiment of all non-football traditional powers? German football also went through the stage of 'relying on willpower', and later relied on the system to win back. The appearance of Zhuang Kuang may inspire more young people in Asia and Africa to believe in themselves."
"L'Équipe": "From Auxerre to Ballon d'Or: an incredible journey!"
France The media gave Zhang Kuang the warmest report, "Do you still remember the young man who was waiting for an opportunity on the Auxerre bench in 2010?
In less than two years, he is already the best in the world. France Football should be proud because we gave him the stage when Zhang Kuang needed the opportunity most. Auxerre's youth training system should be written into textbooks."
"The Guardian": "Zhang Kuang's cultural statement: China's voice on the football field!"
United Kingdom The left-wing newspaper gave another interpretation of Zhang Kuang's speech. "When a China young man says on the world stage, 'China people overcome difficulties with their own hands,' he is not denying other people's beliefs, but telling a story that has been ignored by Western narratives for a long time. This story deserves to be heard."
As Zhang Kuang said, Europe may want to jump out of the Western narrative structure and look at the narrative methods of different cultures. Yes, when Westerners think of aliens, they think of alien invasion.
But as Zhang Kuang said, the aliens' technology is so powerful that they can travel across the universe. What do they come to invade the earth for? Water? Minerals? Animals and plants? And minerals and water are abundant in outer space, so do they need to rob the earth?
If it's animals and plants, I believe they have many planets on their own, so there's no need to travel across the universe to grab the Earth's, right?
So, when we think of aliens, we think of alien invasion. Do we need to think differently about this?"