From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 452 - 124: Ballon d’Or Final Ranking! Tenaciously Undefeated! The Six-Finger Celebration!

Starting from 2008, the world of football entered the era of two formidable rivals. This year Messi won three consecutively, next year he will clinch the fourth.

In the next 5 years, Ronaldo will win the Golden Ball four times; the two will dominate this award for 10 consecutive years!

But with his entry, this pattern may quickly change. The goals that Neymar and Hazard never achieved, he surely will.

"Lionel Messi....!"

With Javi looking a bit dejected, Messi smiled. With achievements of over 80 goals and five championships in a year, he won the Golden Ball three years in a row!

As a club teammate, the disappointment at Javi’s lips did not last long, turning into a smile that rose as he stood up to congratulate Messi.

"Clap-clap-clap...!" Enveloped in even more intense applause, Messi triumphantly walked to the stage, first arriving at the microphone to give his acceptance speech.

He wore a dark purple and red suit today, exuding elegance. The Argentine forward is in excellent form recently, and many people say he might achieve 100 goals this year.

"I want to thank my team, thank my teammates, coaches, and family who have supported me."

He kept smiling, at just 24, with no other controversies surrounding him, shining brightly like a star, last year’s best-performing player.

"....."

After a round of acceptance speech, he came to a football official to receive his 2011 Golden Ball Award trophy, the most prestigious individual honor.

Ma’el clearly saw the shape of the trophy below, and the golden light reflecting under the spotlight. He seemed to feel the weight and texture of the Golden Ball Award.

His eyes showed envy, he swallowed secretly; the trophy resembling his Golden Boy award somewhat, but overall brighter, made with gold plating by the best craftsmen.

This year he also made it to the candidate list with excellent performance, and rankings will be announced shortly.

But when will his first Golden Ball trophy arrive?

"Huff...huff..." His breathing quickened a few degrees. He came here not only looking forward to the Puskás Award but also eager to witness the Golden Ball in person.

Now, he has seen it, he’s clearer on what his goals are.

Honestly, competing for the Golden Ball against Ronaldo and Messi between 2010-15 is definitely hell-level difficulty.

This differs from the 92-08 period’s battles among deities, these two superstars maintain a consistently high form year after year..... They also accumulate a legacy through continuous high efficiency.

This legacy becomes a moat they build for themselves, strengthening their case in award evaluations, creating greater difficulty for challengers.

Some say winning during the era of battling deities was tougher, others say winning during the Messi and Ronaldo era is tougher.

Ma’el finds them about the same, each has its difficulty..... He must consider things from the perspective of the era he’s in now.

"I don’t want to think so much."

He cleared his mind, eyes focused on the podium, seeing Messi collect the Golden Ball from where he’d just been standing, feeling the desire to take his place.

He must perform better, win more championships, and strive for the highest honors!

At this moment, he suddenly noticed many people looking his way, turning to see him.

He instinctively glanced at the broadcast screen, seeing the camera linger on him..... perhaps just having caught his gaze, continued snapping shots.

This time, he felt no embarrassment. There’s no need to hide his desire, now known to others, just raise his chin boldly and admit it all.

"Haha....!"

Many people burst into laughter — some find it amusing, some are expectant, others think it’s still too early.

But they wouldn’t change Ma’el, who’s already decided to accelerate challenges for the highest honors!

"Ding-ding-ding...!" After Messi stepped down holding the Golden Ball, as brisk singing rang out, the voting results and final rankings were released, displayed on the big screen.

Each candidate could see their name, see their ranking.

Ma’el instantly became excited, looking top-down for his name.

First: Messi--Second: Ronaldo--Third: Javi--Fourth: Iniesta

Fifth: Rooney--Sixth: Suarez--Seventh: Diego Forlán--Eighth: Eto’o

Ninth: Casillas--Tenth: Ma’el--Eleventh: Neymar--Twelfth: Alonso

Tenth!

Ma’el’s brain suddenly felt a rush. Even though tenth is far from top three, in the Messi and Ronaldo era, being in the top ten of Golden Ball at age 18 is a significant honor.

This signifies that thanks to his performance in the latter half at Sheffield United and in the first part of the 11-12 season at Arsenal, he has now stepped into the world’s elite!

Though his and Neymar’s ranking among the stars seems lacking in substance, missing legacy.

But they have time to stabilize this ranking and strive upward.

Moreover, their ranking seems insubstantial solely due to lack of honors and a long-term efficient performance, not because of questioned ability or current status!

As long as he achieves honors at Arsenal this year and performs well and ranks in the European Cup.