From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Clap clap clap.....!”

The pace of the award ceremony sped up considerably after Guardiola went on stage to receive his award. It was only then that Ma’el perked up, lifting his head to look at the center of the podium.

He had a lot of admiration for this coach; his coaching philosophy and honorary achievements made him truly deserving of being the best right now.

He thought of his own coach, Wenger, whom he expected to attend the award ceremony with him. Unexpectedly, Wenger declined the invitation, reportedly due to a strained relationship with FIFA President Blatter.

He wondered when Mr. Wenger could stand there and receive the Coach of the Year award.....

He smiled slightly, considering it a beautiful expectation—a good result and best title that requires everyone’s effort.

”Wonderful...wonderful...and wonderful...!!!”

After the Best Coach award, the three nominated goals for the Puskás Award were suddenly replayed on the big screen.

This time, it should be correct.

Ma’el sat upright, and beside him Neymar’s legs began to tremble, while Rooney at the far end displayed a nervous expression.

”Next, we will present the FIFA 2011 Puskás Award, the award for the Goal of the Year!”

The female host beside Gullit smiled, pointing behind her, ”The award presenter is the greatest player in Mexico’s history, Sanchez!

”He scored 47 Euro goals in 45 club matches in European competitions!”

Amid applause, Sanchez greeted the crowd as he walked to the podium, beginning to speak in Spanish.

Ma’el naturally was puzzled, though his inner nerves grew increasingly tense, knowing the moment of truth was arriving.

Whether he would claim the Puskás Award and add another trophy to his laurels depended on whether Sanchez would call out his name next.

If he succeeded, this would be his second award of the season..... and if he could snag one or two more championships afterward, his debut in the top-tier league would be perfect.

He would carry the Golden Boy and Puskás, along with championship trophies, into a challenge for the European Cup in the continental tournament of 2012!

Should he succeed, at next year’s Golden Ball Award ceremony, he conservatively predicted a top-three placing!

”Whoosh!” Quickly, the screen behind Santos changed.

Instead of solely showing him, he was placed at the top center, with real-time reactions of the three candidates displayed below.

Ma’el was on the leftmost side; he could see Neymar’s nervousness causing him short breaths, and also see Rooney’s stern face, though it seemed like he was clenching his teeth.

”The 2011 Puskás, the recipient of the Goal of the Year is.....”

Santos switched to English for this sentence, excitement visibly building on his face, ”Ma’el!”

He won!

As these words fell, Ma’el’s mouth opened slightly, wrapped in joy and happiness.

He instinctively glanced around, seeing Neymar barely managing a smile on the screen before courteously smiling and turning away. Meanwhile, Rooney maintained a serious demeanor, but it was evident he was clenching his teeth.

The second major award of the year!

It happened!

”Clap clap clap.....!” Enthusiastic applause filled the Zurich Conference Center, with everyone clapping their hands.

Ma’el stood up, back in the real world, first noticing Neymar coming up beside him for a hug.

”Congratulations, brother.” Neymar’s smile was a bit uneasy, yet he still warmly congratulated Ma’el, ”You truly deserve it; that goal was incredible!”

”Thank you!”

Ma’el thanked him a few times, seeing several unfamiliar men and women reaching out their hands toward him, and he gave them high fives likewise.

He bypassed Neymar, bypassed several coaches, walking down step by step onto the center stage, his mind blank.

Until he reached the podium, shook hands and embraced Santos, it hadn’t dawned on him yet; the extreme joy even overshadowed much of his initial nervousness.

He came in front of Gullit and the female host, shaking hands with them one by one before receiving the Puskás Award trophy from Santos.

After receiving it, he lowered his head for a glance, discovering it was a finely crafted crystal trophy formed by two pieces of crystal.

One piece lay flat, with the inscription: ”In 2011, the Puskás Award winner, Mael!”

The other piece was cut diagonally toward the laid-flat piece, bearing a football pattern.

He unknowingly arrived at the microphone, glancing below at a group of superstars, coaches, agents, and socialites, opted for a more prudent acceptance speech.

”Thank you! As a striker, the Puskás Award holds significant meaning for me.

”It’s the best summary of my 40+ goals in last year’s secondary league and 20+ goals in top leagues, inspiring me immensely.

”I once expressed the desire to claim all accolades in the football world. After taking the Golden Boy Award and Puskás, almost no other exceptional awards remain, right?

”Now, before me lies only one path, which is to keep moving forward, with more consistent and better performances, to become the best!

”Finally, thank you all, I hope when we meet again here next year, everyone will feel different sentiments!”

He raised the trophy high, slightly bowing under the spotlight, showing graceful poise.

”Clap clap clap.....!” Another round of applause erupted, more intense than before.

In the gaze and applause of all, Ma’el exited, walking toward his seat, his victory stirring considerable discussion among those present.