From Arsenal to the Ball God

He will certainly continue to rise, overthrowing Casillas, Eto’o, Fernando Forlan, Suarez, Rooney, Iniesta, and others, reaching the top three!

Don’t forget, he is currently the top scorer in the Premier League. Rooney and Suarez are only ranked above him due to their long-term accumulation and performances in their national teams.

He is about to achieve all this!

He will definitely follow Deschamps and compete in this year’s European Cup to bridge the gap!

”Congratulations.” Neymar came over with a wide smile to hug him, and after that, they exchanged contact information, unable to resist a dance-off on their seats.

Roberto Baggio beside them had always wanted to come over to express his congratulations but couldn’t find the right moment, so he just stood by watching.

”Go for it, young man.”

When he finally hugged Ma’el, quite a few people had already gathered around them, including Mendes, Florentino, Guardiola, and others.

”I will take you as my role model and strive for the Golden Ball Award.” Ma’el exchanged a few courtesies with him briefly, then turned to look at his agent.

”Kid.”

Mendes smiled brightly and spread his arms: ”Ranked in the world’s top ten at 18, what is there that you cannot achieve?

”Didn’t I say before to start endorsement deals from 1.6 million pounds? Now I’ve changed my mind again, we’re starting from 1.8 million pounds!

”Of course, not every endorsement and advertisement can exceed this price, but let’s try to keep it around this range.

”Congratulations! You are really not far from the best, we should take some time in January to go to the Puma Headquarters.”

”Sure.” Ma’el nodded to Mendes and then hugged him quickly, ”At this level, I still need Mr. Mendes’ resources to help.”

”No need to be so polite.”

Mendes separated from Ma’el and said with a smile: ”The momentum of ’Football Record’ is great, it will also become your capable assistant.

”By the way, the program is very likely to start shooting directly, Wenger talked to me, he’ll provide us various portrait rights.”

”Haha...” Ma’el chuckled twice, indeed good things keep coming.

Next, Mendes introduced him to the legendary Real Madrid president Florentino, while Guardiola was chatting with Neymar.

”I’ve heard of your name.”

Old Buddha stepped forward with a smile on his face but gave an impression of pressure, a temperament borne of prolonged wielding of power; under the spotlight, it had an almost uncanny resemblance to Marlon Brando’s portrayal of the Godfather.

Ma’el momentarily had an illusion, feeling that he might come up and say — ”You don’t even want to call me Godfather.”

Of course, reality isn’t always so magical; Florentino’s opening remained normal, ”Congratulations on winning the Puskas and getting in the top ten of the Golden Ball Award, don’t worry, I won’t discuss club matters here.

”Just wanted to get acquainted, this is my business card, I hope we can have each other’s contact information.”

Ma’el took the business card, thought for a moment, and nodded, exchanging contact information with him.

He certainly hasn’t thought about going to Real Madrid yet, but getting to know such a legendary president isn’t bad, it’s definitely not a rejection.

After that, Florentino didn’t say much and quickly turned to leave.

Ma’el and Mendes went outside, did some routine interviews in the press area, and then went outside to meet with four members of his team.

When stepping out of the venue, feeling the outdoor air and noise, Ma’el suddenly felt fleetingly distant, as if walking in a dream.

But how could that be a dream? That was indeed his experience today; he had already entered the center of the world football stage!

”Yes....!”

Outside the venue, Safina remained enthusiastic, she not only raised her hands high to congratulate Ma’el but even lifted one leg back in genuine ecstasy, ”Awesome! We watched the broadcast outside!”

”Top ten! Top ten!”

”Puskas! Puskas!”

Jose, Harry, and others shouted with laughter, the strong outdoor lights shone on their faces, showing their excitement very clearly.

This extreme joy did not seem out of place in this atmosphere; reporters and fans could all understand.

If they also knew Ma’el, the moment he exited the venue, they could almost wish to throw handfuls of flowers, fire a few salutes, and even smash some cake on his face.

”Haha....” Ma’el laughed and hugged each of them one by one, Mendes also high-fived them, everyone was in a celebratory mood.

”Returning today.”

After celebration, he prepared to say goodbye to Mendes, ”The game against Swansea is on the 16th, there are a lot of injuries in the team... To remain undefeated, I must compete.”

Mendes initially wanted to invite Ma’el to relax for a day in Switzerland, but hearing him say that, he could only nod: ”Indeed, career should be the priority.”

”I need a private doctor.” Ma’el then put a long-on-hold plan back on the agenda, ”The second half of the season is urgent, many teammates are injured, I mustn’t get hurt again.”

”I’ll contact one before January.” Mendes patted Ma’el’s shoulder, promised him this, then smiled: ”I won’t see you off, I can foresee, tonight the phone at the agency will be exploding.

”Your endorsement and advertisers will flood in like tide, I’ll choose the good ones for you.

”Prepare yourself, next year, just with advertising endorsements, you might be earning over tens of millions of pounds.”