I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 382: Chapter 43: Coming of Age, Award Ceremony, Decisive Victory

In December, time has come.

People gather in Madrid, eager to witness a historic moment.

Ever since the start of the season when he received a salary of 12 million, becoming the highest-paid player and the captain of the team, Chen Zhong has always faced skepticism. After nearly half the season passed,

Even those who wanted to watch him fail were surprised to find that under Chen Zhong’s leadership, Real Madrid maintained strong momentum on all fronts.

They’ve secured the top spot in La Liga, first place in the Champions League group stage, and effortlessly advanced in the King’s Cup. Some fans even believe that in Chen Zhong’s first official season, Real Madrid may once again create a ”Triple Crown” for Spain.

Outside the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Countless fans purchased tickets for this match against Almeria, eager to attend Chen Zhong’s Golden Boy Award ceremony live.

Some even traveled all the way from China, having followed Chen Zhong since he joined Real Madrid’s youth training in 2004, to witness the spectacle firsthand.

They termed it: ”The joy of development.”

Crowds dressed in white gather from all directions, countless Merengues singing ”Hala Madrid,” steadfast in their belief that the future of Real Madrid, under Chen Zhong’s leadership, will lead to a great revival.

”Hala Madrid!”

”China!”

”Chen!”

Numerous fans in white jerseys, bearing the Real Madrid badge, raised their arms in cheer, while groups of three or five gathered to chat excitedly, their eyes filled with light.

Among them, many Chinese fans were surrounded by local supporters. Upon confirming their origin from China, some even expressed the desire to invite them for a drink after the match.

Some Spaniards, who have learned Chinese because of Chen Zhong, loudly declared in broken language, ”China, Chen, very good!”

”Friends, friendship!”

”Chen, very good!”

In the end, they all performed Chen Zhong’s signature celebration together, loudly chanting ”Chen,” and this infectious cheer reverberated endlessly inside and outside the Bernabeu.

This all intimidated Almeria fans who traveled with their team for the away match.

For some reason, they felt their poor home team was in for a thrashing at the Bernabeu this time.

As if to accommodate distant fans from China, Real Madrid scheduled this match in the afternoon instead of the evening, allowing Chinese fans to enjoy the game comfortably at home at around 10 PM.

”CCTV, CCTV.”

”Dear viewers, you are watching the 13th round of La Liga, the pre-match Golden Boy Award ceremony.”

”It’s an initiative launched by Italy’s Torino Sports Newspaper in 2003.”

”They select outstanding under-21 players in Europe and award the finest with the Golden Boy Award.”

”After defeating numerous formidable opponents, Chen Zhong achieved a historic first for Asia by winning this honor.”

”On the stage at the center field, we can see the platform Real Madrid Club built for Chen Zhong.”

”And we can also see blessing words written in Spanish and Chinese around the sidelines.”

”Whoa~”

The commentator gasped in surprise as the camera panned to the stands at the Bernabeu, showcasing a gigantic Tifo, a stunningly magnificent sight.

”Royal Madrid fans have prepared thoroughly for this Golden Boy Award ceremony.”

”They’ve crafted a giant Tifo for Chen Zhong on the stands.”

”We can clearly see Real Madrid’s huge crest appearing on the stands, and then slowly rising is the back of Chen Zhong, wearing the number ten jersey.”

”His hands form thumbs pointing at his number and name, oh...”

”A golden crown descends from above.”

”Oh, there’s a line rising below.”

”You are crowned tonight.”

Such a scene is rare because the award Chen Zhong received is merely the Golden Boy Award, yet the Merengues’ affection for him seems beyond imagination.

While the commentator continued to chatter incessantly, the giant Tifo slowly retracted, yet another tremendous Tifo emerged on the stands.

”Another one!”

”A golden ball rises on the stands.”

”This likely represents the Golden Boy trophy.”

”After all, there’s also a pedestal nearby with a golden ball on it.”

”And on the way to that pedestal, there’s a pure white path.”

”Perhaps this signifies the road to the golden ball?”

”It symbolizes fans’ hope for Chen Zhong’s future.”

”Bear in mind, outstanding player Messi from Barcelona’s youth training received the Golden Boy Award in 2005.”

”In 2009, he became a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, and some rumors suggest he may soon become the award’s holder.”

Now, among the fans, there are two opinions. One believes that honoring Cristiano Ronaldo is the best choice to compete with Messi, while the other holds that Chen Zhong, nurtured by Real Madrid’s youth academy, is the ideal contender against Messi from Barcelona’s academy.

Initially, those supporting Cristiano Ronaldo were the majority, given his earlier reputation as the world’s best player, coupled with his outstanding performance at Manchester United.