Chapter 373: Overwhelming advantage
Wang Feng has won his fourth European Ballon d'Or award! This news quickly spread to every corner of the world, and neither the media nor the fans were surprised because last season, he led Real Madrid to win both the La Liga and Champions League titles, deserving such an honor.
But everyone still had a moment of astonishment because Wang Feng's win meant that he officially broke the record of the number of awards previously set by famous football stars, becoming the veritable number one in football history!
Cruyff, Platini, Van Basten, these names that are well-known in the Ballon d'Or award winners' list all dropped one place, leaving many European old fans sighing.
In China, there was a jubilant atmosphere, with many people staying up all night, constantly refreshing the official website of "France Football" magazine until the results were announced.
From the moment it was announced on the official website, the news appeared on portals such as Sina and Sohu three seconds later. Forums erupted into celebrations, with enthusiastic discussions about Wang Feng winning.
Zhang Guang is an ordinary office worker and a senior football fan. He has loved football since the 1990s, with stories like the Dutch trio, the German trio, and the dominance of aliens leaving him enthralled.
But as a Chinese, he still had regrets in his heart, that is, there was no figure of the Chinese nation on the stage of the superstars. The emergence of Wang Feng in the new millennium successfully made up for this regret.
When he saw the photos of Wang Feng winning the award, an unparalleled sense of satisfaction and pride filled his mind. Zhang Guang suddenly jumped up from his chair, fists clenched, cheering continuously, waking up his sleeping wife and son.
His wife rubbed her eyes and said, "What happened? Why are you making such loud noises?" Listening carefully, not only in their house, it seemed that voices came from the neighboring house as well.
Zhang Guang explained with a smile, and after hearing it, his wife was also very happy, no longer questioning his staying up late and disturbing her sleep. Although she was not a football fan, she still knew about Wang Feng from various sources and knew that he was an outstanding compatriot.
Their five-year-old son didn't make a fuss but blinked his big eyes and asked, "Did that uncle who plays football so well win another award? Dad, I want to play football in the future too."
Zhang Guang picked up his son and said, "Yes, it's that uncle. Our treasure will also play football to make big money and win big awards in the future, haha!" This scene is just a microcosm of families across the country.
Not only were netizens and fans ecstatic, but authoritative media outlets in China also reported and congratulated Wang Feng for his win in the first place. Comprehensive channels halted their scheduled programs and urgently broadcast this news, praising Wang Feng as the pride of all Chinese and hoping he would continue to excel, creating a Chinese legend.
Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Saudi Arabia all announced this news to their respective populations for the first time, marking a monument in the history of Asian football, no longer dominated solely by South America and Europe!
The Japanese "Asahi Shimbun" believes that Wang Feng will continue to dominate Asian football and create more legendary performances, which is a source of pride for the entire Asian continent.
"China is the most populous country in the world, and in the strong football atmosphere, it will definitely cultivate more talented players. Japan should seize this trend and strive to establish a good football training system, seeking out its own talents."
The Korean "Chosun Ilbo" commented that "Wang Feng not only represents China but also represents the entire Asia." The article elaborates that with his current achievements and status, he has already surpassed the influence of one country and is moving towards influencing a whole continent or even the same cultural circle.
Regarding Wang Feng's award, European media also sent affirmations and congratulations, but inevitably, there was a bit of bitterness in their tone. When Wang Feng won his third European Ballon d'Or award, some media suggested urgently cultivating European superstars and not letting an Asian dominate anymore.
But the Chinese superstar was too strong, his brilliance had already overshadowed everyone else. This year, he won the La Liga championship, the Champions League championship, the UEFA Super Cup, the La Liga Golden Boot, the European Golden Boot, the Champions League top scorer, and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year.
In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo, who competed with him, only won the Premier League championship and the Premier League Player of the Year. Therefore, when it came to the Ballon d'Or selection, Wang Feng scored 544 points, while Cristiano Ronaldo only had 177 points. The Chinese won with overwhelming advantage.
The judges simply couldn't ignore such a huge gap. Except for the two of them, other candidates such as Kaka, Messi, Drogba, and Pirlo were clearly inferior in achievements. Giving the award to these people would probably be a laughingstock.
The American "New York Times" believes that Wang Feng's appearance makes European football stars seem like they belong to a different era. "His influence has surpassed all other players. Even in a football desert like the United States, many people will still talk about him, not anyone else."
With Wang Feng winning the award again, there was naturally a celebration within the Real Madrid team. The Chinese hosted a dinner for everyone, thanking everyone for their support and emphasizing that his achievements were related to everyone.
Then they played at home against Werder Bremen in the 5th round of the Champions League group stage. Since they had already qualified, head coach Schuster focused on training, and even Wang Feng was arranged on the bench.
The Bundesliga powerhouse, which wanted to compete for another spot in the knockout stage, took the opportunity to attack. They scored two goals in the first half, taking the lead, while the Galaxy battleship could only struggle to defend.
The enthusiastic Real Madrid fans in the stands couldn't sit still, chanting Wang Feng's name one after another. Although this was an insignificant match, they came to the scene just to witness the living legend.
After consulting Wang Feng's opinion, Schuster didn't disappoint the fans. He sent the Chinese superstar onto the field in the 65th minute, and his appearance did change the situation on the field.
Just six minutes later, Wang Feng dribbled past two defenders in the frontcourt, cooperated with Reyes on the wing, broke into the penalty area successfully, and then scored with his right foot from a small angle, helping the team pull one back.
Before the end of the game, he planned another counterattack, stole the ball himself, drove straight in, and the Werder Bremen defense treated him like a major threat, focusing all their attention on the Chinese superstar. Unexpectedly, he suddenly lofted the ball to Iguaín on the other side.
In front of the Argentine youngster, it was like a morning street, and after calmly adjusting, he shot forcefully, sending the ball into the net of Werder Bremen like a training shot.
2:2! Wang Feng contributed one assist and one goal in 25 minutes on the field, helping the team draw with their opponents.
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