Chapter 592: Another Year for the Ballon d'OR
The day after Real Madrid's big victory over Mallorca, "France Football" magazine announced the 23-man shortlist for the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or, led by Wang Feng and Iniesta, closely followed by Messi, making them the strongest candidates for the award.
Among the listed names, there are a total of six Real Madrid players, including the Chinese superstar, as well as Casillas, Di María, Ramos, Alonso, and Iguaín, making it the club with the most selected players.
Barcelona has five players nominated, namely Iniesta, Messi, Busquets, Piqué, and Xavi. From the national team perspective, Spain, the defending European Championship winner, emerges as the biggest winner.
Due to Bayern Munich narrowly missing out on the league title to Dortmund last season, Zhuo ultimately missed out on the 23-man shortlist despite a strong performance but lacking competitive honors. There are several other outstanding players like him.
Therefore, "France Football" specifically released a list of 11 players who missed out. They believed these players deserved a place in the world football stage. Zhuo ranked first, with Uruguay's Cavani and Wang Feng's teammate Marcelo from Real Madrid, and Manchester City's Silva also among them.
At the end of November, FIFA announced the shortlist of three candidates, and the winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony on January 7th next year.
Regarding the prediction for the eventual winners, Wang Feng, who has already won 8 Ballon d'Or awards, is still considered the top favorite, followed by Iniesta and Messi. It's noteworthy that Cristiano Ronaldo ranks fifth, his worst ranking since 2009, trailing behind Manchester City's Aguero.
After the Ballon d'Or shortlist was announced, Wang Feng once again became the focus of attention, becoming the subject of reports and interviews by major media outlets. "France Football," "National Paper," "Marca," and even Catalonia's "Daily Sports Report" all invited him for interviews.
Most of the time, the Chinese superstar adhered to an official stance of neither humble nor haughty, but also revealed a unique thoughtful and emotional side in some details.
For example, when asked by the columnist of "Daily Sports Report" about the sharp question of whether there is only one dazzling figure in the team, Wang Feng confidently explained, "When you achieve outstanding results, people tend to focus on you habitually. This is an unavoidable situation." He continued, "But the brilliance of other teammates won't be permanently overshadowed. Just like this time, five teammates from Real Madrid were also nominated for the Ballon d'Or, and their performances impressed the judges."
"Regardless of how many years have passed, people always evaluate the current Galacticos as a dream team. Wang Feng has made some outstanding contributions, but he also needs the help of his teammates."
Regarding the atmosphere in the team dressing room, the Chinese superstar stated that it is very harmonious, with everyone getting along well, helping each other, playing and growing together. "Although it may sound exaggerated, but we are actually like one big family."
Wang Feng also expressed his feelings for Madrid and the Real Madrid club: "Both of my children were born in this city and have experienced many wonderful things."
"I have played for four clubs in total, and the Galacticos is the longest one, and together with my teammates, we have created new history. This period of my career will be the most important part."
Talking about Barcelona, the Chinese superstar said it is a great club, and he harbors no resentment towards the team itself. On the contrary, he greatly enjoys high-level confrontations, which are some of the most wonderful games.
Regarding Messi and Iniesta, Wang Feng gave high praise, saying, "Leo is a genius player. Every year you can see him growing rapidly, and he will surely have a place in the future world football."
"Since 2008, we have been in contact privately, and our relationship is quite good, so the hostility and competition hyped by the media simply do not exist."
"Iniesta is also a midfielder whom I admire very much. He has excellent ball control, balanced skills with both feet, and is the most favorable leader for advancing the frontcourt."
"What's even more valuable is his outstanding team awareness, he rarely delays in passing, and he can complement Messi well."
Wang Feng deeply regrets China's absence from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but he believes that the national team is gradually improving, and there will be a continuous stream of talents emerging even after retirement.
As for whether he can win his ninth Ballon d'Or and continue his legend, the Chinese superstar reveals his desire, "This award is very important, no footballer would refuse it. Even though I already have several at home, I still look forward to it."
"I am someone who refuses to lose and hates losing, as can be seen from my past experiences in matches."
As the captain of the national team, Wang Feng holds a precious vote, and he frankly stated that he would vote for the most popular candidate in his heart besides himself, without deliberately casting his vote for the sake of winning.
"This is a sacred and serious matter, and as such, we must treat it seriously."
Finally, when asked about his two children, the Chinese superstar's face was filled with a happy smile, "Having a son and a daughter is the greatest blessing of my life. My eldest daughter is very clever and has already become a little lady."
"Although my son, who is not yet one year old, is quite lively, he is healthy and energetic, which is what all family members hope for."
When asked if he would let his children pursue a professional football career in the future, Wang Feng said he would respect their own choices, "This is their life, isn't it."
Florentino once promised him that if he wished, the doors of Real Madrid's youth academy would always be open for the children of the Chinese superstar.
At the end of the interview, Canros, on behalf of "Daily Sports Report," presented Wang Feng with a very special gift: two miniature golden ball trophies, for his two children.
"Thank you, they should be very happy because I usually don't allow them to enter my trophy room, haha," Wang Feng said joyfully.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who wants to be praised and admired by the whole world, has been having a tough time lately. He never expected that he would drop out of the top three candidates for the Ballon d'Or, let alone be ranked behind Aguero, which is simply humiliating.
What's even more frustrating is that there are constantly scandals surrounding him, with people gradually no longer discussing his football skills or achievements on the field, but rather endless tabloid rumors.
For example, a few months ago, the Portuguese star was rumored to be getting too close to the model Rita Pereira, which led to a big argument with his girlfriend Irina.
And now, another wild model claims to have fallen in love with Cristiano Ronaldo, and even took some explosive photos for "Roma Sports Report," expressing support for him and the Portuguese team, which is really inexplicable.
These are all groundless rumors, but Cristiano Ronaldo did have an affair with the Portuguese actress Paula Labaredas, which was caught by a "Daily Mail" reporter, leading to the cancellation of his wedding plans with his girlfriend this summer.
Regarding this, "Sky Sports" commented, "Athletes' emotional lives don't need to be too chaotic. A happy family is more conducive to growth."
They pointed out that many football stars in the world have enviable family lives. Simple interpersonal relationships will make these players more focused on their football careers, which is of great benefit to their future development and reputation.
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