Chapter 824 - 12: Grimaldi! UEFA Awards Ceremony’s Stunning Opening! Step by Step to the Pinnacle!_5

It’s just that the golden generation of Spain is too strong, making countless excellent players unable to match them, even if they achieve significant accomplishments, they don’t catch their tail.

After this thought, a sense of chaos suddenly surged in his heart, perhaps due to being overly eager for something, resulting in accelerated heartbeat.

The Best Forward is about to be announced, does he have a chance to defeat Messi and Ronaldo and take it away?

If he can get this, he is more confident in winning the most lucrative UEFA Best Player, even saying it’s almost a sure thing!

Ma’el unintentionally tightened his grip on Isabella’s hand, causing her to glance at him, her expression also showing tension.

"UEFA Best Forward of the Year—Argentina/Messi!!"

The host announced the winner of Best Forward, and Messi, who scored 75 goals+ last season and had nearly 30+ assists, stepped onto the red carpet amidst applause, smiling broadly as he walked towards the stage.

"Clap clap clap.....!"

Amidst the applause, a hint of disappointment flashed across Ma’el’s eyes, but he still gracefully clapped his hands and forced a smile.

With such explosive statistics, Messi winning this award doesn’t cause him excessive distress, though it’s inevitable to worry... since UEFA thinks he is the best forward, will they also give him the best player?

If winning the European Cup championship can’t secure the heavily weighted UEFA Best Player, it would be quite a pity, only to wait for next year to compete with Messi and Ronaldo on data.

Isabella might know what Ma’el is thinking, she touched his left hand again, gently squeezed a few times, signaling him not to worry.

Ma’el nodded, indicating it’s alright, the results haven’t fully come out yet, there’s no need for low self-esteem.

Being Best Forward doesn’t necessarily mean UEFA Best Player, it represents a title akin to European Footballer of the Year!

Having broken two records to win the championship, he absolutely still has a chance!

"I am very grateful to those who accompanied me, my coach, my teammates, my....."

Messi then gave a customary acceptance speech, followed by stepping off the stage amidst applause, anticipating the final UEFA Best to be awarded.

"Ok.....!"

The host then leisurely walked to the center of the stage, his tone becoming formal, "We all know, after these two awards have been given, there’s a most prestigious award waiting for us!

"Before that, I’d like to express that the past year belongs to football, a legendary year for the best players!

"Some have wildly won championships on Spanish fields, some have achieved personal and collective breakthroughs, and some have wildly won championships on English fields, performing spectacularly in the European Cup!

"No matter who receives this award, they are undeniably deserving and worthy of the honor...!

"Ultimately, perhaps people will fondly remember the legends who have departed from football, but I’d like to say, there are many legends, but each year UEFA Best is just one!

"We should cherish the present, focus on happiness now, and appreciate the prime time of the best players!

"Let’s invite UEFA President Platini, to present the final award!!"

"Papapapa...!" Amidst a burst of enthusiastic applause, Platini, dressed in a suit, appeared on stage, holding nothing, just coming to the microphone after reaching the stage.

Finally realizing he might soon announce the recipient of the Best Player, the large screen at the venue quickly made a split-screen display, leaving room on it for him, with three small screens respectively for Messi, Ronaldo, and Ma’el.

"For the 2011-12 season, the UEFA Best Player is....."

When Platini reached this point, everyone’s tension had peaked, especially the three final candidates.

If anyone at this moment noticed the screens showing them, they’d see all three were already holding their breath, eyes slightly narrowed, staring at Platini at the front of the stage.

Platini seemed to know this as well, raising his head with a smile before announcing, teasing the three slightly with a raised eyebrow.

However, he didn’t drag it out, stepping towards the UEFA Best trophy, then turning the trophy upright that was placed upside down, revealing the name on it, while shouting: "Arsenal/France...Ma’el!!"

The winner confirmed, Ma’el got this year’s UEFA Best!

"Aaaahhhhh...!" A cry of surprise erupted at the venue, everyone standing up immediately, with Messi and Ronaldo visibly stunned, then slightly disoriented as they stood.

"Thud thud thud.....!" All the spotlights focused on Ma’el’s direction, and the music shifted to a festive symphony.

Under the gaze of everyone, Ma’el’s mind went blank in an instant, his breathing becoming uneven.

Confirmed?

It’s him?

His face was a mix of joy and surprise, a wave of heat rushed from his neck upwards, causing his cheeks to flush slightly, and sweat to seep from his forehead, all due to the extreme excitement-induced endocrine disorder.

Although this doesn’t count as defeating the peak-time Messi and Ronaldo on the highest stage, surpassing them, standing at the highest position, it still gives him a feeling of extreme satisfaction.

This is definitely an important milestone!

After being referred to as the world’s third-best player, he finally defeated Messi and Ronaldo at a grand award ceremony!

From today, he can definitely pursue the highest individual honor for players, the Golden Ball Award!

"Hoo....."

Taking a deep breath, Ma’el instinctively wanted to stand up, at the moment before standing, felt the slight quiver of a small hand in his right palm.

Only then did he remember Isabella, hurriedly pausing his steps to receive the award, turning to look at his girlfriend.

Isabella was already beside herself with joy, smiling with her mouth open, not knowing whether to smile with her mouth open or closed, her thin lips repeatedly opening and closing.