The weight of the Golden Ball

After the match between Inter Milan and Sampdoria ended, Wang Feng left the team and went to Paris, France alone. His teammates were well aware that this time he would bring back Inter Milan's third European Golden Ball Award in history.

At the same time, Inter Milan Football Club was also busy preparing for celebrations. The Champions League group stage match against Celta Vigo would be Inter Milan's first home game after Wang Feng won the award, so they could arrange it nicely.

When the plane arrived in Paris, even though he was mentally prepared, Wang Feng was still startled by the scene before him. Media from all over the world set up cameras and microphones, broadcasting live from the moment he disembarked.

As the first Chinese and Asian player to win the Golden Ball Award, numerous domestic and Asian media outlets came to Paris for coverage. Therefore, compared to previous years, the list of media covering the Golden Ball Award this time was the longest.

Wang Feng was received by his agent, Balmond, and the Deputy Editor of "France Football" magazine, Fares. Since "France Football" magazine has unparalleled influence in European football, Fares, like Pufnastier, was a pivotal figure in European football.

Fares, with a warm smile, introduced Wang Feng to the award ceremony procedures and some matters to note. Facing the rising star in the football world, he didn't put on any airs.

"The ceremony will start in a little over four hours. We have arranged a hotel near the venue for you to rest. A special reception car will come to pick you up and take you to the venue when it's time."

Fares explained, handing Wang Feng a detailed briefing. Although the Golden Ball Award ceremony was not as grand and elaborate as the FIFA Annual Awards, with only the welcome ceremony and the official award ceremony, French TV would still broadcast it live, and the winner would be featured in "France Football" magazine the next day.

Besides the senior management of "France Football" magazine, the guests attending the welcome ceremony would include the Chairman of the Club Newspapers Group and even the President of the French Football Association, showing that French football values ​​this award greatly.

Unlike previous award ceremonies, this year's live broadcast at the venue would not only include European media but also many Asian and Chinese media outlets. Wang Feng was not surprised by this; after all, it was the first time for an Asian. In the future, he would get used to it as he continued to win awards, and they wouldn't be so amazed anymore.

After a brief welcome ceremony, they would proceed to the live broadcast room for the award presentation. Dozens of reporters from around the world would witness Wang Feng lifting the trophy, and then he would accept congratulations and interviews from the media.

After receiving the award, Wang Feng would also need to attend a banquet and a fan meeting. Everything wouldn't end until late at night, so he booked a flight back the next day at noon, which meant he would miss Inter Milan's away game against Perugia in the 12th round of Serie A. However, the club had already prepared for this, arranging for Wang Feng to return directly to Milan to rest.

When Wang Feng and his entourage arrived at the hotel entrance, enthusiastic fans had already gathered, which surprised him quite a bit. He tried to satisfy the fans' requests for photos and autographs as much as possible while being escorted into the hotel by security guards. Many passionate fans were reluctant to leave.

"I didn't expect to have so many fans in Paris." Wang Feng sighed. "Of course, besides Genk and Milan, Paris is your third largest gathering place for fans," Balmond laughed.

Seeing Wang Feng's surprised expression, Balmond chuckled, "Have you forgotten? Many Parisian fans started paying attention to you back then, especially after the media hyped up your duel with Ronaldinho. It attracted a lot of attention, so your influence in Paris is extraordinary."

Wang Feng suddenly realized, recalling the staggering offer from Paris when he was at Genk. Now it seemed they were right, but unfortunately, they didn't manage to convince him to come here.

"Since then, many Parisian fans have started following you, especially with the media comparing you to Ronaldinho afterward. So, your influence in Paris is extraordinary."

Wang Feng rubbed his forehead, feeling helpless. "I hope Barcelona isn't doing the same thing now. They initially chose me, but later switched to Ronaldinho."

He admired Ronaldinho, the elf on the football field, quite a bit, and he really didn't want to make enemies with him because of endless media hype.

Balmond said, "That won't happen. Now, there's no media comparing you to any new star; instead, they're saying which new star is like you. This treatment is only reserved for football giants like Ronaldo, Figo, and so on."

Wang Feng felt quite emotional after hearing this. It turned out he had become a senior figure now.

In the hotel, Wang Feng's stylist was already in place. Similar to attending the FIFA Awards ceremony, his entire outfit was provided by sponsors. He wore a dark suit with a white shirt as usual, coupled with a neat short haircut, giving off an aura of confidence.

During the styling process, Balmond reported on commercial endorsements: "Your popularity has reached a new level now. Different companies are vying to have you as their spokesperson, including razors, men's cologne, glasses, and even electronic games."

"I only follow one principle: choose industry leaders without negative news. I may earn less in endorsement fees, but I must not damage my reputation."

"You're right, Francesco. Now we have our own investments and companies. There's no need to be greedy for small profits."

"But we mustn't compromise on the benefits we should strive for." Balmond said, "It's time to negotiate with Nike about the endorsement contract. If they can't satisfy us, I believe Adidas would be happy to talk to us."

"Francesco, you're becoming more and more like a big agent!" Wang Feng laughed.

Four hours passed quickly. Fares accompanied Wang Feng to the hotel entrance, and they proceeded to the ceremony venue together. They completed all the procedures according to the scheduled order, and Wang Feng finally received the heavy Golden Ball Award trophy from Pufnastier.

When he saw the Chinese characters on the Golden Ball trophy, only he knew how excited and proud he was. He had achieved many honors in his career abroad, but only this honor made him truly feel that he had brought glory to his country!