Football: My AI System Provides Max-Level Predictions-Chapter 746 - 535: The 2016 Golden Ball Award Announced, C Luo Beats Messi to Win! Tang Long Attends the Award Ceremony!

Recently, Dilata has been extremely busy, constantly working.

After hosting the Champions League Round of 16 draw ceremony, she's now preparing for the Golden Ball Award ceremony.

Months ago, French Football announced the 30 candidates for the Golden Ball Award.

These 30 players are the elite of the football world in 2016, each standing out in their respective teams, shining in the spotlight as absolute protagonists.

C Luo, Messi, Griezmann, Suarez, Tang Long

Bell, Mahrez, Valt, Pepe, Neymar

Aubameyang, Patricio, Eevee, Vidal, Pogba

Lewandowski, Payet, Modric, Kroos, Agüero

De Bruyne, Dybala, Goding, Higuain, Iniesta

Koke, Lori, Muller, Neuer, Ramos

The Golden Ball Award is the most significant personal honor in today's football world.

The winner is undoubtedly the best-performing player of the year, reaching the pinnacle in both collective and personal achievements.

Since 2008 when C Luo won his first Golden Ball in his career, until seven years later in 2015, the award has been dominated by Messi and C Luo, known as the dual pride of football.

However, this season, due to C Luo's outstanding performance with Portugal's national team, leading them to their first European Cup victory, he has a high chance of winning the Golden Ball!

Regarding Tang Long, before the award ceremony, predictions were made about his ranking.

Considering Tang Long's performance throughout 2016, he, along with Manchester City, won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup, and reached the quarterfinals in the Champions League.

In all matches last season, he scored 23 goals and provided 31 assists.

He was selected for the Premier League's Team of the Season and the UEFA's official Best Team.

Though statistically not superior to C Luo and Messi, Tang Long's start this season was also impressive, becoming the first player in the top five leagues to score 20 league goals;

And in the Champions League, he tied C Luo's group stage record of 11 goals.

Thus, the media predicted that even if Tang Long doesn't win the Golden Ball, his ranking would be high!

"Cherish this opportunity, whether you win the Golden Ball or not. Being nominated among the final 30 is already prestigious. I've spent my whole life playing football, never been nominated myself."

Before flying to Paris, Chiwo patted Tang Long on the shoulder with an appreciative look in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Manchester United's newly appointed CEO Belada also greatly valued this opportunity for limelight.

Manchester City had two players nominated in the Golden Ball's 30-man list, Tang Long and Agüero.

Tang Long needs no further introduction. Agüero also shone last season, surpassing Icardi to win the Premier League Golden Boot.

"Winning the Golden Ball requires a long journey for our Manchester City club, but I believe this journey won't be too far!" Belada thought.

...

At the Golden Ball Award ceremony, the lights were dazzling, and the venue was packed.

Football legends, stars, and distinguished guests from all over the world gathered to witness this most crucial annual moment in football.

All 30 nominated players were dressed in elegant attire, some chatting and laughing, others looking tense, each filled with anticipation for the Golden Ball.

Tang Long stood out among the candidates.

He was the first Chinese player nominated in the Golden Ball's 30-man list, the only player from Asia in the venue.

Though it was his first time on such a grand stage, his eyes revealed confidence and composure.

Tang Long understood that this time the Golden Ball wouldn't be his, but next year might be a different story.

Host Dilata, in an elegant black gown, gracefully walked onto the stage, with the spotlight and everyone's attention focused on her.

Sitting in the audience, Tang Long briefly made eye contact with her, and Dilata winked at him before turning away and starting: "Welcome to the French Football 2016 Golden Ball Award ceremony..."

On the big screen, highlights of the candidates' brilliant performances over the past year began playing.

C Luo's crucial goal in the European Cup, Messi's stunning dribbles in La Liga, Griezmann's highlights at his club... each scene drew gasps from the audience.

Tang Long, the only Asian player on the list, had footage comparable in length to Messi and C Luo, with his midfield lob and skillful solo goal sparking commotion among the audience.

As Tang Long's clips played, the camera implicitly focused on Messi and C Luo.

Messi, resting his chin on his hand, seemed deep in thought while watching Tang Long's performance; not sure of his reflections;

Meanwhile, C Luo watched with a serious yet slightly smiling expression, exuding confidence.

Finally, the most thrilling moment of unveiling the Golden Ball arrived.

With the envelope containing the final result in her hands, Dilata paused deliberately, glancing around. The entire venue was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

Everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on the envelope in Dilata's hand.

"The player winning this year's Golden Ball is..."

Dilata elongated her words, the atmosphere reached a peak, freezing everyone in that moment.

"Cristiano Ronaldo!"

"Congratulations!"

As Dilata announced the name, applause erupted instantly!

C Luo stood up, buttoning his suit, his face brimming with a confident yet excited smile. He hugged teammates and friends one by one before confidently stepping onto the stage.

Passing by Tang Long, Tang Long smiled and said, "Congratulations, Cristiano!"

C Luo hesitated momentarily, then shook Tang Long's hand, softly saying thank you.

Sitting not far away, Messi silently nodded watching C Luo with Tang Long, thinking: "For the next five years, the Golden Ball competition won't just be between C Luo and me, Tang will definitely be involved."

Tang Long sat in the audience, with Manchester City's CEO Belada to his left and teammate Agüero to his right.

Watching C Luo accept the Golden Ball and deliver his speech on stage, Agüero remarked:

"Ah, when will I win the Golden Ball? I'm already 28, probably never."

Pausing, Agüero said to Tang Long, "Compared to C Luo, I hope my Argentine compatriot Messi wins the award."

CEO Belada asked with a smile, "Sergio, if one of Messi or Tang wins the Golden Ball, who would you support?"

Without hesitation, Agüero replied, "Definitely Tang, he's my brother fighting alongside me every day, isn't that right, Tang?"

Tang Long chuckled, saying to Agüero, "You'd better grab the captain's role from the Argentina national team quickly and vote for me next year."

Agüero laughed heartily, "I need to talk to Messi about giving me the captaincy."

Already in December 2016, the year was nearing its end.

Next year will be 2017, marking the second half of the 2016-2017 season.

Tang Long knew well that winning the Golden Ball next year hinged on leading Manchester City to satisfactory results across all competitions, especially the Champions League!