2012 Ballon d'Or Ceremony - Part 2
FIFPro World XI Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas
Starting with goalkeeper Iker Casillas, the names of the World Best defenders were called one by one.
Daniel Alves!
Starting with Daniel Alves, who would later transfer to FC Jail, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, and Marcelo ascended the stage.
Immediately after, the names of the midfielder awardees were announced.
Andres Iniesta!
Iniesta, who had exchanged congratulations and eased the tension, moved first.
I started feeling a bit nervous.
Xavi Hernandez!
Guided by the event staff to the back of the stage for the award, but hey, it could get canceled at the last second, right?
Well... thankfully, that didn't happen.
"Phew..."
I took a deep breath, but only for a moment.
Son Jinho!
My name came from the blonde host's mouth, and after confirming the stagehand's signal to enter, I took the hand of the little lady next to me and stepped onto the stage.
"Congratulations."
"Thank you."
I exchanged a light handshake and greeting with the half-bald bigwig, then stood next to Xavi Hernandez, who had just received his award right in front.
For the forwards category, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Radamel Falcao were awarded, followed by a short interview.
"Oh, Jino! You're the first Asian to make World Best. A word on your feelings!"
The blonde host approached me with a smile.
All eyes turned to me.
My throat tight with tension.
"Hooooooo─!!"
I yelled into the mic first to loosen it up.
"Yes, thank you for the award."
The blonde host took the mic back with a laugh.
Wait? What about my statement?
Women's Soccer Coach of the Year: Pia Sundhage, US Women's National Team Coach
Men's Soccer Coach of the Year: Vicente del Bosque, Spain's Euro Winner
The FIFA Women's Soccer Coach and FIFA Men's Soccer Coach awards concluded.
The moment Korean soccer fans had been counting down for—the Puskas Award—finally arrived.
Clips of the nominated goals played briefly, and shots of Radamel Falcao, Miroslav Stoch, and Son Jinho appeared on screen.
Colombia's legend Carlos Valderrama will present the award.
Carlos Valderrama smiled, held up the paper to the camera.
Son
Son Jinho smiled and stood from his seat.
"Thanks to Gyeowol, who always gives me bright energy..."
Son Jinho shared a light hug with Carlos Valderrama and, in his acceptance speech, thanked his girlfriend Han Gyeowol, her family, and everyone at Dortmund including Jurgen Klopp.
"And finally..."
Clearing his throat briefly, Son Jinho thought of his late parents from childhood and shouted in Korean.
"Mom, Dad! I won an award!"
The 2012 Ballon d'Or went to Lionel Messi, as per original history.
Well... in a way, it was the obvious result. 91 goals in a year.
Who else but that monster?
Makes Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or wins against that beast feel even more impressive.
Anyway. While the world buzzed about Lionel Messi's fourth straight Ballon d'Or,
Asia, especially Korea, was flooded with articles about me.
On the way back to Dortmund in my father-in-law's car,
I received a long message from an unsaved number.
How'd he get my number? As I panicked over the sudden message from Ronaldo,
"Who's that? A friend?"
My father-in-law, driving, asked curiously, and I shook my head.
"No, just spam."
"Team leader Kim Miyeong?"
"Well... similar vibes."
As I tried to block Ronaldo's number as spam,
I felt wronged just taking this spam and moving on.
I fired back a heartfelt long reply to Ronaldo right away.
Asset proof pic and chain letter as bonuses.
Did he feel the class difference? No reply from Ronaldo for a while.
A victorious smile crept on my face. As I went to pocket my phone,
Another message from Ronaldo.
You? Me? As I panicked at Ronaldo's message,
Ronaldo sent back the chain letter.
What? Was this dude just late replying cuz he was chain-mailing?