Drogba deliberately built up the suspense.
The three nominees' images flashed repeatedly on the live broadcast screen. As Drogba raised his voice, the image finally froze on Leo Lin's face.
"The Premier League Official Player of the Season!"
"And the winner is… Leo Lin!!!"
Leo Lin had done it again. Smiling, he stood up, exchanging high-fives and hugs with his teammates before making his way to the stage. In the livestream, Liverpool fans flooded the chat with congratulations.
"The second award, fully deserved. He earned it!"
"Honestly, the Premier League awards are always fair every season!"
"Looking at his overall performance, achievements, and stats, Leo Lin absolutely deserves it."
"Leo Lin started 31 Premier League matches this season, making 35 appearances in total. He scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists. Not only did he achieve a double-double, but he also averaged nearly one goal contribution per game. That's incredible!"
"He's the pillar in Liverpool fans' hearts, known as the player who brings a built-in 1-0 lead onto the pitch!"
As Drogba introduced Leo Lin's season statistics, Leo Lin had already stepped onto the stage. This was the one award he had actually prepared a speech for.
He took the gleaming Premier League MVP trophy from Drogba. Under the bright lights, he looked out across the banquet hall, where everyone had risen to their feet, applauding.
A surreal feeling washed over him again.
Just one season ago, he had still been struggling at Castilla, uncertain whether he could even stay in one of Europe's top five leagues.
One season later, he was a treble winner and the Premier League MVP.
He took a deep breath.
This time, Leo Lin did not start with a joke.
He gently ran his hand over the MVP trophy, nodding as he waved toward his teammates.
The Liverpool players responded with loud cheers and applause.
"To be honest, my original goal was just to win Young Player of the Year. I didn't expect to also take home the MVP. Well… at least this proves the Premier League's selection process is pretty accurate."
He still couldn't resist slipping in a joke. The room burst into laughter, followed by applause. Everyone appreciated this young player who combined football intelligence with a sharp sense of humor.
"When I think back to the start of the season, I remember our first Premier League match against Watford."
"I was sitting on the bench, watching the first-team players run themselves into the ground, and I kept asking myself, when will I get my chance?"
"I was like a starving wolf. Once I get a bite, I'll never let go."
"With that mindset, Manager Klopp gave me my chance and sent me on as a substitute."
"I'll never forget that day. Even now, it still gives me goosebumps."
"The roar of tens of thousands of fans was focused entirely on me. In that moment, it felt like I was at the center of the world."
"In the story of my life, it felt like the moment had finally come for a hero's entrance."
"I was so happy. I ran without stopping, doing everything I could to show what I was capable of."
"Then came one match after another, my first Champions League start, playing in the EFL Cup, lifting the FA Cup… it all happened so fast, like it was just yesterday."
"But only I know how much effort it took to get here."
"First, I want to thank my parents, Charles and Julia. From the very beginning, they supported me without hesitation in doing what I truly wanted. That was always their way of raising me."
"I'm deeply grateful."
In front of the screen, Charles raised his beer toward Leo Lin, while Julia stood beside him, her face full of pride.
"Second, I want to thank Mike, the club's director; Manager Klopp; the wonderful coach Krawietz; and my teammates, Firmino, Salah, Mané, Henderson, and everyone else."
"They've given me so much help on the pitch. Without them, I could never have fully expressed my abilities. I know that very well."
The Liverpool players and coaching staff applauded enthusiastically, cheering him on like kids.
"I also want to thank Maria. She's made my life off the pitch richer. She's a wonderful girl."
The broadcast camera immediately cut to Maria, her eyes already glistening with tears.
At the same time, Guardiola, seated in the second row, also had reddened eyes, though for a very different reason.
"And finally, I have to thank Barnett."
Seated in the back, Barnett instantly lifted his head high when he heard his name.
"I really love this guy. You can trust him with everything."
"I swear, if I were a girl, I'd chase him without hesitation. Delores, don't blame me. Blame Barnett for being too outstanding."
Barnett burst into laughter, and Delores beside him laughed as well.
"He's as close to a perfect agent as you can get. He helps you get everything you deserve, manages your career at the highest level, and most importantly, he becomes your best friend. That's why I appreciate him so much."
Barnett only regretted that his ankle hadn't fully recovered, otherwise he would have jumped up and danced on the spot. He was that happy.
Amid thunderous applause and cheers, Leo Lin stepped off the stage, having secured his second individual award of the night.
The ceremony continued as Drogba announced the next award.
"Next, we present the PFA Player of the Season!"
"He is from Liverpool!"
"Leo Lin!!!"
Leo Lin was completely stunned.
Even though Mike had given him a heads-up, he had only mentioned the Young Player award and possibly the official Premier League MVP. No one had told him he would also win the PFA Player of the Season.
The audience erupted once again in applause, smiles and admiration on every face.
Leo Lin walked slowly onto the stage. This time, he truly had nothing prepared to say.
So he simply said nothing.
He raised the PFA trophy high, showing it to everyone in the hall and to the fans watching the broadcast. Then he bowed in thanks and quietly stepped off the stage.
Jon Champion chuckled.
"What more is there to say?"
"A life filled with victories."
"The youngest super winner in football history!"
The remaining awards were then presented one after another. Agüero won the Premier League Golden Boot, Liverpool were named England's Men's Club of the Season, and Manchester City took the Women's Club of the Season award.
After the ceremony, the Liverpool players headed to a restaurant for a small celebration. No one drank. They simply ate and chatted.
At the table, the entire squad took a group photo. Klopp, holding the England Manager of the Season trophy, was smiling from ear to ear.
This was Leo Lin's second time posting on social media. The photos included a group shot of the Liverpool first team receiving the Best Men's Club award, as well as a picture of him holding both the Premier League Young Player of the Year and MVP trophies.
Title: [Winner!]