The afterglow of the FA Cup victory champagne had barely faded when the focus of European football quickly shifted to an even more captivating topic – the selection of the 2004 Ballon d'Or.
Although 2004 was a major tournament year with the European Championship as a significant benchmark, individual performance in club competitions was also an important criterion for the Ballon d'Or.An 18-year-old player, in his debut season in the Premier League, delivered an astonishing performance with over 20 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, leading his team to the FA Cup victory and making decisive contributions in both the league and the Champions League.This in itself was something that shook the football world.
Especially his stunning, widely circulated world-class goal in the FA Cup semi-final, and the maturity and dominance he displayed throughout the season beyond his years, inevitably brought the name "Cristiano Ronaldo" onto the Ballon d'Or discussion list, and ranked him quite high.
The media started hyping it up like crazy.
The Times: "A year of miracles!Can Ronaldo replicate George Best's miracle?(referring to his early fame and high ranking)"
L'Equipe: "Balloon No.7 Dark Horse?Manchester United's Number Seven Will Shake Up the European Landscape!"
Bild: "An 18-year-old Ballon d'Or nominee?A new era has begun for the football world!"
These reports spread like wildfire, pushing Ronaldo into the spotlight.Some marveled at his talent, believing he deserved a high ranking; others questioned his abilities, arguing that he was too young, inexperienced, and that his team achievements (league, Champions League) were not enough to justify his challenge for the highest individual honor.
More subtly, some stakeholders from other leagues, especially Serie A and La Liga, have begun to release "rational" voices through the media, emphasizing the difficulty of Serie A's defense and the sophistication of La Liga's techniques, subtly suggesting a trend of uniting to "suppress" this amazing new star from the Premier League.
Mendes became extremely busy, dealing with a flood of interview requests while also carefully protecting Ronaldo's image and preventing him from getting involved in unnecessary controversies.
"Cristiano, there's a huge uproar outside," Mendes said with a complicated tone on the phone."Some say you can make the top three, others say you're in danger of even making the top ten.What do you think?"
Cristiano Ronaldo is in the gym doing post-season maintenance training.He is listening to the phone with a calm expression.
"Jorge," he said calmly after finishing a set of bench presses, "being discussed is a victory in itself."
He understood the Ballon d'Or selection logic and its complexities better than anyone.2004 was a year of fierce competition: the Greek miracle of the European Championship, Deco, the key player in Porto's Champions League victory, Shevchenko of AC Milan, and the red-hot Ronaldinho… For a newcomer like him to challenge these established superstars in his very first year was an immense challenge.
However, being included in this level of discussion is an unprecedented achievement for an 18-year-old player!This in itself is the ultimate affirmation of his performance this season.
"What I need to do is not to pay attention to the noise," Ronaldo continued, looking sharply at himself in the mirror, "but to make myself stronger, so strong that they can't ignore me, so strong that all the doubts become laughable."
He didn't bask in the glory, nor was he misled by the hype.His goal was clear and unambiguous—to become stronger and win more.
The uncertainty surrounding his Ballon d'Or win was not a source of pressure for him, but rather a driving force.It was a clarion call urging him to strive for even greater heights.
He knew this was just the beginning.In the future, he would truly and undisputedly reign supreme over that golden trophy.
Now, he needs to prepare for the upcoming European Championship.That will be another stage for him to prove himself