Chapter 75: Media Hype
In London at the end of October, the sky was always gloomy.
But this oppressive weather couldn't mask the impending storm—the Ballon d'Or.
France Football magazine had officially announced the final 30-man shortlist. Chelsea emerged as one of the biggest winners, with Enzo, Osimhen, and Reece James all making the cut.
But all the focus was concentrated on one name.
Lin Yuan.
As the captain of Chelsea, he had not only led the team to "near-champion" level performances in the Premier League and Champions League this season (currently leading the league and maintaining a perfect record in Europe), but he had also redefined the "midfield" position with his suffocating dominance.
But controversy followed.
"Does a Defensive Midfielder deserve the Ballon d'Or?"
This was the sharp question posed by Marca.
The Spanish media had always favored technical styles. They believed Lin Yuan's style was too rough, too violent, and could even be called "anti-football." They preferred Real Madrid's Bellingham or Vinicius.
Meanwhile, in England, the Daily Mail and The Times stood firmly in support of Lin Yuan.
"If you've watched Chelsea's matches, you know who the real MVP is. Lin Yuan isn't just defending; he's dominating the game. Without him, Chelsea would have collapsed long ago this season," Gary Neville wrote in his column.
Just as the public debate reached a fever pitch, Lin Yuan accepted an exclusive interview with LÉquipe.
Inside the media room at the Cobham Training Centre.
Lin Yuan sat before the camera wearing a simple black hoodie. His expression was calm as he held a bottle of water, showing no signs of nervousness or unease.
The reporter asked cautiously, "Lin, what do you think of the external criticism regarding your 'rough style'?"
Lin Yuan unscrewed the cap, took a sip of water, and then looked up, a hint of playfulness flashing in his dark eyes.
"Rough?"
He countered with a question, "Do you mean sending opponents flying, or making them afraid to carry the ball past the midfield?"
The reporter was a bit embarrassed: "Uh, both, I suppose. Some people feel your way of playing isn't... artistic enough."
"Artistic?"
Lin Yuan laughed. It was his signature smile, one filled with extreme confidence and arrogance.
"If so-called art is just passing the ball around, playing it back, and then waiting for the opponent to make a mistake, then I truly don't understand it."
He leaned forward and said to the camera, emphasizing every word:
"I am not playing football."
"I am dominating."
"When opponents see me, their first reaction isn't how to get past me, but how to protect their legs. That is my art. A violent art that leaves them in despair."
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire interview room fell silent.
The reporter swallowed hard and continued, "Then, do you have confidence regarding the Ballon d'Or? After all, your competitors are Haaland and Mbappé, and their stats are very impressive."
Lin Yuan leaned back in his chair, his gaze deepening.
"Stats?"
He pointed to his chest. "Stats can only tell you what happened, but they can't tell you why it happened."
"Haaland scores a lot because people spoon-feed him. Mbappé runs fast because people open up space for him. But as for me..."
Lin Yuan paused, his tone turning chilling:
"I am the one who creates the space, the one who wins back possession, the one who makes everything possible."
"If the Ballon d'Or is awarded to the person with the greatest influence on the game, then it can only belong to me."
Once the interview video was released, it immediately exploded on social media.
The hashtag #Lin Yuan: I Am Dominating# instantly shot to the top of the trending lists.
Chelsea fans shared it frantically, praising him as the "True King," while detractors cursed him for being "arrogant and conceited."
But regardless, everyone had to admit one fact:
This Tyrant from the East had completely conquered European football with his strength and personality.
The suspense of the Ballon d'Or seemed to have ended prematurely.