The third video appeared on the big screen.
This time, it was Su Hang.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony truly knew how to tease its audience.
When Figo's and Zidane's videos played, almost everyone thought the winner was already decided—Su Hang, without a doubt.
But then Su Hang himself had recorded a video.
So… who would take it in the end?
The answer was still unclear.
Su Hang said,
"Hello, everyone. I'm Su Hang, a professional footballer playing for Real Madrid."
"Over the past year, we've been the best team in the world—without question."
"And that's because I get to play alongside the very best teammates in the world."
"Figo—Portugal's king, one of the greatest players in the world. His transfer was the most important signing of Real Madrid's new century. He personally ushered in the Galácticos era."
"Raúl—Real Madrid's eternal captain, the forever King."
"Beckham—the heartthrob, the most underrated top-tier player in world football. But I don't feel sorry for him at all. I'm sure countless people would trade their footballing talent just to have his face."
"Carlos—one of the world's best fullbacks, the embodiment of violent aesthetics in football, a blade-wielding defender."
"Casillas—the guardian of the Bernabéu."
Su Hang's video was long.
He named every single teammate.
Including those who had already transferred away—Figo, Ronaldo, Baptista, Samuel, Owen, and many others.
Quite a few of them were genuinely surprised to hear their names.
After all, they had already left Real Madrid.
Fans might not even remember them anymore—let alone credit them for anything.
Su Hang really…
Everyone was moved to tears.
"Of course," Su Hang continued, "there's also my greatest rival—Zinedine Zidane."
He turned toward Zidane.
"The King of Football. Zidane."
"His entire career has embodied one simple truth: when it comes to championships and honors, for him there's no 'can' or 'can't'—only 'want' or 'don't want.'"
"People think I score a lot of goals. But in a Real Madrid like this, with teammates like these, it's actually impossible not to score."
"So from today onward, no matter how you see it, Zidane is the third King of Football in world football."
"Yes.
I said it."
When Su Hang's video ended, the venue fell into brief silence.
To be honest, Su Hang sounded a bit arrogant.
Who was he to define Zidane as a King of Football?
It was clearly a controversial claim—yet he said it with absolute certainty.
But before anyone could respond—
The big screen changed again.
Another highlight reel began to play.
All three players were still in the footage.
This time, though, every single clip showed Figo and Zidane assisting Su Hang.
With each moment where Su Hang took control of the pitch, accompanied by another echoing "siu,"
the answer in everyone's heart became clearer and clearer.
At last, the host's voice merged with the swelling music:
"The winner of the 2006 Ballon d'Or is…
Su Hang!"
In that instant—fireworks, cannons, applause, cheers, and incredulous screams exploded together!
The entire Théâtre du Châtelet erupted in thunderous applause.
Zidane and Figo stood up immediately and embraced Su Hang in celebration.
At the host's invitation, Su Hang walked onto the stage.
Zidane and Figo followed to receive the trophies for second and third place.
The big screen displayed the voting results.
Figo edged out Ronaldinho by three votes to claim third place.
Real Madrid's treble was the decisive factor.
Zidane finished well ahead of Figo.
And Su Hang led Zidane by twenty votes.
The margin wasn't small—but it wasn't overwhelming either.
Those in the know understood that this gap had a lot to do with Real Madrid's full support for Su Hang.
As the hall gradually quieted, Su Hang prepared to give his acceptance speech.
He spoke into the microphone like a thunderclap from a clear sky:
"'Thank you' has already been said too many times.
So this time, I want to take real action."
"I will formally apply to the Ballon d'Or committee to engrave the names of all Real Madrid players and coaching staff from last season onto this trophy."
"And this trophy will be permanently displayed in the Real Madrid Museum—free of charge—for everyone who visits."
"To inspire football fans all over the world."
"This Ballon d'Or belongs to all of us!"
"And now, I hope that all my friends—no matter where you are at this moment,
whether you're in Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, England, Italy, Russia, Brazil, the United States…"
"Celebrate this great victory with me!"
"One!"
Figo and Zidane exchanged glances.
Isn't this a bit awkward?
"Two!"
Down below, many Real Madrid stars were visibly excited.
They knew exactly what Su Hang was about to do.
Whenever that shout rang out—it meant they had won.
"Three!"
All over the world, countless fans raised their arms in unison.
Die-hard young fans like Mbappe and Haaland even ran across their living rooms toward the TV, then leapt high into the air.
"Siuuuuu!"
Su Hang lifted the trophy high.
The entire theater was infected by the sound.
"Siu!"
Cristiano Ronaldo shouted Su Hang's celebration chant for the first time. A strange sense of familiarity rushed through him, leaving both body and mind feeling oddly refreshed.
If it hadn't already belonged to Su Hang, Ronaldo would have used this celebration forever.
"Siu!"
Messi shouted as well. Even though the sound felt like the roar of a demon from hell for Barcelona fans… it was undeniably exhilarating.
"Siu!"
Kaka tried it too. His handsome face gradually twisted as he felt the explosive power contained within that shout.
And suddenly, he felt an intense longing for the position Su Hang stood in.
...
Minutes later, media outlets around the world updated their headlines.
The New York Times:
"Whenever the 'siu' rings out, victory follows! Congratulations to Su Hang on winning the 2006 Ballon d'Or!"
The Wall Street Journal:
"Su Hang wins the Ballon d'Or, ascends as the world's number one footballer!"
BBC:
"At this moment, the 'siu' echoes across the globe—celebrating Su Hang's coronation as Ballon d'Or winner!"
Forbes:
"An unbelievable triumph! Su Hang surpasses former teammate Ronaldo by one year and one month to become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history!"
Associated Press:
"Real Madrid produces another Ballon d'Or winner! Su Hang defeats teammates Zidane and Figo to claim world number one!"
Reuters:
"At twenty years old, he reaches the summit of world football! A new era officially begins—the Su Hang era!"
Google News:
"Su Hang, Zidane, and Figo take first, second, and third in Ballon d'Or voting—Real Madrid crowns another Ballon d'Or winner!"
Asahi Shimbun:
"The Invincible Yellow Flash—Su Hang! Breaks the Asian football curse to become the first Asian Ballon d'Or winner! History is made!"
Hankook Yonhap News Agency:
"The pride of Asia! The strongest in the world! We suggest our girl group members learn from Jennifer and work to make Su Hang Korea's son-in-law!"