The air buzzed with languages from across the globe. It felt like a gathering of nobles as deals whispered, rivalries rekindled, while laughter hid nerves.
Sam and Kayla took their seats near the front. Hansi Flick sat right behind them, with Raphinha and Pedri flanking him. Across the aisle, Mbappé smirked, Bellingham offered a polite nod, while Haaland just sat still as stone.
And then, the ceremony began.
The lights dimmed as the host, Didier Drogba strode across the stage, applause greeting him like an old friend.
His smile carried both pride and weight, the weight of an African legend denied the golden prize, but now here to witness the new era.
"Mesdames et messieurs," he said fluently in French, his voice booming with an easy smile on his face, "tonight we crown the best footballer in the world. But more than that… we crown history".
With his prompting, the opening reels began, highlights from last season.
