BBC Sportfootball

In 2007, the Ballon d'Or voting changed again. Now, players from every nationality from every club around the world were eligible to win.

As a result, the number of journalists allowed to vote also increased, with 96 from across the globe picking their top five players from the shortlist, rather than the 52 European-based journalists in 2006.

The result was little more than a formality, with brilliant Brazilian midfielder Kaka comfortably seeing off the challenge of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

He was justifiably rewarded for leading Milan to the Champions League crown.