The Ballon d’Or 2007 ranking stirred excitement and debate across the football world.
For the first time, the award was truly global—players outside UEFA clubs were eligible—and the voting pool widened.
With top-class performances throughout the season, names like Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Didier Drogba stood out.
In the end, one man claimed the title, but many others delivered unforgettable campaigns.
Who Was Crowned Ballon d’Or 2007?
In 2007, the Ballon d’Or — awarded by France Football to the best footballer in the world — was won by Kaká of AC Milan.
He secured the top spot with 445 points, beating close rivals Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
This win marked Kaká’s first Ballon d’Or, and it came during one of his peak seasons, where he shone both in Serie A and in European competition.
Don’t miss: Ballon d’Or 2005 Rankings Revealed
Kaká Ballon d’Or Winner 2007: Why He Deserved It?
Kaká’s 2006-07 season was exceptional:
- He was instrumental in AC Milan’s run in the UEFA Champions League, producing critical goals and assists.
- In domestic league play, he showed consistency—combining vision, technical skill, creativity, and an attacking midfield influence that changed games.
- His influence wasn’t just in scoring; he created chances, linked play, and often was the difference maker in big matches.
- Moreover, the change in Ballon d’Or rules to include players from outside UEFA clubs (and the expanded voting pool) meant more scrutiny and higher competition — Kaká stood out under that pressure.
These elements combined to justify his win: standout performances in high-pressure games, consistency, and influence—both statistical and intangible.
Ballon d’Or Rankings 2007: Top 10 Players
Here is a table of the Top 10 ranked players in the 2007 Ballon d’Or, with their clubs, nationalities, and points.
| Rank | Player | Club(s) at the time | Nationality | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaká | AC Milan | Brazil | 445 |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United | Portugal | 277 |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona | Argentina | 255 |
| 4 | Didier Drogba | Chelsea | Ivory Coast | 108 |
| 5 | Andrea Pirlo | AC Milan | Italy | 41 |
| 6 | Ruud van Nistelrooy | Real Madrid | Netherlands | 39 |
| 7 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | Internazionale | Sweden | 31 |
| 8 | Cesc Fàbregas | Arsenal | Spain | 27 |
| 9 | Robinho | Real Madrid | Brazil | 24 |
| 10 | Francesco Totti | Roma | Italy | 20 |
Other Notable Mentions in the Ballon d’Or 2007 Rankings
- Frederic Kanouté (Sevilla) came 11th with 19 points.
- Ronaldinho (Barcelona) ranked 12th, showing that he was still a major star, though his dominance was starting to wane.
- Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) and Juan Román Riquelme (Villarreal / Boca Juniors) were also in the top 15.
Read also: Ballon d’Or Rankings 2006 – Top 3 Players
These players were recognised for excellent seasons, contributing either through goals, creativity, leadership, or big performances in major competitions.
The Ballon d’Or 2007 Rankings revealed a turning point in football history: the rise of new superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and the final flowering of Kaká’s peak years.
The award wasn’t just about who scored most, but about who inspired, carried their team, and stood out under pressure.
In that sense, Kaká’s win was richly deserved—and it set the stage for the next decade of individual brilliance in world football.
