Lionel Messi - Seven years at the top of world football
Seven years ago to the day, Lionel Messi received his first career Ballon d'Or and has managed to add another four to his trophy cabinet.
On 6 December 2009, Messi received his first ever Ballon d'Or in Paris, which was curiously the last time that 'France Football' awarded it alone.
The Argentinian had enjoyed an extraordinary season, winning the treble with the best Barcelona team in history and with sensational personal statistics.
The day before he received the award, Messi put on another footballing exhibition against Deportivo, scoring twice in a 3-1 victory. From there, he flew to France with his family to collect the first of his five Ballon d'Ors.