The Portugal winger was runner-up to Kaka in the Ballon D'or last year and, after scoring an extraordinary 42 goals to help propel Manchester United to the Champions League and Premier League double, was untouchable in the race for this year's award.

For all the diving, the theatrics, the exaggeration, the "what me?" shrugs and the Real Madrid transfer shenanigans, Ronaldo's most important contribution to the game is his quite extraordinary array of talents.

Photographs: Getty Images | Text: Reuters