The Ballon d'Or ceremony is one of the biggest events in the football world every year.
The Paris Opera House was packed with stars—not only current nominees but also legendary players from previous generations.
Icons like Pele, Roberto Baggio, Marco van Basten (one of the Dutch "Three Musketeers"), and Davor Šuker from Croatia—their presence made the venue even more electrifying.
Under the organizers' arrangements, Suker was seated in the front row.
To his left and right sat Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—both also among the top favorites for the Ballon d'Or.
The three sat there like a symbolic scene from a new era.
Three exceptionally talented young players, each striving to claim football's highest honor.
Behind them sat other rising stars like Kaká, Modrić, and Fàbregas, though they didn't receive as much camera attention.
Suker was seated in the center, and the spotlight frequently fell on him.
He kept his eyes on the stage, calmly waiting for the event to begin.
Before long, the lights dimmed.
On the screen above the stage appeared the logo of France Football, followed by clips showcasing the highlight goals of the Ballon d'Or nominees.
Each goal drew thunderous applause from the crowd.
Suker's goal came last.
He had many iconic moments last season, but the clip chosen was his goal in the Champions League final.
Though it wasn't the flashiest goal, it was decisive—and in a final, impact matters more than style.
After ten minutes of goal highlights, the dome lights turned back on.
The well-known host Martin Bernard of France Football appeared on stage in a sharp suit.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the 2007 Ballon d'Or Ceremony!"
Bernard, known for his wit and charm, kept things light—though the gravity of the event meant fewer jokes than usual.
After warming up the atmosphere, the show quickly moved into the awards segment.
Before the main event, several other awards were handed out:
Best Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
Best Football Club: AC Milan
Best Agent: A prominent French agent
Best Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo
When Ronaldo walked on stage, his expression carried a trace of disappointment.
Traditionally, if a player wins Best Forward, they usually don't win the Ballon d'Or.
The 20-year-old Messi won European Golden Boy (Little Ballon d'Or).
On stage, Messi gave a shy speech, causing a stir:
"I'm happy to receive this award. It's a recognition of my hard work."
"But honestly, I already received the best gift yesterday!"
The normally quiet Messi had just publicly expressed romantic affection.
Only Suker, who knew the real story, smiled knowingly.Others were just curious—what exactly was this "best gift"?
But soon, all attention returned to the stage.
Pele, the King of Football, stepped up.
The moment he appeared, the entire hall stood up and applauded.
One of only two true football kings in history—Brazil's Pele and Argentina's Maradona.
As a guest presenter, Pele held a card in his hand and waved to the crowd.
"I'm happy to see so many young talents gathered here. This shows that football is thriving."
"Let me see who's here…"
"Cristiano Ronaldo!"
"Suker!"
"Lionel Messi!"
"They're all incredibly talented young men. I've watched their amazing performances. Honestly, any one of them could win. But—there's only one winner."
As Pele paused, the arena dimmed again.A spotlight began to rotate:
First on Ronaldo,then Suker,then Messi—and back again.
Outside of the top three, the rest of the rankings had already been revealed.
Now, all attention centered on these final contenders.
Ronaldo's face was tense.Suker wore a rare, serious expression.Messi bowed his head, lost in thought.
The spotlights flickered faster and faster.
Then suddenly—complete darkness.
"Who is it?"
On the left side of the front row, Davor Šuker leaned forward nervously.
He looked more anxious than anyone else, clearly hoping Suker would win.
The lights began to brighten—but only on one person.
From the ceiling, a golden spotlight shone down, lighting up Suker in the sea of darkness.
He stood as the most radiant figure in the entire crowd.
A faint smile curved at the corner of his mouth.
Pele loudly announced:
"Let us welcome the 2007 Ballon d'Or Winner — from Croatia, representing AC Milan — Suker!"
WHOOAAAAA!!!!!!!
The whole venue erupted.
Thunderous applause followed.
Everyone stood up and clapped.
Suker stood, buttoned his jacket, and waved to the crowd.He shook hands with both Messi and Ronaldo.
Their faces carried slight disappointment—After all, this was the Ballon d'Or.
He embraced Gisele Bündchen, Ancelotti, and Berlusconi.
Then turned and walked toward Davor Šuker—
They embraced.
"You little brat!" Davor exclaimed, hugging him tightly.
Suker could feel him trembling—overwhelmed by joy and emotion.
From a small Eastern European country,where football is their only pride,Croatia once shone through Davor Šuker…
But even in his prime, Davor never won the Ballon d'Or.
Now, Suker stood on that very stage.
This award wasn't just a personal victory.It was a historic breakthrough for Croatian football.
"Go, kid!" Davor clapped him hard on the back.
He kept applauding, eyes growing glassy.
Not just an elder, but a true Croatian fan—He was proud beyond words.
The live broadcast cut to Croatia.
When Pele said Suker's name,bars across the nation exploded in cheers.
Fans screamed with joy.
In this country of just 4 million people,one of their own had climbed to the summit of European football.
Pride, joy, ecstasy—the name Suker echoed through the Croatian sky.
It was the blessing of 4 million voices.
In a bar in Bosnia, the three friends—Bakic, Mlinar, and Oripé—raised their glasses.
"Cheers!"
They downed their beers in one go.
It had only been two years—
Three years since Suker left the port of Mostar and headed to Milan.
In that time, they had watched him rise to stardom.
Now, he stood atop European football.
Mr. Ballon d'Or.
The dream of every footballer.
And now—it belonged to Suker.
A truly astonishing feat.
Meanwhile, at Sarajevo Football Club,Suker Bazic stared blankly at the screen.
His eyes reflected a quiet sorrow.
Not everyone can succeed.
While Suker thrived at AC Milan,Suker Bazic had failed to adjust to Russian football,and returned to the Bosnian league.
Only a rare few ever make it to the top.
Four years ago, when people talked about "Suker," they meant Suker Bazic.
Now, that name couldn't even be mentioned in the same breath.
Watching Suker stand on the Ballon d'Or stage,receiving the trophy from Pele himself—
Suker Bazic's heart was filled with bitterness.
The world watched.
As Suker lifted the Ballon d'Or—his first step onto the throne of football royalty!