The Inter striker has long been considered a contender for the trophy by those within the club, most notably President Massimo Moratti, but is not among the favourites for the 2008 edition.

“I am certainly worthy of the Ballon d’Or,” he told French newspaper L’Equipe today.

“I think that Kaka and Ronaldinho have nothing over me. I am at their level and would not look bad by their side.

“Unfortunately, to win the Ballon d’Or you first have to win the Champions League. It is a necessary requirement.”

Ibrahimovic hopes to add that trophy to his cabinet in May, as Inter hired Jose Mourinho with the express intention of pushing for the Champions League.

Meanwhile, that piece of silverware is why the Swede has picked a Manchester United star for success.

“I would give it to Cristiano Ronaldo, although he did not have a very good European Championship.

“If we were to focus entirely on Euro 2008, then I’d say Iker Casillas deserved the trophy.”