I don't think we'll every see anything like that again in our lifetimes. As for the Ballon D'or, I'd be tempted to look beyond both of them. I think Manuel Neuer, for what he did for Germany and Bayern over the last year or so. If a goalkeeper ever deserved it, it's probably him. Not a chance though, I understand.
Neuer is a good candidate but if higuian had burried his chance or stayed onside he wouldn't even be mentioned.