Fabio Cannavaro is a retired Italian footballer, widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the history of the sport. Born on September 13, 1973, in Naples, Italy, he had a successful career playing for clubs like Parma, Juventus, and Real Madrid. Cannavaro was known for his exceptional tackling, positioning, and leadership on the field. He gained international fame when he captained the Italian national team to victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His outstanding performances earned him the prestigious Ballon d'Or award that same year, making him the first defender to win it since 1996. After retiring, Cannavaro transitioned into coaching and management.