Fernando de Magallanes was a Portuguese explorer known for leading the first expedition to successfully circumnavigate the globe. Born in 1480, he initially sailed for Portugal but later offered his services to Spain. In 1519, he set out with five ships to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. Magallanes discovered the Strait of Magellan at the southern tip of South America, which allowed his fleet to enter the Pacific Ocean. Although he died in the Philippines in 1521, his expedition continued under Juan Sebastián Elcano, ultimately returning to Spain in 1522, proving that the Earth is round.