Five years to the day after he raised the World Cup in Berlin, one of the greatest players to wear the fabled blue shirt of Italy retired from football with the same grace as he played. Cannavaro was the heart, soul and relentless spirit of the Azzurri after the retirement of Paolo Maldini. Seeing Cannavaro with his infectious smile became a trademark image in publications around the world. A rare player who led by sterling example on and off the pitch, Cannavaro has etched his name in the archives of Italian and world football.

"Football is my life and therefore I'm very sorry but my knee can't hold up anymore and I announce my retirement. I'm sad but surely can't complain. From this sport, I had everything. Al-Ahli offered me a contract for three years as a director and I have accepted." 1

Naples Born and Bred
Fabio, 37, hails from Napoli and grew up near the Stadio San Paolo. He was a ball boy for Napoli and later launched his career with the Neapolitan club. His precocious defensive talents were noted by Diego Maradona and he debuted with his hometown club in 1992. His first international appearance at the senior level was in January 1997 against Northern Ireland. Cannavaro's stellar career included competing in four World Cups along with two European Nations Cups. He was the captain of the Azzurri from 2002 to 2010 and earned an all-time record of 136 caps.

Clubs
- Napoli
- Parma
- Internazionale Milano
- Juventus (two separate times)
- Real Madrid
- Al-Ahli

The Berlin Wall
Cannavaro was nearly flawless during the 2006 World Cup in Germany where he earned the nickname, "The Berlin Wall." His efforts were recognized by three distinct honors in 2006: FIFA Player of the Year, Ballon d'Or by France Football and the Silver Ball at the FIFA World Cup.



Farewell at the Bernabeu
During his last game with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2009, Cannavaro received a standing ovation:

"Incredible, wasn't it? It was a very bad night, we lost (1-3), the fans were fed up, but they even found the desire to acknowledge me in this fashion. Think if we would have we won the League. What would they have done? I've only been here for three years and was 32 when I arrived. I think that the fans appreciated my professionalism, my character, my desire to always give everything. At times, things went well, other times, no, but the fans understood that I did my best anyway. And tonight they told me with their applause, with the banner (Farewell Fabio. A Thousand Thanks in Italian), and with their chants, sung nonetheless in Italian. Very impressive." 2

Career Honors (Palmares)
- 2007/08 and 2006/07 La Liga Championships with Real Madrid
- 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy
- 2004/05 and 2005/06 Serie A Scudetti (Championships) with Juventus (later revoked)
- 2000 Silver Medal with Italy at the European Nations Cup (Euro 2000)
- 1998/99 UEFA Cup with Parma
- 1994 and 1996 UEFA Under-21 Championships with Italy

Making Dreams Become a Rare Reality
Most ball boys and girls dream of great things as they watch their heroes on the pitch. But few take their dreams and make them a reality in the manner and example of Fabio Cannavaro. In Naples, they are fond of saying, "Vesuvius, the sea and Maradona." Perhaps now it will also be "Vesuvius, the sea, Diego Maradona and our native son, Fabio Cannavaro."

References
(1) Corriere dello Sport; "Cannavaro Annuncia Retiro;" 9 July 2011.
(2) La Gazzetta dello Sport 25 May 2009.

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Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. You can follow Steve @worldfootballcm on Twitter.

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