There is a new world champion in the Walk of Fame of Italian sport. The name on the latest plaque unveiled on the legendary Foro Italico soil is that of Fabio Cannavaro. A former defender for Napoli, Parma, Inter, Juventus, Real Madrid and Al-Ahli, the Neapolitan centre-back was captain and leader of the national team, with which he won the 2006 World Cup in Germany. That unforgettable triumph also earned him another important award that places him among the sporting elite – the Ballon d’Or. Cannavaro is the last Italian, as well as the last defender, to receive the award established in 1956 by the French sports magazine France Football, whose roll of honour includes most of the top stars of the past and current centuries. CONI President Giovanni Malagò and Secretary General Carlo Mornati attended the Walk of Fame ceremony, which followed the one held on 26 October. In the words of Giovanni Malagò, "Fabio needs no introduction. World Champion, Ballon d'Or: he is representative of something that has made us proud. Italian football has had many champions, but few have entered the Walk of Fame. It is a choice made by the Athletes' Commission: these are sportspeople who represent sportspeople for eternity. This plaque consecrates Cannavaro among the sporting greats of our country." Visibly emotional, the former national team mainstay expressed his pleasure: "Thank you. I feel a great thrill. Being here to represent Italian sport is an immense satisfaction for me, it is the fruit of a career crowned with the World Cup title, for which I will always thank my teammates. I am proud".