“It was a real education just to be playing against him” - Arsenal legend Ian Wright names ex-Ballon d’Or winner as his toughest opponent
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has named Ballon d'Or winner Fabio Cannavaro as the toughest opponent of his career. The legendary Italian is considered one of the best defenders in the history of the beautiful game.
Cannavaro rose through the ranks at Napoli before breaking into the first team at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. He went on to play for Parma, Inter Milan, and Juventus, before arriving at Real Madrid in 2006, fresh from winning the FIFA World Cup.
Cannavaro won the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year later that year. During Wright's playing days, the two only ever met each other on the international stage.
However, speaking to Ben Foster on The Fozcast podcast, the former England striker said facing the Italian was always a learning experience.
"Fabio Cannavaro - that was a real education. We're talking like he's the only defender to ever win the FIFA Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or. You know why - he's got everything. I think I am taller than him. He's like 5-foot-7, 5-foot-8 at a max," said Wright.
He continued:
"He could leap - his head could probably touch the ceiling. Quick, strong, unbelievable defensive nouse in respect of positioning, just everything. It was a real education just to be playing against him."
Cannavaro left Los Blancos in 2009 to return to Juventus. After a short second stint with the Bianconeri, the Italian joined UAE side Al-Ahli before retiring in 2011.
How many defenders have won the Ballon d'Or?
Only three defenders have ever won the Ballon d'Or since the inception of the award in 1956. The first defender to win the award was the legendary Franz Beckenbauer.
Der Kaiser won the coveted prize for the first time in 1972 and later in 1976, and is the only defender to win the award more than once. Borussia Dortmund legend Mathias Sammer also won the award in 1996 following his Euro win that year.
Interestingly, Sammer started his career as a midfielder and found great success in the role before Dortmund manager Ottmar Hitzfeld shifted him to defense. Cannavaro is the last defender to win the Ballon d'Or.
The coveted prize was won this year by Rodri, following his impressive run with club and country. The Spaniard won the Premier League with Manchester City last season and also lifted Euro 2024 with La Roja over the summer. He is currently sidelined with an ACL injury.