Soccer World Player of the Year 2006 nominee Fabio Cannavaro of Italy smiles during a press conference before the FIFA World Player Gala in Zurich December 18, 2006.

World Player of the Year 2006 Fabio Cannavaro of Italy shows his trophy during the FIFA World Player Gala in Zurich December 18, 2006. Italy's World Cup-winning captain Cannavaro gained individual recognition for his performances in this year's tournament in Germany when he was named FIFA World Player of the Year on Monday.