Fab Cannavaro wins Ballon D’Or accolade

ITALY’S World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro has been named European Footballer of the Year.

The Real Madrid defender beat countryman and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon into second place, with Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry third, to win France Football magazine’s prestigious Ballon D’Or.

Last year’s winner Ronaldinho, the Barcelona and Brazil playmaker, was fourth.

Former Juventus man Cannavaro, the first Italian to win the award since Roberto Baggio 13 years ago, said: “It is late recognition for our World Cup victory. It is thanks to my Italy team-mates that I have been able to show my qualities on the pitch. I want to thank my Juve team-mates too.”

The 33-year-old had an impeccable World Cup as he led Italy to glory in Germany, not once collecting a yellow card as the Azzurri conceded just two goals in seven matches.

His tussle with Henry in the final was particularly memorable and, on the night of his 100th cap, Cannavaro’s Italy won 5-3 on penalties as the game ended 1-1 after extra time.

He was at Internazionale from 2002-04, then spent two seasons in Turin, before joining the exodus from the disgraced club with a post-World Cup move to Real Madrid.

Buffon, who received 124 votes, was a key component in Italy’s mean defence and part of Juve’s 2006 title-winning team.

Polling 121 votes, Henry inspired Arsenal to May’s Champions League final, where the Gunners lost to Barcelona.