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#3 Fabio Cannavaro
It is extremely hard for defenders to win the Ballon d'Or, which makes Fabio Cannavaro's triumph in 2006 extremely special.
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Cannavaro captained Italy to victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, producing world-class performances consistently throughout the tournament. The centre-back enjoyed a good club career as well, playing for clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid.
Cannavaro won La Liga twice with Los Blancos, but is best remembered for his success with the national team. After retirement, he embarked on a managerial career, and is currently the manager of Chinese top-tier side Guangzhou.
#2 Michael Owen
Michael Owen could have become one of the all-time greats had injuries not played a crucial role in determining his career trajectory.
A prodigious talent, Owen was at his very best during his Liverpool days. A product of the Liverpool academy, he was a prolific goalscorer at a young age for his club. Overall, Owen made 297 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool and scored 158 goals. He won the Ballon d'Or for his incredible individual performances in 2001.
His career, however, slowed down after that. Owen moved to Real Madrid in 2004, but after just one season, the England international signed for Newcastle United. Later, Owen won the Premier League with Manchester United, Liverpool's arch-rivals. However, there has always been a lingering feeling that the striker could have achieved a lot more in the game.
#1 Ronaldo Nazario
Ronaldo Nazario is arguably the greatest player not to have won the Champions League.
O Fenomeno is regarded as one of the all-time greats. Ronaldo added a new dimension to the role of the striker, and his style of play influenced future generations of footballers. Many stars of modern football have admitted to looking up to the Brazil international during his prime.
Physically gifted, technically strong, an excellent passer and a world-class finisher, Ronaldo had it all. The Brazilian, who helped his country win the World Cup twice, won the Ballon d'Or twice as well. He represented clubs like PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Ronaldo Nazario remains an iconic player to this day. It is frightening to imagine what he might have accomplished if not for injuries.
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