2006 FIFA World Player of the Year
The 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year prize was awarded to the Italian Fabio Cannavaro for the first time. He finished ahead of retired midfielder Zinédine Zidane, who won the Golden Ball at the World Cup and the winner of the 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho in the final round of voting. There were 165 coaches and 165 captains selected for the voting process, totaling 330 votes.
The Women FIFA World Player of the Year was Marta, who won it for the first time. On the women's side, 147 coaches and 149 captains were selected for the voting process, totaling 296 votes.