Paolo Cannavaro: Comparisons with Fabio weighed on me, Napoli is home | OneFootball

From his brother’s shadow to the captain’s armband, from tears of promotion to accusations later dismissed: the human and sporting journey of Paolo Cannavaro

Paolo Cannavaro tells his story without filters: “The comparisons with Fabio weighed on me. Naples is my home, even when it booed me”

The value of a footballer is measured by his performances, that of a man by the consistency of his choices. Paolo Cannavaro, former captain of Napoli, embodies both dimensions. His story is deeply tied to the city, lived through pride, sacrifices, and wounds that never fully healed. A sincere tale, made of visceral love for Naples and tough moments faced without ever denying himself.

Growing up in Fabio’s shadow: a burden to learn to manage

Being Fabio Cannavaro’s younger brother was not easy. “It was a huge weight,” admits Paolo. Same position, same comparisons, a label hard to shake off: “To many, I was ‘the other Cannavaro.’ I never cared much, but I had to learn to live with it.”

The path wasn’t straightforward even in the youth teams. “At Napoli, up to the Under-17s, I never played. But I never had a plan B. I just wanted to make it.” Determination, in the end, made the difference.

Parma, Fabio, and the school of champions

In 1999, the transfer to Parma marked a turning point. Paolo reunited with Fabio, and for a few matches, the two brothers played together. “An incredible emotion. I lived at his place and in that year and a half I learned so much.” The impact with great champions was formative: “Thuram, world champion, who stayed alone after training to improve himself. That’s when you understand what separates the champions from the ordinary players.”

The broken dream of playing together in Naples

Years later, the chance to wear the blue shirt together in their city. A dream that never came true. “They took it away from us. We grew up near the stadium, living and breathing football. Fabio would have come even for free. As Neapolitans, it would have been something unique.”

The return to Serie B and the tears of promotion

In 2006, Paolo chose his heart, not the division. “I had important offers, but I told my agent not to listen to anyone. I only wanted Napoli.” Promotion to Serie A came immediately. “After the draw with Genoa, I cried like a child. We were bringing Napoli back where it belonged.”

The boos, the breakthrough, and a wound still open

Eight years in blue weren’t only happiness. Napoli-Torino in 2009 remains a scar. “They booed me for the whole match. It hurt because they were attacking one of their own, a son of the city.” His reaction at the end of the match was instinctive. “I threw the ball into the stands. I don’t regret it: I didn’t think it was right.”

Captain, trophy, and identity

The joys, however, far outweighed the pain. “I lifted a trophy as captain, in Naples, with the scarf of the curva around my neck. I wanted to show everyone that I was one of them.” A symbolic moment: “We brought a trophy back after 25 years. For a kid who used to get soaked in water on the stands, it’s the ultimate.”

Mazzarri, the real man

The best years coincided with the Mazzarri era. “I felt great. He was direct, real, a hammer. One bad match and he’d call you into his office.” A human relationship before a technical one.

The betting scandal and the injustice suffered

The bitterest chapter came with the accusation of failing to report in the match-fixing trial. “A nasty story. I did nothing, but they dragged me into it.” He refused the plea bargain: “They told me, ‘if you settle, it’s three months.’ I said no, even if it meant being sidelined.” The acquittal came after a month. “First match back, I scored. The banner for me and Grava was one of the strongest emotions of my career.”

Farewell with Benitez and a second life at Sassuolo

In 2014, the farewell arrived. “Benitez made his choices. I only regret not having had a chance to change his mind. I told him that to his face.” The end of his career at Sassuolo, however, was serene: “Another family. We went from last place to the Europa League.”

The letter to the fans: the essence of Paolo Cannavaro

In the end, there remains a letter, written to the fans after his farewell. “I started in the stands, I was a ball boy, a player, a captain. Always as a Neapolitan, trying to represent my people.” In those words and in those tears, there is all of Paolo Cannavaro. “I hope the message got through.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.