The famous explorer who circumnavigated the globe during the 16th century is Ferdinand Magellan. He led the first expedition to sail around the world, setting off from Spain in 1519. Despite facing numerous challenges, including treacherous waters and hostile encounters, Magellan's journey provided valuable insights into global geography. Unfortunately, he did not complete the voyage, as he was killed in the Philippines in 1521. His expedition ultimately advanced European understanding of the world and established important maritime routes.