The famous explorer credited with circumnavigating the globe in the 16th century is Ferdinand Magellan. His expedition, which began in 1519, achieved a monumental feat as the first to sail around the world, though Magellan himself did not survive the journey. The expedition provided valuable insights into global geography, trade routes, and the vastness of the oceans. It also laid the foundation for future exploration and expansion by European powers, significantly altering the course of maritime history.