Who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe?

Ferdinand Magellan is recognized for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, successfully demonstrating the vastness of the Earth and the interconnectedness of the oceans. His voyage, which began in 1519, aimed to find a western sea route to the Spice Islands. Although Magellan himself did not survive the entire journey—he was killed in the Philippines—his fleet continued under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, ultimately returning to Spain in 1522. This landmark voyage provided crucial evidence for the spherical nature of the Earth and significantly advanced European navigation and exploration.