The former Juventus centre-back, Cannavaro, was the last defender to win the prestigious individual trophy after guiding Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, and Silva hopes to achieve a similar feat next year with Brazil.
"If we become world champions it may open the door to the Fifa Ballon d'Or, although I think it would be difficult," the PSG defender told the official Fifa website.
"Every 10 years a centre-back may win it once. You never know what tomorrow brings, but I realise it’s very tough.
"What I’m thinking about is playing well to provide my team with a solid foundation to win games. What I’m thinking about is winning the World Cup. If this puts me among the best again, I’ll be very happy."
