Country: England
Age: 51
Caps: 11 (1977-1997)
Ryder Cup record: W23 L19 H4
The six-time major champion is arguably Britain's - even Europe's - greatest ever golfer.
What isn't in doubt is that the Englishman, who made his Ryder Cup debut at the age of 20 in 1977, beating Open champion Tom Watson in the singles, is the highest points scorer (25) and most-capped player in the competition's history.
Faldo, who won three Opens and three Masters between 1987 and 1996, was the epitome of the single-minded "iceman" in his pomp, but he must now discard the driven loner image and unite his team of individuals.
He succeeds Ian Woosnam as captain but faces pressure, not only to continue Europe's winning run of three straight matches, but to maintain his own legend.
Eight-time Ryder Cup stalwart Colin Montgomerie said at the time of Faldo's appointment: "For Nick, it's almost a shame that Europe have been so successful.
"He has to continue the run as it's almost expected now, but in sport when you're expected to do anything it's tougher to achieve.
"He's got a hard job ahead of him while the American captain will have nothing to lose - in fact he's expected to lose.
"But Nick is Britain's best ever player and has respect from everyone."
Faldo himself said: "I've had 11 Ryder Cups. I'm sure I'll get thrown a few curveballs, but I'll take all that experience on board.
"And I'll take a little bit of everything from the captains I've played under. Tony (Jacklin) was inspirational to us, Bernard Gallacher was a great diplomat and then Seve (Ballesteros) was the passion."
If there wasn't already enough pressure, Faldo will also feel the heat against his old adversary Paul Azinger, the US skipper.
Both spiky, competitive characters, the pair clashed in some memorable battles during their careers, notably in the Ryder Cup, though they have since developed a successful on-screen chemistry commentating for US broadcaster ABC.
In the run up to this year's competition, some of the old wounds opened up in the media, but Faldo claims they will "probably go fishing together afterwards".
He might want to see how the tournament pans out before making any firm plans.
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