Barcelona forward Ronaldinho has long been considered one of the top players on the planet, while Kaka of AC Milan and Manchester United's Ronaldo have seen their stock rise considerably in the past two years with a string of stunning displays both in their domestic leagues and the Champions League.

But the 67-year-old, who was speaking in Sheffield to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the world's oldest football club Sheffield FC, was also quick to lavish praise on French midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who he describes as the best player he has seen in the past 15 years.

But while hailing his majestic ability Pele also revealed his sadness about the way Zidane's career ended when he was dismissed in the World Cup Final for a headbutt on Italy defender Marco Materazzi.

"There are so many good players at the moment, like Ronaldinho, Kaka and Ronaldo," he told Sky Sports News.

"But in the last 15 years the top player was Zidane, no doubt.

"Unfortunately it wasn't a good ending for him and he didn't have the control. The way he acted was bad."

"Ronaldinho has been the best after Zidane. Now we have Kaka, who has had a very good two years."