FULL LIST: Top 10 greatest World Cup legends

Pelé stands as the undisputed king of the World Cup, topping a BBC Sport ranking of the tournament's greatest legends. The Brazilian icon is the sole player to have lifted the coveted trophy three times, achieving this feat in 1958, 1962, and 1970. His emergence at just 17 in 1958, marked by crucial goals in the semi-final and final, foreshadowed a career that would define World Cup history.

Argentina's Diego Maradona is celebrated for his legendary 1986 campaign, a performance often hailed as the greatest individual tournament effort. His infamous "Hand of God" goal and a breathtaking solo run against England in the quarter-finals were pivotal in securing Argentina's second World Cup title. Despite controversies and early exits in other tournaments, 1986 cemented his iconic status.

Brazil's Ronaldo, known as "The Phenomenon," experienced a remarkable redemption arc. After being an unused substitute in Brazil's 1994 victory and suffering a pre-final seizure in 1998 that contributed to a loss against France, he made a triumphant return. In 2002, he silenced doubters by scoring eight goals, including two in the final against Germany, to secure his legacy and set a then-record of 15 World Cup goals.

Lionel Messi, after years of pursuit, finally claimed the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Leading Argentina, he delivered a masterclass performance, contributing seven goals and vital assists. This victory, achieved after a surprising group-stage loss to Saudi Arabia and a previous final appearance in 2014, solidified his place among the all-time greats.