Pele running rings around some unfortunate defenders

Brazilian maestro Pele has been voted the greatest World Cup legend.

Over 18,000 BBC Sport website users cast their votes to decide who was worthy of legendary status, and the result was never in doubt.

The much-loved Pele took a massive 42% of the votes, nearly twice as many as Maradona, who came in second with 23%.

Surprisingly England's 1966 captain Bobby Moore came in third with almost 15%.

You can watch video of the six contenders for the poll in action below (UK users only).

1. Pele (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970)
In 1958 a baby-faced 17-year-old started his World Cup career, scoring a brilliant goal in the final against Sweden. The legend was born. Pele went on to dazzle the world in three more tournaments, becoming the most famous and admired footballer ever.

2. Diego Maradona (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994)
It says a lot about this little Argentine bloke that he's still thought of as a World Cup legend despite some well publicised indiscretions. Maradona carried his team to glory in 1986, scoring some of the most sublime goals ever seen on the world stage - and one of the dodgiest.

3. Bobby Moore (1962, 1966, 1970)
England's youngest-ever captain, Moore epitomised everything great about English football, tough but fair on the field, and a true gent off it. He lifted the World Cup in 1966 in front of an ecstatic Wembley crowd and was taken to the nation's heart forever.

4. Johan Cruyff (1974)
In 1974 Holland were playing total football and Johan Cruyff was their total footballer, turning defenders inside-out and scoring spectacular goals. Cruyff made everything look easy - everything, that is, except winning the World Cup, which Germany did by beating the Dutch in the final.

5. Zinedine Zidane (1998, 2002)
1998 saw 'Zizou' became one of the world's elite players, and with the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, his skill and flair in midfield led France to their first World Cup triumph. Still going strong, 2006 could see the maestro finish his glorious career on a high.

6. Franz Beckenbauer (1966, 1970, 1974)
At his peak in 1974, 'The Kaiser' casually strolled around the pitch as a sweeper directing West Germany's attack. His artistry and intelligence helped the team to victory in the final in Munich in front of a jubilant crowd.