Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano has no doubts about who the greatest player ever to play the sport is - Pele.

The former Real Madrid forward said the legendary Brazilian was head and shoulders above current superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Many, including that other name that invariably comes into the greatest ever bracket - Diego Maradona, have tipped Messi to scale the heights set by the likes of Pele and Maradona. But Di Stefano believes, for the time being at least, Pele has no peers.

"The best player ever? Pele. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both great players with specific qualities, but Pele was better," Di Stefano told El Colombiano.

The Argentine then went on to explain the differences in playing styles between Messi and Ronaldo. "Messi is the more technical player of the two," Di Stefano added. "He's better inside the area, the way he handles the ball and dribbles. You can see that he enjoys himself playing.

"Cristiano has a better body and is physically very strong. He has pace, speed and is a player with courage, and he can use both feet."

Di Stefano is considered one of the greatest ever players for Real Madrid, having made over 300 appearances between 1953 and 1964, winning 8 La Liga titles and five European Cups.