42 days to go…

World Cup winner Leonardo believes Ronaldinho has already reached the pantheon of greats who have worn the famous gold shirt of Brazil - but the world's best player still has some way to go to match Pele.

The grinning sorcerer, who knocked England out of the 2002 World Cup with a freak free-kick as Brazil lifted the famous trophy for a record fifth time, is tipped to be the star of this summer's tournament which kicks off in six weeks.

"He plays on another dimension," said Leonardo, who won 60 caps for Brazil and picked up a World Cup winners' medal in 1994.

"It's not just the way he does it, but how he does it. His charisma, his style - people want to see him. It's very important for the team to have someone like him."

Leonardo added the Barcelona maestro is a showman not just in football, but in his daily life. "He's spontaneous on and off the field. It's fantastic to see him, his charisma, his talent," he said.

Born in 1969, a year before Pele lifted his third World Cup, Leonardo grew up listening to stories of the world most famous number nine.

Now, with a trophy laden career which included spells at Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan behind him, Leonardo explains that Pele's status transcends the boundaries of just football.

"Pele won it three times. He was the first 17 year old to win the World Cup. He's not just a player, he's a symbol of the country. What Pele means is something very big. But Ronaldinho is in the group of the best - Garrincha, Ronaldo, Romario, Zizinho."

The Brazilian, who has dedicated himself to charity work since retiring from football, will be part of the BBC's World Cup team this summer.

He thinks England have a good chance of going all the way, but insists The Three Lions need to believe they can win the competition if they are to emulate the class of 1966.

"England has a very good team. Their generation of players like Rooney, Lampard, Cole, Terry, Beckham, Gerrard - it's an excellent team.

"But they have to be more convinced they can win. They have to feel they can win. Brazil have a winning spirit, we feel we can win every game. That can affect the other team too," he said.

Stay with TheFA.com as we build up to Germany 2006.