Legendary Ghanaian Footballer Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’ has been ranked as fifth greatest African footballer in history by French Football Magazine.

Abedi Ayew made his name in France after guiding Olympique Marseille to UEFA Champions League glory in 1993, and went on to win that year's African Footballer of the year award.

The 54-year old was three times African Footballer of the Year and also won the Nations Cup with the Black Stars of Ghana in 1982, as a teenager.

Father of two of Black Stars players, Andre and Jorday Ayew was only behind Ivorian legend Dedier Drogba who came fourth.

In third place is Cameroonian Roger Milla, with compatriot and former Barcelona superstar Samuel Eto'o coming in second place.

President of Liberia and Africa's only Ballon D'or winner George Weah was voted the greatest African footballer of all time.

Michael Essien, the other Ghanaian in the list placed 26th ahead of Tarak Diab, Emmanuel Adebayor, Seydou Keita and Rashid Yekini.

The magazine sought the opinions of 42 renowned journalists to compile list.