Football legends arrive with their glamorous Wags at star-stubbed World Cup draw in Moscow

VLADIMIR PUTIN welcomed football royalty in Russia today as the World Cup draw took place at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow.

The Russian leader greeted the likes of Ronaldo, Peter Schmeichel and Samuel Eto’o on the red carpet in Red Square as the greatest tournament in the game was mapped out.

GETTY: World Cup ambassador Victoria Lopyreva arrives in Moscow for World Cup draw

REUTERS: This is a real collector’s item as Putin had his photo taken with Pele and Diego Maradona

GETTY: The two football legends greeted each other, watched over by Russian leader Vladimir Putin

GETTY: Vladimir Putin poses for a selfie with former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o… who seems to enjoy attending these big football events

While Diego Maradona arrived arm-in-arm with girlfriend Rocio Oliva.

It was a star-studded event in the Russian capital, with everyone anxious to ensure their country avoids the most difficult opposition.

England will be hoping to avoid the likes of Argentina and Brazil as they look to reach the knock-out phase for the first time in eight years.

Maradona, Diego Forlan and Gordon Banks will be among big football personalities involved in drawing out the 32 teams.

GETTY: Diego Maradona arrives in Moscow with girlfriend Rocio Oliva

EPA: Denmark legend Peter Schmeichel with girlfriend Laura von Lindholm

GETTY: Victoria Lopyreva in Kremlin Palace for World Cup draw

GETTY: Diego Forlan, who is partaking in World Cup draw, with wife Paz Cardoso

REUTERS: Ronaldinho with Clarence Seedorf and Jay-Jay Okocha

GETTY: Ronalinho, Clarence Seedorf, Jay Jay Okocha, Lothar Matthaus, Nwankwu Kanu, Anastasia Klimko, Celia Sasic all arrive

KKP: Russia president Vladimir Putin is present for the World Cup draw in Moscow

GETTY IMAGES: An anxious Gareth Southgate watches on during the World Cup draw