7 Famous Footballers Who Have Played In The Indian Super League (ISL)

Del Piero Footballers Who Have Played In The Indian Super League

The Indian Super League (ISL), also known as the Hero Indian Super League is one of two top-tier leagues played in India. Established in 2013 by the All India Football Federation, the ISL played its first season the following year consisting of 8 teams initially. Currently, there are 11 teams that compete in the league. Over the years the organizers of the ISL have attracted some of the most famous football players to their top Indian teams, some of whom include:

1. Freddie Ljungberg

Freddie Ljungberg Footballers Who Have Played In The Indian Super League

The former Swedish international was one of the marquee players signed to promote the launch of the new league competition. Freddie signed for ISL Mumbai City on the 2nd of September, 2014. Unfortunately, a series of injuries including persistent back problems limited the number of appearances Ljungberg made for Mumbai. After managing only 4 games the former Arsenal FC man decided to end his contract with the ISL team.

2. Luis Garcia

The former Spanish international was one of many marquee signings used to promote the newly established ISL. Garcia signed for Athletico de Kolkata. Luis made his debut for Kolkata in the league’s opening match against Mumbai City. The former Liverpool man scored 2 goals in 13 league appearances as he helped his side clinch the inaugural ISL final. Kolkata decided to drop Garcia ahead of the 2015 season due to concerns around his injury problems. Luis won the most exciting player award for the inaugural season.

3. Robert Pires

Robert Pires Footballers Who Have Played In The Indian Super League

The French and Arsenal Legend came out of retirement in 2014 to sign for ISL side FC Goa. The then 40-year-old made 8 appearances with one goal to his name. He was released by Goa, after just a season with the ISL team.

4. David James 

The former England goalkeeper was lured to India to promote the new ISL competition. James signed for Kerala Blasters FC, owned by Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as a player-manager. David made 12 appearances for the Blasters as they finished second in the inaugural ISL season. The former Aston Villa goalkeeper retired from active football at the end of the season.

5. Alessandro Del Piero

Del Piero Footballers Who Have Played In The Indian Super League

The former Juventus FC legend and Italian international striker was also signed ahead of the inaugural ISL competition. Del Piero featured for the Delhi Dynamos scoring only once in 10 appearances. Alongside former clubmate David Trezeguet, they finished fifth with Dynamos in the league, failing to qualify for the playoffs. Alessandro announced his official retirement from football at the end of the season. 

6. Asamoah Gyan

The Ghanaian footballing legend was one of the famous players to have played in the ISL. On 19 September 2019, Asamoah Gyan signed for Indian Super League side NorthEast United. He scored 4 goals in 8 matches for them, but halfway into the season he suffered an injury that kept him out for the rest of the season.

7. Tim Cahill

Tim Cahill Footballers Who Have Played In The Indian Super League

Tim Cahill was not just one of the greatest players in Australian soccer history, but one of the best headers in football. The Everton legend player for an Indian Super League toward the end of his career. In 2018, Cahill joined Indian Super League club Jamshedpur FC, where he scored two goals in 12 appearances.

Honourable Mentions:

  • Florent Malouda – Delhi Dynamos (2015/2016)
  • Nicolas Anelka – Mumbai City FC (2014/2015)
  • Robbie Keane – Atlético de Kolkata (2017/2018)
  • Alessandro Nesta – Chennaiyin FC (2014)
  • Marco Materazzi – Chennaiyin FC (2014)
  • Adrian Mutu – FC Pune City (2015)
  • Roberto Carlos – Delhi Dynamos (2015)
  • Kalu Uche – Pune City, Delhi Dynamos, and ATK  (2015-2019).
Total
0
Shares
Comments 1
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Prev
How Are Footballers Market Value Determined?
How Are Football Players Market Value Determined?

How Are Footballers Market Value Determined?

It is an indisputable fact that footballers are the most valuable asset of any

Next
Top 5 Header Goal Scorers in Football 2021
Edinson Cavani top header goal Scorers In Football

Top 5 Header Goal Scorers in Football 2021

Scoring goals is the most exciting part of any football match

You May Also Like
Total
0
Share