The Indian Super League (ISL) has been graced with established international stars over the years who represented their countries on football's biggest stage, at the FIFA World Cup.

Since 2014, it has been a star-studded affair, with clubs signing a host of big names, exploring their global pedigree and on-field impact, and shaping the club’s identity, enhancing the league’s reputation, and thereby laying a foundation for future growth.

From Diego Forlan to Elano Blumer and Roberto Carlos to Alessandro Del Piero, there are too many global icons to name, inspiring both players and fans alike. With that said, let's delve deep and walk through some of the most prominent World Cup veterans’ journeys in the ISL.

Asamoah Gyan (NorthEast United FC)

Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer, Asamoah Gyan, joined NorthEast United FC in 2019. He was featured in three different FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) and found himself on the scoresheet in every edition, recording six goals in 11 matches.

Gyan’s signing was a significant coup for the Highlanders, as he brought firepower and leadership to the frontline. He scored four goals and registered an assist in his eight ISL appearances, averaging 0.5 goals per game.

Tim Cahill (Jamshedpur FC)

Tim Cahill was the first Australian to score at a FIFA World Cup, and he represented the Socceroos in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018. He joined Jamshedpur FC ahead of the 2018-19 season, and his impact extended beyond the field.

Cahill was a leader, a role model, and ultimately a mentor to his fellow young Indian teammates. Despite injuries limiting his minutes, he made 11 appearances for the Men of Steel and scored two goals.

Diego Forlan (Mumbai City FC)

Diego Forlan joined Mumbai City FC in 2016, and he brought with him a pedigree that was arguably unmatched in the league at that time. He racked up five goals and three assists with the Islanders, and his class was immediately evident.

Forlan was featured in three FIFA World Cup editions, but he was nothing short of a revelation at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Forlan scored five goals and was the heartbeat of a resurgent Uruguay team and was eventually awarded the coveted Golden Ball accolade.

Lucio (FC Goa)

Lucio played in three different FIFA World Cup editions and was a key member of the iconic Brazilian side that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He joined FC Goa in 2015, and his defensive acumen anchored the Gaurs’ backline with precision.

In the ISL, Lucio's leadership was immediately apparent. He was not just a player but a commanding presence on the pitch, organizing the defense and elevating the game of those around him. The Brazilian played 19 games for FC Goa during his two-year stint at the club in 2015 and 2016.

David Trezeguet (FC Pune City)

David Trezeguet featured in 12 FIFA World Cup games across three different editions. He played in 1998, 2002, and 2006 editions and was a part of France's World Cup winning campaign in 1998.

The French forward played for FC Pune City in the ISL 2014 season. Trezeguet was among the marquee signings in the league's inaugural season and scored two goals in nine matches.

Alessandro Del Piero (Delhi Dynamos FC)

Alessandro Del Piero, another FIFA World Cup winner, graced the ISL in 2014. He joined Delhi Dynamos FC as one of their high-profile singings and recorded one goal in 10 games.

Del Piero won the 2006 World Cup with Italy and also scored a goal against Germany in the semi-final. He was also featured in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup editions.

Roberto Carlos (Delhi Dynamos FC)

Roberto Carlos was a key player in Brazil's FIFA World Cup-winning squad in 2002. He also scored a goal against China in the group stage fixtures.

The Brazilian legend, who was also featured in the 1998 and 2006 FIFA World Cup editions, made three ISL appearances in Delhi Dynamos colours in 2015. He also had a brief stint as a player-coach during the time.

These global icons have played a big role in the ISL’s evolution in stature over the years. Their presence has not only entertained fans but has also provided a unique learning experience for a new generation of Indian footballers.

Notable mentions:

Nicolas Anelka: Anelka featured in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and played for Mumbai City FC in 2014 and 2015.

Elano Blumer: Blumer featured in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and played for Chennaiyin FC in 2014 and 2015.

Kostas Katsouranis: Katsouranis featured in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and played for FC Pune City in 2014.

David James: James featured in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and played for Kerala Blasters FC in 2014.

Alessandro Nesta: Nesta featured in the 1998, 2002, and 2006 FIFA World Cups and played for Chennaiyin FC in 2014.

Robert Pires: Pires featured in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and played for FC Goa in 2014.

Marco Materazzi: Pires featured in the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and played for Chennaiyin FC in 2014.

Freddie Ljungberg: Ljungberg featured in the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and played for Mumbai City FC in 2014.