Since its inception in 2014, the Indian Super League was never built to grow quietly. Inspired by the ever-growing Indian Premier League (IPL), it was launched with spectacle in mind, and one of the fastest ways to capture attention was by bringing global names into Indian football.
The marquee player rule made that possible.
Clubs were pushed to sign globally known players, not only to improve their teams but also to boost the league’s image. Most arrived near the end of their careers, but their names still carried weight to pull crowds in. Just having them in the ISL changed how the league was viewed in India and outside it.
Over the years, several high-profile names stepped onto Indian pitches. Some made strong impacts, others left only symbolic footprints, but all contributed to the league’s early identity.
Today, we look at the 10 biggest names ever to set foot in the ISL. Trust me, this list is absolutely stacked.
10. Freddie Ljungberg
Freddie Ljungberg became a legend at Arsenal, playing a key role during one of the club’s most successful periods under Arsene Wenger.
A two-time Premier League winner and a member of the Invincibles squad, Ljungberg’s off-ball movement and technical sharpness made him one of the league’s most intelligent wide players.
He joined Mumbai City FC as a marquee signing in the inaugural 2014 season at the age of 37. While flashes of his technical class were visible, his stint remained brief. Injuries and fitness issues limited him to just four games before he retired from professional football.
9. David Trezeguet
Few strikers defined penalty-box efficiency like David Trezeguet. A World Cup winner with France in 1998 and a Juventus icon, he scored over 150 goals for the Italian giants across a decade.
He arrived at FC Pune City for the 2014 ISL season as their marquee forward. Expectations were high, but his impact was limited. Trezeguet played nine matches and scored two goals in his only ISL season, as Pune failed to reach the playoffs.
8. Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov’s inclusion in the ISL added Premier League elegance to the league’s portfolio. Known for his calm style, smooth touch, and sharp finishing, the Bulgarian striker won league titles with Manchester United and had successful spells across Europe.
He joined Kerala Blasters in 2017. His quality was visible, but injuries and fitness problems disrupted his run. Berbatov still had flashes of brilliance, but could not provide any significant impact.
7. Nicolas Anelka
A Champions League winner with Real Madrid and Premier League winner with both Arsenal and Chelsea, Nicolas Anelka’s career was as decorated as it was nomadic.
He signed for Mumbai City FC in 2014 as a marquee striker. Anelka’s experience and presence added weight to the squad, but statistically, his output was modest. He scored two goals in 13 appearances. Even though he didn’t score much, his presence added credibility to the league’s first season.
6. Florent Malouda
Florent Malouda brought both output and consistency to the ISL. A Premier League and Champions League winner with Chelsea, joined Delhi Dynamos in 2015.
Malouda was the most consistent marquee signing. In two seasons, he played 32 matches, scored three goals, and provided 11 assists. He carried Delhi’s attack and helped them reach the playoffs.
5. Lucio
A World Cup-winning defender with Brazil and a Champions League winner with Inter Milan, Lucio’s reputation as a commanding centre-back was firmly established before he arrived in India.
He joined FC Goa in 2015 and quickly became the leader of their defence. Lucio’s strength and organisation helped Goa reach the ISL final that season. Though they fell short of the title, his influence at the back was decisive. He returned the following season briefly before departing.
4. Diego Forlan
Diego Forlan arrived in India with one of the most decorated international resumes among ISL imports. The 2010 World Cup Golden Ball winner had starred for Atlético Madrid and Villarreal, establishing himself as one of Uruguay’s greatest forwards.
He joined Mumbai City FC in 2016 and delivered a productive campaign. Forlan scored five goals in 11 matches, including a hat-trick against Kerala Blasters. Forlan carried Mumbai City to the playoffs, making his stint one of the most impactful in the league.
3. Robert Pires
Robert Pires represented elegance in motion during his Arsenal years. A two-time Premier League winner and part of the Invincibles, his technical quality remained even late in his career. FC Goa signed the 40-year-old as marquee captain in 2014.
Despite his age, Pires added leadership and calmness, helping Goa reach the playoffs. He made eight appearances and scored once before retiring that season.
2. Alessandro Del Piero
Few footballers embodied loyalty like Alessandro Del Piero. A Juventus legend with over 700 appearances and nearly 300 goals, his stature transcended club football.
He joined Delhi Dynamos in the inaugural ISL season after a stint in Australia. While his on-field numbers were modest, one moment stood out, a trademark free kick that remains one of the league’s most iconic early goals. His presence alone elevated the ISL’s global visibility.
1. Roberto Carlos
The number 1 sport belongs to the greatest left back of all time, Roberto Carlos, a World Cup winner and multiple-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, who brought huge star power when he joined Delhi Dynamos in 2015.
He briefly came out of retirement to play three matches before moving into a player-manager role. Under him, Delhi reached the playoffs, and his impact extended into leadership and tactics.
Conclusion
Many of these legends did not arrive in their prime. Their statistical outputs rarely matched their European peaks. That was never the point.
Their value lay in visibility, credibility, and cultural impact. They attracted attention, legitimised the league, and gave Indian fans the chance to watch global icons live.
The marquee era may be over, but it gave Indian fans a chance to witness these legends live, and let’s be real, it was undoubtedly the best era in terms of attendance and viewership numbers for the league.
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