Nowadays, it’s almost unheard of to find any footballing legend who retires at the top of their game. With the likes of the MLS, UAE and the Chinese Super League all offering a final well-paid hurrah to any ageing superstar.
It’s common that if you search any random league, you’re probably going to find the odd 40-year-old former World Cup winner, and India was no different. Formed in 2014, the Indian Super League opened its doors to some of football’s most iconic players.
Here are the top 10 footballing legends who have enjoyed a quick cameo in India.
Roberto Carlos: Delhi Dynamos
Another Brazilian legend to grace the Indian Super League. In June 2015, the former World Cup winner signed for FC Goa and after making 14 appearances, the man capped 105 times for Brazil signed up for another season in India where he went on to make five appearances during 2016. Image Source: Twitter
Lucio: FC Goa
Another Brazilian legend to grace the Indian Super League. In June 2015, the former World Cup winner signed for FC Goa and after making 14 appearances, the man capped 105 times for Brazil signed up for another season in India where he went on to make five appearances during 2016. Image Source: Twitter
Alessandro Del Piero: Delhi Dynamos
After spending two years with Sydney FC in the Australian A-League, Juventus's all-time leading goalscorer was another big name to sign up for Delhi Dynamos. During the 2014 season, the eight-time Serie A champion and 2006 World Cup winner made 10 appearances for the Dynamos, scoring one goal. Image Source: Twitter
David Trezeguet: FC Pune City
Following a two-year spell in Argentina, Trezeguet was another World Cup winner to sign up for the Indian Super League. In 2014 the former Italian footballer of the year signed up for FC Pune City. After only nine appearances Trezeguet announced his retirement and returned to Juventus as a coach. Image Source: Twitter
Florent Malouda: Delhi Dynamos
In August 2015, the former Chelsea winger became the first major signing for Delhi Dynamos manager, Roberto Carlos. The French international won five French League titles with Lyon and claimed a Champions League and Premier League medal during his six years in London. During a five-month spell in India, Malouda made 24 appearances scoring three times. Image Source: Twitter
Nicolas Anelka: Mumbai City
After a controversial ending to his time at West Brom, the former French international made his way to the newly founded Mumbai City. In October 2014, Anelka made his debut and went on to make seven appearances, scoring two goals. Sadly for Anelka, Mumbai finished seventh and didn't qualify for the end of season play-offs. Image Source: Twitter
Robert Pires: FC Goa
Pires is another who played in the Indian Super League's debut season in 2014. After retiring from the game in 2011, following a season with Aston Villa, the former Arsenal invincible signed for FC Goa in 2014. During his five months, Pires made eight appearances and scored one goal. Image Source: Twitter
Mikael Silvestre: Chennaiyin
After spending three years in both America and Germany, the French international made the switch to the ISL. Signing a four-month deal worth $500,000, Silvestre made 14 appearances for Chennaiyin in a season that saw them win the debut Indian Super League season. Image Source: Twitter
Freddie Ljungberg: Mumbai City
Coming out of retirement in July 2014, Ljungberg is another Arsenal favorite who was a pioneer of the Super League. Unfortunately, the two-time Premier League champion suffered from a string of back and ankle problems which only allowed him to make four appearances for Mumbai City. Image Source: Twitter
With over 100 major trophies and nearly 1000 international appearances between them, there is no doubt that in 2014, the Indian Super League was the home to any legend who just wasn’t ready to hang up their boots.
However, with such a star-studded list we were bound to have a few who just didn’t make the cut. Honorable mentions and a spot on the bench will go to, Jermaine Pennant, David James, and Reading legend, Nicky Shorey.
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