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The ISL has given us plenty to look forward to. The numerous big-name signings and the sheer spending power of all involved has meant that the league has surpassed expectations in just a few short years time.
The ISL has had some incredible moments in its three-year existence and season four promises to be no different. With the competition heating up thanks to the inclusion of Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC, the league couldn't be stronger than it currently is. Moreover, there is an added benefit for the winners of the ISL this year with the league announcing that the trophy holders will get an automatic spot in the AFC Cup next season.
If this isn't enough to get you hooked on to the thrilling action of the ISL, perhaps a look back at the sheer class of superstars that have been with the league at some point may just be enough to make even the most skeptical of fans believe in what the ISL has put forth since its inception. There has been a steady of influx of legendary names in the footballing world and some of them have even lit up the UEFA Champions League. Here are those with the most appearances:
#5 Lucio
Few have made an impact quite like Brazilian defender Lucio. The big center half proved his worth by winning the FIFA World Cup with an incredible Brazil team in 2002 and won the UEFA Champions League with club side Inter Milan in 2010. The defender managed a total of 83 appearances in the Champions League and his almost legend-like status was on display once he joined ISL side FC Goa.
Lucio performed admirably for the Gaurs, proving just why he is often considered one of world football's greats. While he is no more playing his trade on the west coast, the Gaurs will definitely miss his sturdy defending.
#4 Florent Malouda
Florent Malouda may not be considered a legend of world football by any stretch of imagination, but the French playmaker has proved his worth for any side that he is a part of. The bulk of his 83 appearances in the UEFA Champions League came for English side Chelsea and French side Lyon.
Malouda even won the UCL with Chelsea in 2012 and he brought with him all that big match experience when he joined Delhi Dynamos in the ISL. The Frenchman even became the best player in the league last season, showing that he definitely still has what it takes.
#3 Alessandro Del Piero
Alessandro Del Piero is a bonafide legend of world football. His numerous appearances in a Juventus shirt and various honours over the years have ensured that he will join the football Hall of Fame if there ever was one. Del Piero garnered 89 appearances in his UEFA Champions League career with the Turin club accounting for all those appearances.
Del Piero scored an astonishing 42 goals during this period, making him one of the Champions League's most prolific scorers. He joined Delhi Dynamos as their marquee player in 2014 and proved yet again. However, his performances with Delhi were not as impressive. Perhaps age had caught up with this legend.
#2 Alessandro Nesta
Alessandro Nesta is another Italian legend who graced the ISL when he joined Chennaiyin FC during the fag end of his illustrious career. Nesta's career saw him win the Champions League with AC Milan, for whom he has had quite an astonishing career.
The defender managed to rake up 99 appearances in the UCL, and showed his class time and time again just ahead of the goalkeeper. As a captain too, Nesta proved that he had what it takes to be considered a true Italian hero. His other honours include winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup with his country, an achievement which he will most likely never forget.
#1 Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos will be fondly remembered for his ferocious free kicks and deadly pace along the left flank for both club and country. Carlos terrorised goalkeepers with his free-kick ability and that led him to a 2002 FIFA World Cup triumph with Brazil as well as a UEFA Champions League win with his club side Real Madrid.
In total, the legendary left back managed to appear 120 times in the UCL, which is a record in terms of ISL players. The ISL was graced with his presence after the Brazilian decided to end his playing career with a stint at Delhi Dynamos, where his legendary status was simply cemented even further. His successful coaching career since his playing days has shown that he has it in him to excel in whatever he picks up.
