9 FIFA World Cup winners who have played in the Indian Super League 

#3) Robert Pires (France, FC Goa)

Robert Pires

The former French International represented Les Bleus for eight years (1996-2004), winning 79 caps and scoring 14 goals.

Pires, who played three matches for France at the 1998 FIFA World Cup at home, went on to lift the trophy, as the French defeated the mighty Brazilians 3-0 in the finals at Paris.

He also won the 2000 UEFA European Championship and the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001 and 2003 with France. Pires played for two French clubs- FC Metz and Olympique de Marseille before joining the English Premier League giants, Arsenal in 2000.

Pires represented the North Londoners in 189 matches across six seasons, scoring 62 goals.

Under Arsene Wenger, he evolved as one of the best during his successful six-year stint with the Gunners.

He played a vital role in Arsenal's 'Invincible' 2003-04 season along with fellow Frenchman, Thierry Henry. After his Arsenal stint, Pires went to the Spanish club, Villarreal in 2006 before returning to the Premier League four years later with Aston Villa, whom he represented for just one season.

In September 2014, he was signed by the Indian Super League side FC Goa as their marquee player for the inaugural edition of the league.

He made his ISL debut in a 1-2 home defeat to Chennaiyin FC in October 2014. Pires, who played eight matches for FC Goa in the 2014 ISL en route to their semi-final finish was released by them in March 2015.