5 ISL stars and their celebrity partners

The Indian Super League (ISL) has given us plenty of memorable moments since its inception in 2014 and probably the best gift of all was the inclusion of a star-studded lineup featuring some of the best players in the world.

Now granted that these players may not necessarily have been in their prime when they made their way to India but it was a bold step nonetheless to play your favourite sport in a country which isn't known for its footballing prowess. The monetary benefit is another major reason behind so many top players making the move to the sub continent and that is obvious now more than ever with China being able to attract the best players very much in their prime.

The bags of talent and star quality that some of these players have brought to the Indian League has propelled them to Bollywood-esque stardom and with their stardom, paparazzi cannot help but be enamoured with their real life partners. Some of these partners we speak of often end up being huge celebrities in their own right, a fact that often goes unnoticed when we discuss a sport they are not directly associated with.

But with the ISL now gathering mainstream attention and the public demanding more information about their favourite footballers we decided to make a list featuring their significant others. Here are 5 ISL players and their celebrity partners:

#5 Borja Fernandez's wife (Paloma Lopez)

Borja Fernandez is a name that is very familiar with the streets of Kolkata owing to his huge popularity in the city for playing with local team Atletico de Kolkata. His first stint saw him play 46 matches for the club as he became a critical part of their successful campaign. But what intrigues us most is the fact that it's not just Borja who demands fame and fortune in his family.

He is married to model, presenter and actress Paloma Lopez. The ravishing Lopez has been in a number of TV shows and even movies with prominent commercials such as "Gillette" under her belt. Borja's love for football has seen her take a keen interest in her husband's sporty lifestyle.

#4 Didier Zokora's wife (Séry Djehy Dorcas)

Didier Zokora is another who made quite an impact in world football. His spell at Spurs saw him regarded as one of the best African midfielders and at his best, he could boss any opposition. His move to Pune City and then NorthEast United turned heads but promised big things for the ISL.

His star power only grew when it became apparent that his other half was former Miss Ivory coast Séry Djehy Dorcas, who was Miss Ivory Coast in 2005. The beauty was an instant hit in her native country and has since transitioned into a worldwide icon following her connection with Zokora. Dorcas's celebrity status has just elevated Zokora's career to the next level.

#3 Adrian Mutu's wife (Consuelo Gomez)

We all remember Adrian Mutu. His personal problems aside, the Romanian was once heavily considered one of the best strikers in the world. The former Chelsea man joined FC Pune City in the ISL for a brief period and impressed all in just a short period of time.

What also became noticeable during this time was Mutu's attractive wife Consuelo Gomez. Mutu's marriage to this model made headlines around the world as she is one of the most well-known figures in her profession. While marital problems have occurred between the two, there is no doubt that a player like Mutu was lucky to find such a big celebrity to tie the knot with.

#2 Jermaine Pennant's wife (Alice Goodwin)

Pennant and Alice Goodwin (via Alice Goodwin's Instagram)

Liverpool fans would remember Jermaine Pennant all too well. The former Red joined FC Pune City in 2014 and was definitely amongst the most recognisable players in the league at the time. His time with England and Liverpool meant that he knew his way around the pitch better than most.

What also is of note, however, is that he instantly made headlines for his association with adult model Alice Goodwin. Goodwin is highly popular in the modelling scene and is known for her provocative photos all over social media. That aside, she now travels with her partner even to his non-league matches. A match made in heaven?

#1 Robbie Keane's wife (Claudine Keane)

Robbie Keane will be making his way to India very soon and is all set to join Atletico de Kolkata in the upcoming season. His achievements are there for all to see. A successful stint with Tottenham Hotspur and vital appearances for Liverpool mean the Irish International brings experience with him to the ISL.

He also brings with him his superstar lingerie model wife Claudine Keane. Claudine has been supporting her husband in his football and is a celebrity in her own right with her lingerie displays hugely popular across Britain. She also won the Miss Ireland contest back in the day making her yet another celebrity partner who fans can look forward to when Keane decides to join the ISL this year.

Edited by Abhijit Bharali