Sizzling hot! English rugby player James Haskell, French striker for English club Arsenal Olivier Giroud and other athletes from various sports discipline have recently stripped off their clothes for a nude photo shoot helmed by French photographer Fred Goudon. The racy photos were part of Goudon's book titled, "Dieux Du Stade," which means "Gods of the Stadium" in English.

Goudon's book was released in December as the French fashion photographer celebrated 15 years in capturing and highlighting the power physique of the athletes in his iconic nude calendars. According to Daily Mail, the book also featured members of the French rugby team, Stade Francais. And aside from the usual rugby stars, Goudon also included nude images of other athletes from football, handball, judo and swimming.

The latest collection has been the second volume that presented the works of Goudon, who has concentrated on the male form for over two decades. Entertainment Focus also noted that his stunning composition and skillful use of light have created an intimate atmosphere that transformed the athletes into Greek gods.

Aside from Haskell and Giroud, Goudon's nude collection also featured three-time calendar star and Stade Francais' scrum-half Clement Daguin, 23, Castres center Thomas Combezou, 28, Clermont scrum-half Morgan Parra, 27, French judo athlete Hugo Marquez, 22, Toulouse-born Hugo Bonneval, 25, Montpellier Herault wing Lucas Dupont, 25, judo player David Larose, 30, French handball player Luka Karabatic, 27, and Olympic gold medalist and Karabatic's brother Nikola, 38.

The Karabatic brothers, who were totally naked but submerged in a pool, also have the honor of being the cover image of the book. While the other athletes either posed with a strategically placed ball, a low-slung towel, a pair of rolled-down tracksuit bottoms, a swimming trunks while taking a shower or in a birthday suit in the gym. There was also one photo where the athletes showed off their naked derrieres.

Despite their state of nakedness, the men appeared to be comfortable in front of the camera as they pose for the book.

Meanwhile, Goudon, who said his work was "honoring the male body in all its athletic glory," also has a remarkable ability to convince anyone to go nude for his camera. As a matter of fact, he recently unveiled a steamy calendar featuring French firefighters, which aimed to raise funds for non-governmental organization, Pompier sans Frontiers or Firefighters Without Borders.

Goudon was born in Cannes, France. He studied journalism and began working as a press photographer. But in the late '80s, he moved to Los Angeles, where he found his calling for fashion photography. He also discovered his passion in emphasizing the beauty of masculinity. Due to his notable ability behind the lens, he has worked for model agencies and fashion labels, and has published several books and calendars.

For a glimpse of "Dieux Du Stade" pictures and video, click here. As for the French firefighters, click here.