Juan Mata, a 38-year-old Spanish midfielder and World Cup winner, has officially taken a shareholder position at Melbourne Victory. He will continue to make his mark on the club and plans to move into an off-field role once he decides to retire.

Fenway Sports Group, owners of Liverpool Football Club, have reportedly boosted their collective wealth by £225 million. Now listed higher on a global billionaire ranking, the group’s financial upswing underscores Liverpool’s growing off-field strength.

American millionaires and celebrities are making their mark on British soccer, purchasing clubs at an unprecedented pace. This surge in acquisitions has prompted questions about what draws these U.S. investors to the United Kingdom’s most celebrated sport.