Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has, likewise, been backed by his club's American owners -- Fenway Sports Group -- to overhaul the team and try to return to the glory days of the 1970s and '80s in which the team won four of its five continental crowns and 11 of 18 English championships.

CNN: Gerrard penalty keeps Liverpool's European hopes alive

Grinham and her sister Rachael continued to prove a thorn in David's side, contesting the 2007 World Open title to break her winning streak, but she has since claimed five straight global crowns.

CNN: Supreme fitness

His haul includes 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups.

BBC: Alex_Ferguson

Williams has enjoyed huge success at the All England Club in the past, having won five singles titles and four doubles crowns at the prestigious grass-court venue.

CNN: Will of the Williams: Venus vows to rise again after illness

Since making his Barcelona debut in 2003, he has collected three European Champions League crowns, two FIFA Club World Cup titles, five Spanish league championships and two Copa del Rey medals.

CNN: Messi signs new Barcelona deal

Since making his Barcelona debut in 2003, he has collected three UEFA Champions League crowns, two FIFA Club World Cup titles, five Spanish league championships and two Copa del Rey medals.

CNN: Messi joins Xavi and Puyol in agreeing new Barcelona deals