Alessandro Del Piero and Dwight Yorke delivered but others, like Daniel Sturridge or Nani, have struggled.
Juan Mata welcomes the attention and pressure that comes with being the A-League Men's most famous man - including being recognised by Mancunians at Oasis concerts in Melbourne.
"Of course I've played where I've played and I've had the career that I've had. I appreciate the respect and the love that I receive," the 37-year-old Melbourne Victory recruit told AAP.
"Not only in Melbourne or last year in Sydney, but for example last week in Perth. It's something that really makes me happy.
"That's one of the best things in football actually - to know the relevance of the sport everywhere in the world and wherever you go.
"There's people that always have a good expression or a good word for you and for what you have done. It's so nice to have made people happy and hopefully still make so many people happy through the sport that I love.
"I just try to contribute to Australian football - not only to Melbourne Victory, but to the league as well. I had some conversations with the league, with some people in different clubs.
"I really believe in the potential of the sport here. While I'm here I try to embrace that and help as much as I can."
He's finding form on the field now too, after leaving Western Sydney seeking more game time.
Last Friday, he scored his first Victory goal in his maiden start, playing 69 minutes in a 2-0 win over Perth.
World Cup winner Mata has been trying to convince ex-teammates to play in Australia, ahead of more financially lucrative leagues.
He knows what type of player can succeed.
"It has to be a player that loves the game and wants to play the game in different countries and cultures - maybe sometimes tries to become a more complete player," he said.
"It has to be a person that loves travelling and is interested in different parts of the world. And it has to be mainly - especially now with the financial situation of the league - driven by the love for the game."
Former Spain, Chelsea and Manchester United star Mata is confident youth is a foundation the battling A-Leagues can build on.
"When you don't have talent, it's difficult to create a better quality. But the talent is there, so I see that the only way is up," he said.
"I understand that right now the league, the clubs are facing challenges - financially, mainly - some of them are really struggling.
"But I really believe that the passion for the game is in the country. You could only see it some years ago when the A-League was at the peak and the crowds were really high.
"The passion for the game is there and it will come back to that level sooner or later.
"Of course, decisions have to be made for that and there's many things that contribute to that, like the TV rights and all these things.
"But I am optimistic because I see the love for the game in the people and the talent, young players coming through."
Mata has flirted with investing in the league, or a club, but has parked that while focusing on his football, starting with Saturday's derby against Melbourne City.
"Everyone is telling me that the atmosphere is going to be hopefully very good, with good attendance and good crowds - so looking forward to it," he said.
Then, silverware is front of mind.
"I don't think you ever get tired of winning," Mata said.
"I haven't won the A-League and I want to do that."
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