In their first season as owners of Inter Milan, US-based Oaktree Capital Management celebrated as the club advanced to the UEFA Champions League final with a thrilling 4-3 extra-time win over Barcelona in the second leg, securing a 7-6 aggregate victory.

The American fund assumed control of the Italian club on May 22, 2024, after Chinese owner Steven Zhang failed to repay a $426 million loan from Oaktree, originally issued in 2021.

Under the new management, Inter Milan has continued its successful run. In addition to reaching the final of Europe's premier competition, the team is also competing for the Serie A title, though it currently trails Napoli in the standings.

America's influence in European football

With Oaktree now leading Inter Milan, the US will be represented in the Champions League final and is close to doing so in the other two major European competitions.

At Manchester United, the Glazer family remains a co-owner despite Jim Ratcliffe holding a majority stake. The team is well-positioned to reach the Europa League final after a dominant 3-0 first-leg win in Bilbao and aims to seal it at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Chelsea, owned by American businessman Todd Boehly, is advancing toward a spot in the UEFA Conference League final.