Former Manchester United star and World Cup winner has bought a stake in San Diego FC

MLS expansion team San Diego FC has added a new member to its ownership group: former Manchester United player and Spain international Juan Mata.

Although Mata has yet to hang up his boots, the 36-year-old has acquired a stake in San Diego FC, becoming the first active international soccer player to own a stake in a Major League Soccer team. He and Inter Miami’s David Beckham are also the only two international players to join MLS ownership groups.

“We are delighted that Juan Mata has joined the club as a partner,” said San Diego FC Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour. “Juan has been an active and long-time supporter of Right to Dream and he shares our values ​​of wanting to use football to create lasting social impact and change. As one of the most successful footballers of his generation, winning the World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League, among many other titles, he is a serial winner, and at San Diego we are committed to building a winning team for the long haul. term.”

Mata is no stranger to Mansour’s Right to Dream Academy. The former United player has previously visited academies in Egypt and Denmark as part of his own Common Purpose initiative to bring about change both on and off the pitch.

“Juan’s addition to SDFC’s ownership group brings a global perspective and commitment to positive social impact that perfectly aligns with our club’s mission,” said San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn. “As a world champion, a Champions League winner and a leader both on and off the pitch, Juan embodies excellence and determination in everything he does. His passion for using football as a force for good resonates deeply with our vision for SDFC and our community, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our club.”

Even though Mata still plays for Western Sydney Wanderers, he is excited about the opportunity to get involved in the business side of the sport.

“Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an exciting opportunity to help build something truly special in a city and league that is experiencing incredible growth,” Mata said. “This Club and Right to Dream’s commitment to community impact, excellence and the pursuit of long-term success aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to sharing my experience and passion for the game and working with everyone here to build a club that inspires both on and off the pitch.”

Mata’s resume speaks for itself. The former Spain international won the 2010 FIFA World Cup with La Roja as well as Euro 2012. He also won the Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League with Chelsea before moving to United, where he added the FA Cup, Europa League and English Football League. Cup for your trophy cabinet. Now he has the opportunity to bring home MLS silverware.

San Diego will join MLS in 2025 as the league’s 30th team. The club joins the Los Angeles Galaxy, Los Angeles FC and San Jose Earthquakes as four MLS teams based in California.

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