Former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team San Diego FC.
Mata, 36, who moved to the A-League’s Western Sydney Wanderers in September, has now taken a stake in the club, which was founded in May 2023 and is set to join MLS as the 30th team in 2025.
“Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an exciting opportunity to help build something truly special in a city and league that are experiencing incredible growth,” Mata said in a statement.
San Diego FC also announced that Mata is the “first active international soccer player to hold an ownership stake in Major League Soccer.”
During his 11-year career in the Premier League, Mata won six major trophies with Chelsea and Manchester United, including the Champions League.
He also played a key role in Spain’s victories at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, though he has not represented his country since 2016.
San Diego FC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour hailed Mata as a “serial winner,” emphasizing that his experience and mindset align with the club’s long-term ambition to “build a winning team.”
The owners of San Diego FC.
