Former Premier League midfielder and World Cup winner Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer expansion side San Diego FC, the club announced on Wednesday.
The ex-Chelsea and Manchester United player, who was part of Spain’s victorious 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 squads, currently plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia’s A-League and becomes the first active player to become a partner in a US franchise.
San Diego FC will be part of the Western Conference from 2025, beginning with a trip to LA Galaxy at the end of February before their inaugural home fixture on March 1 against St Louis City.
A global football icon joins our journey. pic.twitter.com/xZGdbeU7sK
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) November 20, 2024
In a statement, Mata said: “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.
“The commitment of both this Club and Right to Dream to community impact, excellence, and a vision for long-term success aligns perfectly with my own values.
“I look forward to contributing my experience and passion for the game and working alongside everyone here to build a Club that inspires both on and off the pitch.”
San Diego are owned by the British-Egyptian billionaire Sir Mohamed Mansour and by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, a Californian Native American tribe.
Mansour called Mata a “serial winner” and believes he aligns with the club’s ambition to “build a winning team for the long-term”.
During an 11-year spell in the Premier League, Mata, now 36, won six major trophies, including the Champions League, two Europa Leagues, and two FA Cups.
He played 41 times for Spain, scoring 10 times. He has played four times for Western Sydney Wanderers so far this season.
