Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of MLS expansion club San Diego FC.
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Mata joins as part-owner of MLS club San Diego FC
Mata, 36, is currently playing with Australian A-League Men side Western Sydney Wanderers.
The former Spain international becomes the first active international soccer player to hold an ownership stake in an MLS team.
He joins Inter Miami CF co-owner David Beckham as only the second international player to be part of the ownership group in MLS.
“We are absolutely delighted that Juan Mata has joined the club as a partner,” said club chairman Mohamed Mansour. “Juan has been an active and long-term supporter of Right to Dream, and he shares our values of wanting to use football to deliver long-term social impact and change.”
Mata is also the founder of the Common Goal initiative, a partner of Right to Dream (RTD) launched in 2017.
He pledged one percent of his salary to support social causes.
“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,” said Mata in a statement released by the team. “
“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.”
Solid career
Mata began his professional career with Real Madrid Castilla before transferring to Valencia CF in 2007.
During his time at Valencia, he won the Copa del Rey in 2008.
In 2011, Mata signed with Chelsea, where he achieved significant success, winning the UEFA Champions League (2011-12), the FA Cup (2012), and the UEFA Europa League (2013). He was also named Chelsea’s Player of the Year twice during his tenure.
The midfielder then moved to Manchester United in 2014, where he added the FA Cup, Europa League, and EFL Cup to his list of honors over nine seasons.
Later, Mata claimed league titles in Turkey with Galatasaray and in Japan with Vissel Kobe.
He joined Western Sydney Wanderers in September this year.
