Juan Mata, the Spanish football star and World Cup champion, has become a member of the ownership group for MLS expansion team San Diego FC, marking a historic milestone as the first active international player to hold an ownership stake in Major League Soccer.
Mata joins an exclusive list of international players involved in MLS ownership, becoming only the second after David Beckham.
“I’m thrilled to join San Diego FC as a partner. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of something truly special in a city and league that are experiencing incredible growth,” Mata said in a statement. He emphasized the club’s commitment to community and its partnership with the Right to Dream Academy, aligning closely with his own values. “I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for the game to help build a club that inspires both on and off the pitch.”
Currently playing for the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Australian A-League, Mata has enjoyed an illustrious career across multiple top leagues. He was a key figure in Spain’s golden generation, contributing to the national team’s triumphs in the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship.
Mata’s club career began with Real Madrid’s youth academy, before moving to Valencia CF in 2007, where he won the Copa del Rey. In 2011, he signed with Chelsea FC, where he helped the club secure major honors, including the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and UEFA Europa League titles, while earning Chelsea’s Player of the Year award twice.
After joining Manchester United in 2014, Mata won the FA Cup, Europa League, and EFL Cup over nine seasons. He later played for Galatasaray in Turkey, winning his first league title, and for Vissel Kobe in Japan, where he added another league championship to his collection in 2023.
In addition to his football achievements, Mata founded the Common Goal initiative, committing 1% of his salary to social causes, further demonstrating his dedication to making a positive impact off the field.
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