Former Chelsea and Manchester United player Juan Mata has become an investor in the new Major League Soccer(MLS) team San Diego FC.
Mata becomes the first active player to acquire a stake in an MLS team and only the second non-US player, after David Beckham’s ownership of Inter Miami.
Joining as a partner and minority owner of the MLS team, Mata will work with the Right to Dream community initiative and stated that he will contribute his ‘experience and passion for the game and working alongside everyone here to build a club that inspires both on and off the pitch’.
Mata confirmed his investment on X, stating: “Really happy to announce that I’m a partner at the newest and most special franchise in the MLS, San Diego FC.
“Many thanks to the ownership group, Right to Dream and the MLS for allowing me to be the first active player to be a part owner of a club in the league, and the second ever after David Beckham. It’s truly an honour.
“It’s needless to say that the Right to Dream approach to our beloved sport is unique, bringing purpose at the core of everything they do, and I’m really happy to continue my journey using football as a social tool for change together with the Right to Dream community and Common Goal.
“I see this step as an opportunity to help build something really special in a city and a league that are experiencing incredible growth, and I cannot wait to be involved and commit to the positive social impact that aligns with the club’s and my personal vision of the beautiful game.”
Currently playing in the Australian A-League for the Western Sydney Wanderers, Mata’s career spans nearly 20 years. He has played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United, whilst also playing in Japan for Vissel Kobe and now in Australia.
Mata has continually committed to business ventures off the field, setting up the charity initiative Common Goal, which pledges 1% of Mata’s salary, and that of other involved footballers, to charities across the globe.
The 36-year-old Spaniard has also invested in various other sports teams as well, including the Alpine Racing Formula 1 Team.
San Diego FC CEO, Tom Penn, said: “Juan’s addition to SDFC’s ownership group brings a global perspective and a commitment to positive social impact that perfectly aligns with our club’s mission.
“As a World Cup champion, Champions League winner, and a leader both on and off the field, Juan embodies excellence and purpose in everything he does. His passion for using football as a force for good resonates deeply with our vision for our SDFC and our community, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to our club.”