Juan Mata Becomes Part of Ownership Group for MLS Expansion Team San Diego FC

• Juan Mata becomes the first active international football player to hold an ownership stake in Major League Soccer.
• Mata joins San Diego FC’s ownership group, following David Beckham’s example in MLS ownership.
• Mata has had a distinguished career at top clubs in England, Spain, Turkey, and Japan, and was part of Spain’s World Cup-winning team in 2010.
• He founded the Common Goal initiative, pledging part of his salary to social causes.

Spanish World Cup champion Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of San Diego FC, making history as the first active international footballer to hold a stake in Major League Soccer (MLS). Mata, who follows David Beckham as only the second international player involved in MLS ownership, expressed his excitement about contributing to the growth of the club and the city.

“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. He also highlighted the alignment of the club’s commitment to community engagement, particularly through the Right to Dream Academy, with his own values, and looked forward to using his experience and passion to inspire both on and off the pitch.

Mata, who currently plays for the Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia’s A-League, has enjoyed a distinguished career across several top leagues. The product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, he began his professional career with Real Madrid Castilla before moving to Valencia CF in 2007, where he won the Copa del Rey.

He later achieved success at Chelsea FC, helping them secure the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and UEFA Europa League titles, earning Chelsea’s Player of the Year honors twice. After joining Manchester United in 2014, Mata won multiple trophies, including the FA Cup, Europa League, and EFL Cup. Following his time at United, he played for Turkish side Galatasaray, winning his first league title, before moving to Japan’s Vissel Kobe in 2023 and securing another league championship.

In addition to his playing career, Mata is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He founded the Common Goal initiative, pledging 1% of his salary to social causes.