Former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata has officially joined the ownership group of San Diego FC, an expansion team set to enter Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2025. Mata, who recently joined the Australian A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers, has become the first active international soccer player to hold an ownership stake in an MLS club, joining a league known for high-profile owners such as David Beckham. The 36-year-old midfielder sees his involvement as a unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the club and the San Diego community.
In a statement released by the club, Juan Mata expressed his enthusiasm for building “something truly special” in a city and league that are both on an upward trajectory. He praised San Diego FC’s commitment to the community, aligning with his values and his own philanthropic efforts, such as the Common Goal initiative, which donates a portion of player salaries to social causes. Mata’s addition to San Diego FC underscores his passion for fostering positive change through soccer, both on and off the pitch.
A Legacy of Trophies and International Recognition
Juan Mata’s career spans more than a decade at the highest levels of European soccer, where he collected numerous accolades with both clubs and the Spanish national team. Emerging from Real Madrid’s youth academy, Mata quickly established himself at Valencia, where he captured the Copa del Rey. His transfer to Chelsea in 2011 marked the beginning of a golden era, where he won the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and UEFA Europa League, and was twice named Chelsea’s Player of the Year.
Moving to Manchester United in 2014, Juan Mata continued to collect silverware, winning the FA Cup, Europa League, and EFL Cup before moving on to stints in Turkey with Galatasaray and Japan with Vissel Kobe, where he added league titles to his name. Internationally, Mata was a key figure in Spain’s iconic 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012-winning squad, cementing his status as one of the sport’s elite. Now, as a co-owner of San Diego FC, Juan Mata brings this legacy of success and leadership to the MLS.
San Diego FC: Building a Team for Long-Term Success
With San Diego FC’s debut season approaching in 2025, the club has already begun laying the groundwork for success. The club will play its home matches at Snapdragon Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue with a 35,000-fan capacity that will serve as the backdrop for an ambitious new era of soccer in the city. Mata joins an ownership group that includes influential leaders such as San Diego FC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour, who is committed to building a team designed to thrive for the long term.
In his welcome message, Mansour praised Juan Mata as a “serial winner” and acknowledged Mata’s shared values, particularly his commitment to social impact through soccer. The club’s recent signing of Mexican international Hirving Lozano as its first Designated Player shows its intent to compete immediately in MLS, with Lozano set to arrive in January 2025. San Diego FC’s vision includes not only on-field success but also a deep-rooted connection to the local community, aiming to inspire fans and foster lasting engagement.
Juan Mata’s Vision for Community Impact Through Soccer
For Juan Mata, ownership in San Diego FC represents more than just a stake in a team—it is a platform for meaningful community involvement. Through his Common Goal initiative, Mata has already demonstrated a strong commitment to social causes by donating a portion of his salary to support disadvantaged communities worldwide. His new role with San Diego FC allows him to deepen this impact within the local community, particularly by working with the Right to Dream Academy, which focuses on using soccer as a tool for social change.
Juan Mata’s vision aligns perfectly with San Diego FC’s mission, and he hopes his experience will not only inspire fans but also contribute to developing young talent and creating social programs that benefit the city. “I look forward to contributing my experience and passion for the game,” Mata said, emphasizing his dedication to building a club that serves as a model of inspiration on and off the field. Through his leadership, San Diego FC is well-positioned to become a beacon for soccer fans and an institution dedicated to making a lasting difference in San Diego and beyond.
