Spanish soccer star and World Cup champion Juan Mata has officially joined the ownership group of MLS expansion team San Diego FC, becoming the first active international player to hold a stake in Major League Soccer.
Mata’s addition to the ownership ranks makes him only the second international player involved in MLS ownership, following David Beckham.
“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 stated. He emphasized that the club’s commitment to the community, along with the values of the Right to Dream Academy, resonate with his own principles. “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,” he added.
Currently, Mata plays for the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Australian A-League, having joined the team in September. He has had a distinguished career in international soccer, winning titles across England, Spain, Turkey, and Japan. Mata was a vital player during Spain’s golden era, contributing to the national team’s triumphs in the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship.
A product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, Mata began his professional journey with Real Madrid Castilla before moving to Valencia CF in 2007, where he won the Copa del Rey the following year. In 2011, he signed with Chelsea FC, playing a key role in the club’s victories in the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and UEFA Europa League, and earning Chelsea’s Player of the Year honors twice.
In 2014, Mata transferred to Manchester United, where he spent nine seasons and won the FA Cup, Europa League, and EFL Cup. He later joined Turkish club Galatasaray in 2022, celebrating his first league title there before moving to Japan’s Vissel Kobe in 2023, where he secured another league championship.
In addition to his playing career, Mata is also known for founding the Common Goal initiative, which pledges 1% of his salary to support social causes.
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