Former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder, Juan Mata, has joined the San Diego FC ownership group as a club partner.
According to a post obtained from Fabrizio Romano’s X handle, the move makes the Spanish legend the first active international soccer player to hold an ownership stake in MLS and joins David Beckham as the second international player to be involved in MLS ownership.
Mata has been playing for Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League) since last September.
Expressing delight over the deal, the 36-year-old said, “Many thanks to the ownership group 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.
“I see this step as an opportunity to help build something really special in a city and a league that is 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 vision of the beautiful game,” the post read.
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