Major League Soccer’s newest team, San Diego FC, welcomes Juan Mata, a former midfielder for Chelsea and Manchester United, as part of their ownership group.
Mata, aged 36, joined the Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League in September.
The MLS will welcome San Diego FC as its 30th team in 2025.
“Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an exciting opportunity to help build something extraordinary in a city and league experiencing incredible growth,” said Mata.
According to San Diego, Mata is the first active international soccer player to own a part of a Major League Soccer team.
In a remarkable 11-year Premier League career split between Chelsea and Manchester United, Mata lifted six prestigious trophies, including the Champions League.
Spain’s 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs saw his involvement, but he has not represented his country since 2016.
San Diego chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour described Mata as a “serial winner” and highlighted his alignment with the club’s vision to create a sustainable winning team.