Juan Mata made history by investing in new MLS team San Diego FC.
The former And The midfielder has joined the club's ownership group.
San Diego's majority owner, the Mansour Group, already owns majority stakes in Danish team Nordsjaelland and Right to Dream Academy.
In a club statement confirming his investment, Mata said, “Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an exciting opportunity to build something truly special in a city and league that is experiencing incredible growth.”
“I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for the sport and working with everyone here to build a club that inspires both on and off the pitch.”
Mata is the first active player to hold an ownership stake in the MLS before San Diego joins the Western Conference in 2025.
The club was founded in May last year and will include Mexico's Hirving Lozano and former United defender Paddy McNair.
Mata follows in the footsteps of Co-owner of this year's Supporters' Shield winners Inter Miami.
However, the former England captain only became an MLS owner after ending his playing career in 2013 and Beckham became a co-owner of the franchise in 2021.
Mata also celebrated his arrival at
“Many thanks to the ownership group @right2dream and @MLS for making it possible for me to be the first active player to be part owner of a club in the league and the second ever after David Beckham. It’s truly an honor.”
“It goes without saying that Right to Dream’s approach to our beloved sport is unique and puts purpose at the heart of everything they do, and I am truly happy to continue my journey and join forces with the Right to promote football as a social tool for “Use change.” to the Dream community and @CommonGoalOrg.
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“I see this move as an opportunity to build something truly special in a city and a league that is experiencing incredible growth, and I can't wait to be a part of it and get involved in the positive social impact that comes with the vision of the “The club and my personal vision are in line with the beautiful game.”
Mata's investment in San Diego comes just seven months after he visited the club's 35,000-capacity Snapdragon Stadium.
He toured the arena to promote United's friendly against Real Betis and was asked about the facilities and implications of bringing an MLS club to the city.
Back in April, the Spaniard said: “It’s unbelievable. This is my first time in these facilities and it is incredible what they have built here.”
“The power it has in society, how they help kids play sports, any kind of sport.”
The 36-year-old won both the World Cup and European Championships as well as the Champions League with Spain during his time at Chelsea.
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He is currently plays in Australia for the A-League club Western Sydney Wanderersafter signing in September following stints in Turkey and Japan.
