Move over, David Beckham. A new footballer is taking ownership of an MLS franchise.
Spanish footballer Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of San Diego FC, a new Major League Soccer (MLS) team that will begin play next year.
San Diego FC is led by Sir Mohamed Mansour, an Egyptian businessman. The ownership group includes the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, a Native American tribe. With a commitment to sports and community, evinced by Mansour’s philanthropic Right to Dream Academy, the club aims to impact the local and broader soccer landscape.
“We are absolutely delighted that Juan Mata has joined the club as a partner,” announced Mansour.
“Juan has been an active and long-term supporter of Right to Dream, and he shares our values of wanting to use football to deliver long-term social impact and change.”
Mata enjoyed an impressive career across Europe’s best clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Valencia. The winner of multiple domestic cups and league titles, including the 2011/12 Champions League with the Blues, Mata also secured the World Cup and Euro title with Spain.
Mata’s professional career includes stints in Turkey, Japan, and Australia, where he currently plays for the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Juan Mata: From global star to San Diego visionary
But more impressive might be Mata’s off-the-pitch resume. Mata has a history of supporting social causes through initiatives like Common Goal, which he founded in 2017. This program encourages athletes to donate one percent of their earnings to social projects worldwide. Timo Werner, Paulo Dybala, Vivianne Miedema, and Dani Olmo are just a handful of contributors.
Said Mata: “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.”
“The commitment of both this Club and Right to Dream to community impact, excellence, and a vision for long-term success aligns perfectly with my own values. 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.”
Juan Mata is undoubtedly one of football’s good guys. His experience as a player, philanthropist, and investor is a boon for San Diego management.
Furthermore, his ownership stake in the MLS club reflects the growing international interest in American soccer, particularly with the country hosting the Club World Cup next year and World Cup 2026.
