Former Spanish national team player now copies David Beckham's business

Juan Mata, the renowned Spanish footballer, has taken a significant step into football entrepreneurship by becoming an investor in San Diego FC, the newest Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise. At 36 years old, Mata brings his extensive experience on and off the pitch to this ambitious project, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

San Diego FC will debut in the 2025 MLS season as the league's 30th team, led by head coach Mikey Varas. The franchise has already made headlines with the inclusion of Mexican star Hirving Lozano. In a statement, the club highlighted Mata as the first active international player to invest in an MLS team, drawing comparisons to David Beckham, whose involvement with Inter Miami set a precedent for players transitioning into club ownership.

A City Ready for a New Chapter

San Diego, one of the largest cities in the United States, has long faced limitations in its sports representation. Currently, the San Diego Padres are the city's sole team in major men’s leagues, making football a promising avenue for engaging fans and boosting the region’s sports profile.

Mata’s involvement aligns with the club's vision of fostering community and growth. Beyond his role as an investor, Mata is well-known for his social initiatives, particularly through Common Goal, which channels football resources into charitable causes. His values resonate with those of San Diego FC’s ownership group, including prominent businessman Mohamed Mansour.

Mata’s Expanding Portfolio

While currently playing for Western Sydney Wanderers, Mata has ventured into various business opportunities, including his stake in the Formula 1 Alpine team. His investment in San Diego FC underscores his ambition to make a lasting impact in both the football and business worlds. This new role further cements his status as a global influencer in sports.

• Investor and Active Player: Mata is the first active international footballer to invest in an MLS team, following Beckham’s trailblazing model.
• San Diego FC's Debut: The franchise will join the MLS in 2025 as the league's 30th team, with Mikey Varas as coach and Hirving Lozano as a key player.
• Community Focus: Mata’s social advocacy through Common Goal aligns with San Diego FC's mission.
• Expanding Ventures: Apart from football, Mata has business interests in Formula 1 and other industries.

Sports in San Diego: The city sees football as a key to diversifying its sports scene, currently dominated by baseball's Padres.