Former Man United star Juan Mata follows David Beckham path with ownership decision

Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has become part of the ownership group of Major League Soccer's San Diego FC.

The 36 year old, who is a Champions League winner with Chelsea and made 135 appearances for the club from 2011 to 2014 - netting 33 goals and providing 53 assists, is still playing professionally for Western Sydney FC in Australia's A-League.

Despite never having played in the MLS, Mata's involvement in American soccer has now deepened as he becomes the first active player to own a US club and only the second professional after David Beckham, owner of Inter Miami, to take on MLS ownership.

Mata's philanthropic effort, Common Goal, where he donates one percent of his salary to social causes, is partnered with the Right to Dream academy, which shares ownership with San Diego FC.

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"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," Mata expressed on SDFC's official website. "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."

He added: "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."

San Diego's newest football club, founded just this March 2023, is still in its early stages. They're so fresh on the scene that they haven't yet debuted in the MLS, with their inaugural season set to kick off in 2025, reports Football London.

The club has already made waves by signing Mexican international Hirving Lozano from PSV Eindhoven and are set to welcome Northern Irish defender Paddy McNair from Middlesbrough. "We are absolutely delighted that Juan Mata has joined the club as a partner," announced chairman Sir Mohamed 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."

He added: "As one of the most successful footballers of his generation, winning the World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League, among many other titles, he is a serial winner, and in San Diego, we are committed to building a winning team for the long term."