Following in Beckham's Footsteps: Juan Mata Becomes Co-Owner of New MLS Club San Diego

Spanish football veteran Juan Mata has become a co-owner of the newly established San Diego football club, according to insider Fabrizio Romano.

Details: The Spanish legend is the first active European footballer to hold a stake in an MLS club. Mata also becomes the second European player, after David Beckham, to participate in managing an MLS franchise.

Background: San Diego FC was officially founded in May 2023 and is still in the process of assembling its team. The California-based club plans to debut in the league in 2025.

In September, reports surfaced that the future MLS club was interested in Kevin De Bruyne.

The 36-year-old Mata has been playing for Australia’s Western Sydney Wanderers since last September.