Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: San Diego FC
Spanish football icon and World Cup champion Juan Mata has officially joined the ownership group of San Diego FC, marking a historic milestone for both the player and Major League Soccer (MLS). Mata, revered for his achievements on and off the pitch, becomes the first active international footballer to hold an ownership stake in MLS and joins David Beckham as one of only two international players involved in the league’s ownership ecosystem.
A Vision for Excellence and Community Impact
"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 said. "The commitment of this Club and Right to Dream to community impact, excellence, and long-term success aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to contributing my experience and passion for the game to build a Club that inspires both on and off the pitch."
Mata’s collaboration with Right to Dream (RTD) underscores his alignment with the club’s ethos. Known for his humanitarian efforts, Mata founded the Common Goal initiative, a movement encouraging football professionals to donate 1% of their earnings to social causes. His commitment to societal change through football resonates deeply with RTD’s mission to use the sport as a force for good, an alignment that has previously seen Mata engage with RTD’s academies in Egypt and Denmark.
A Legacy of Success
Mata’s illustrious footballing career speaks for itself. From the youth academy of Real Madrid to major stints with Valencia CF, Chelsea FC, and Manchester United, Mata has consistently demonstrated excellence. His trophy-laden journey includes triumphs in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2012 UEFA European Championship, the UEFA Champions League, and multiple domestic league titles.
His recent ventures with Galatasaray in Turkey and Vissel Kobe in Japan saw him lifting league trophies, before joining Western Sydney Wanderers in September. His role as a serial winner adds immense credibility to his new journey as a club owner.
A Global Perspective
San Diego FC’s leadership is thrilled about Mata’s involvement. "Juan’s addition to SDFC’s ownership group brings a global perspective and a commitment to positive social impact that perfectly aligns with our Club’s mission," said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. "His passion for using football as a force for good resonates deeply with our vision for SDFC and our community."
Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour added, "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. As one of the most successful footballers of his generation, he is a serial winner, and we are committed to building a winning team for the long term in San Diego."
Beyond the Pitch: A Broader Impact
Mata’s ventures extend beyond football. He is a strategic investor in Alpine Racing Ltd, a Formula 1 team, through Otro Capital, highlighting his growing influence in global sports business and entertainment. His ability to bridge worlds—both sporting and philanthropic—cements his reputation as a visionary leader.
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