SAN DIEGO (AP) — Spanish star and World Cup champion Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of expansion team San Diego FC, becoming the first active international soccer player to own a stake in MLS.
Mata joins David Beckham as the second international player involved in the ownership of a US Soccer League team.
“Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an exciting opportunity to help build something truly special in a city and league that is experiencing incredible growth,” Mata said in a statement.
He added that the commitment to the community by the club and the Right to Dream Academy “aligns perfectly” with his own values.
“I hope to contribute my experience and passion for the game and work alongside everyone here to build a club that inspires both on and off the field,” he said.
Mata has played for the Western Sydney Wanderers of the Australian A-League since September.
He has represented a big name in international football for years. He won titles in England, Spain, Turkey and Japan, and was a key player in the golden era of the Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
A product of Real Madrid’s academy, Mata began his professional career with Castilla before transferring to Valencia in 2007. He won the Copa del Rey the following year.
Mata signed for Chelsea in 2011, and was instrumental in helping the London club capture the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, as well as the Europa League titles.
He twice earned Chelsea’s Player of the Year honors during that period.
He joined Manchester United in 2014, winning the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup in nine seasons. He joined Turkish team Galatasaray in 2022, where he celebrated his first league title, before signing with Japan’s Vissel Kobe in 2023.
There, he conquered the league again.
Mata founded the Common Goal initiative, pledging to donate 1% of his salary to social causes.
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This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool.
What specific initiatives or programs does Juan Mata plan to implement in San Diego, drawing from his philanthropic background with Common Goal, to leverage the power of soccer for positive social change?
## Interview with Juan Mata and San Diego FC Representative
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the latest developments in the world of sports. Today, we’re excited to discuss the groundbreaking news of Spanish football icon Juan Mata joining the ownership group of San Diego FC, becoming the first active international player to hold a stake in an MLS team. Joining us today are Juan Mata himself and [Name], a representative from San Diego FC.
**Section 1: The Vision for San Diego FC**
* **Interviewer:** Juan, congratulations on this exciting venture! What drew you to San Diego FC, and what is your vision for the club’s future?
* **Interviewer:** [Name], how does Juan’s involvement align with the club’s long-term goals and aspirations? What unique perspective and experience does he bring to the table?
* **Interviewer:** Juan, you mentioned the club’s commitment to the community aligns with your values. Can you elaborate on how you see the club making a positive impact beyond the field?
**Section 2: The Growing Influence of International Players in MLS**
* **Interviewer:** Juan, we know David Beckham has been involved in MLS ownership for a while now. How significant is it for active international players to have a stake in the league’s future?
* **Interviewer:** [Name], how do you see Juan’s involvement inspiring other international players to consider investing in MLS?
* **Interviewer:** Juan, what are your thoughts on the trajectory of MLS as a league, and how do you see your involvement contributing to its continued growth?
**Section 3: Legacy and Impact**
* **Interviewer:** Juan, your career has been filled with remarkable achievements – from winning the World Cup to leading successful European clubs. What motivates you to embark on this new chapter in your career?
* **Interviewer:** [Name], what impact do you believe Juan’s involvement will have on the San Diego community and the sport of soccer in the region
* **Interviewer:** Juan, you’re known for your philanthropic work through Common Goal. How do you envision integrating your passion for social impact into your role as a San Diego FC owner?
**Closing:**
We want to thank Juan Mata and [Name] for sharing their insights with us today. We are incredibly excited to see the future unfold for San Diego FC with Juan on board. This signifies a powerful shift in the landscape of MLS, demonstrating the increasing global appeal and influence of the league.
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