Former Manchester United and Chelsea star Juan Mata, has made history by becoming the first active player to own a stake in a Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
Mata, 37, currently plays for Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers, but his off-field pursuits have taken a significant leap forward.
Mata has joined the ownership group of San Diego FC, the newest MLS club set to debut in 2025.
This move marks a milestone in MLS, as Mata is still an active player.
In contrast, David Beckham, the only other former international player involved in MLS ownership, had retired before launching Inter Miami in 2018.
Mata’s business ventures extend beyond football. He is an investor in the Formula 1 Alpine Racing team and co-founded the Common Goal movement.
This charitable organization encourages football professionals to donate 1% of their salary to fund social change.
Mata has also invested in a Manchester tapas and wine bar with his father.
