Western Sydney Wanderers superstar Juan Mata continues to keep tongues wagging by creating another little slice of soccer history.
The World Cup winner has joined the expansion San Diego FC's ownership group, making him the first active international player to hold an ownership stake in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The Spaniard joins David Beckham as only the second international player to be involved in MLS ownership.
"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 in a statement.
He added that the commitment to the community by both the club and the Right to Dream Academy "aligns perfectly with my own values. 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."
Mata has been a big name in international soccer for years and joined the A-League club in September. The 36-year-old has made two starts and two appearances off the bench from four league games under coach Alen Stajcic so far this season.
He won club honours in England, Spain, Turkey and Japan, and was a key player in the golden era of the Spanish men's national team who won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship.
A product of Real Madrid's youth academy, Mata began his professional career with Real Madrid Castilla before transferring to Valencia in 2007, where he won the Copa del Rey the following year. Mata signed with Chelsea in 2011, where he was pivotal in helping the London club capture the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and UEFA Europa League titles, earning Chelsea's Player of the Year honours twice in that span.
He joined Manchester United in 2014, winning the FA Cup, Europa League and EFL Cup in nine seasons. He joined Turkish side Galatasaray in 2022, where he celebrated his first league title, before signing with Japan's Vissel Kobe in 2023, where he won the league again.
Mata founded the Common Goal initiative, pledging one per cent of his salary to social causes.
With the AP.
