San Diego FC is set to enter the MLS as its 30th team, beginning competition in February 2025 after being awarded expansion rights in May 2023.

At 36 years old, Mata recently transitioned to the A-League, signing with Western Sydney Wanderers in September 2024, although he has never played in the MLS.

San Diego FC was established in 2023, with Mansour and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation paying a record $500 million expansion fee to join MLS.

The Right to Dream organization operates FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark and FC Masar in Egypt, focusing on youth development in football.

Before joining San Diego FC, Mata had a successful playing career, including stints at Manchester United, Galatasaray, and Vissel Kobe, where he won multiple trophies.

Juan Mata, the Spanish World Cup champion, has made history by joining the ownership group of San Diego FC, becoming the first active international soccer player to own a stake in Major League Soccer (MLS).

SDFC CEO Tom Penn highlighted that Mata's involvement brings a global perspective and a commitment to social impact, aligning with the club's mission to inspire the community.

Mata is also known for founding the Common Goal initiative, which encourages football players to pledge at least 1% of their salaries to social causes, furthering his commitment to using football as a tool for social change.

Mata expressed his excitement about helping to build San Diego FC and emphasized the club's dedication to community engagement, which resonates with his personal values.

His connection to SDFC is rooted in his long-standing partnership with the Right to Dream organization, which has been active since 2018 and is owned by SDFC's chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour.

In addition to his soccer ventures, Mata is an investor in Alpine Racing Ltd, a Formula 1 team backed by Renault Group.

Mansour's relationship with Mata began through the Right to Dream football academy, which his group acquired in a $120 million deal in 2021.