David Beckham has competition! Juan Mata follows in Inter Miami co-owner’s footsteps as ex-Man Utd & Chelsea star buys stake in MLS expansion side San Diego FC

Mata has bought a stake in San Diego FC, and will subsequently go up against the might of Beckham's Inter Miami in MLS competition in the coming seasons; the club will join the Western Conference in 2025. The former Spain international is still playing, for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia, and is the first active player to invest in the league.

San Diego FC have a remarkable ownership structure that is headed by Egyptian businessman Sir Mohamed Mansour, who also owns the Right To Dream academy and Danish club FC Nordsjaelland, and also includes a Native American tribe by the name of Kumeyaay Nation, who live on a reservation in California. Mata has already expressed his excitement at the opportunity to "build something" in the United States.

Mata said: "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.

"The commitment of both this Club and Right to Dream (a to community impact, excellence, and a vision for long-term success 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."

San Diego FC are readying themselves for their MLS debut in 2025. They will play their games at the SnapDragon Stadium in California, which hosts 35,000 fans.