Former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer expansion side San Diego FC.

Mata, 36, joined the club from A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers in September.

San Diego FC will be the 30th team to join the MLS in 2025.

"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," said Mata.

San Diego said Mata is the "first active international soccer player to have an ownership stake in Major League Soccer".

Mata won six major trophies, including the Champions League, during 11 years in the Premier League with Chelsea and Manchester United.

He helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, but has not featured for his country since 2016.

San Diego chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said Mata is a "serial winner" and believes he fits the club's ambition to "build a winning team for the long term".