San Diego FC Sign Hirving Lozano for MLS Debut
San Diego FC, the franchise that will debut in the U.S. MLS in 2025, announced the signing of Mexican player Hirving Lozano.
"San Diego FC (SDFC) has acquired Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano as the first Designated Player in San Diego FC's history and has signed the winger to a four-year contract until the end of the 2028 MLS season, with two option years," the official statement reads.
Lozano, who was an Italian champion with Napoli last year, will be presented on June 13.
"It is an honor to join San Diego FC as the club's first Designated Player. It is exciting to be part of history as we build a club that will compete for championships in MLS. In every country I have played in, I have always strived to leave my mark, and having a significant impact in San Diego and MLS is very important to me," Lozano said.
"The club's project and plans for the Right to Dream Academy in San Diego resonated deeply with the professional path I have had in this sport. I immediately identified with the project, and I am sure we can help many youth players on both sides of the border. I am beyond excited and look forward to finishing the year strong with PSV Eindhoven before joining San Diego FC at the beginning of 2025," he added.
Lozano, 28, scored 76 goals in his long career in Europe, where he played for PSV in the Netherlands and Napoli in Italy.
Internationally, the winger has played 70 matches with the Mexican national team, with 18 goals and 12 assists.
"Signing a player of Chucky Lozano's international stature is the strongest possible endorsement of our project in San Diego," said San Diego FC owner and president Mohamed Mansour.
"His journey from Pachuca to the biggest stage in football aligns with the way Right to Dream provides opportunities for talent everywhere, and we hope that story can inspire and motivate the next generation of talent in San Diego and around the world," he added.