San Diego FC has signed its first Designated Player ahead of its debut MLS campaign in 2025.
Mexican international Hirving Lozano has been signed to a DP contract from 2025-28, the Western Conference club announced Thursday. Lozano will remain with his current club PSV through the remainder of 2024 before embarking to MLS on January 1, 2025.
He signed a four-year contract with San Diego FC.
“Signing a player of the international stature of ‘Chucky’ Lozano is the biggest possible endorsement of our project in San Diego,” said San Diego FC Owner and Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour. “His journey from Pachuca, Mexico to the world stage resonates with how 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.”
The 28-year-old has tallied over 267 all-time club appearances in Europe, scoring 76 goals and recording 43 assists in all competitions. After beginning his club career with his native Pachuca, Lozano also spent time with both Napoli and PSV, winning trophies in all three countries.
He most recently helped PSV lift the Eredivisie title during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring six goals and adding three assists.
On the international level, Lozano has earned 70 caps with El Tri, scoring 18 goals and adding 12 assists. He won the CONCACAF U-20 Championship and Olympic Qualifying Championship in 2015.
“It’s an honor to join San Diego FC as the Club’s first Designated Player,” said Lozano. “It’s exciting to be part of history as we build a Club that will compete for championships in MLS. In every country I have played, I always strive to leave a mark, and making an impact in San Diego and MLS is very important to me.
“The Club’s project and plans for San Diego’s Right to Dream Academy resonated deeply with the career path I’ve had in this sport,” he added. “I identified with the project immediately and I am confident we will be able to help a lot of youth players from both sides of the border. I am beyond excited and look forward to finishing the year strong with PSV Eindhoven and joining San Diego FC at the start of 2025.”
