San Diego FC made its first big splash signing in club history on Thursday when they announced the signing of Mexican national team player Hirving “Chucky” Lozano to a four-contract through the 2028 MLS season.
Lozano will finish the 2024 calendar year with the Eredivisie’s PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands before his permanent transfer to SDFC on January 1, 2025.
“Signing a player of the international stature of ‘Chucky’ Lozano is the biggest possible endorsement of our project in San Diego,” SDFC Owner and Chairman Mohamed Mansour said. “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.”
“We are excited to make history as we officially welcome ‘Chucky’ Lozano to San Diego FC as the Club’s first Designated Player,” CEO Tom Penn said. “’Chucky’ is a world-class talent, and we couldn’t think of a better star to be the face of our Club and represent our region. We are thrilled to have him join our Club as we look to build a team that will challenge for trophies. ‘Chucky’ is one of the most decorated Mexican internationals in the world, and we look forward to seeing him shine in San Diego and MLS in 2025.”
Lozano joins local goalkeeper Duran Ferree, forward Marcus Ingvartsen and midfielder Jeppe Tverskov as the club’s fourth player signing ahead of the inaugural season in 2025.
The 28-year-old international is a three-time domestic league champion with PSV Eindhoven (2017-18, 2023-24) and Italy’s Napoli (2022-23).
He has 16 goals and seven assists in 61 matches played with the Mexican national team since 2016 at age 20.
“It’s an honor to join San Diego FC as the Club’s first Designated Player,” Lozano said. “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. 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.”
Lozano is expected to be introduced to the city’s media on Thursday, June 13, at a press conference at Snapdragon Stadium.
He will make his public introduction later that day with a fan fest and public presentation, the club announced, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Additional details, including how fans can get tickets for the event, will be announced by SDFC separately.