San Diego FC announced the acquisition of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano Thursday as the first designated player in club history, signing the winger to a four-year contract.
San Diego reached an agreement with Lozano’s current club, PSV Eindhoven, of the Eredivisie in the Netherlands to transfer him to SDFC on Jan. 1, 2025. Lozano, 28, will remain at PSV Eindhoven for the remainder of 2024.
The Mexican international’s pact continues through the end of the 2028 MLS season with two option years.
SDFC will introduce Lozano in San Diego on June 13 in a morning press conference at Snapdragon Stadium, followed by an evening fan fest at Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
“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 Mexico City native will join San Diego following an accomplished career in Europe and Mexico, playing for top international clubs including Napoli of Italy’s Serie A and C.F. Pachuca of Mexico’s Liga MX.
“‘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,” said SDFC Tom Penn.
As part of the deal, SDFC has secured the exclusive global commercial rights for Lozano’s image, likeness and endorsements across all media platforms, including advertising campaigns and special events.
Throughout his career, Lozano has tallied over 267 all-time club appearances in Europe, scoring 76 goals and recording 43 assists during his time at PSV Eindhoven and Napoli.
Lozano, known as one of the most dynamic wingers in the sport, has won titles at every club he’s been a part of, including the 2016 Liga MX Clausura and 2016-17 Concacaf Champions League titles with Pachuca, the 2017-18 and 2023-24 Eredivisie titles with PSV Eindhoven, and the 2019-20 Coppa Italia and the 2022-23 Seria A titles with Napoli.
Internationally, the winger has earned 70 caps for the Mexican National Team, netting 18 goals and 12 assists all-time for El Tricolor. Notably, Lozano has represented his country on the world’s biggest stage making seven appearances and recording one goal and one assist all-time during the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.
Lozano called the signing “an honor.”
“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,” he said.
Lozano began his professional career with Pachuca in Liga MX, where he made 149 appearances and scored 43 goals and 31 assists during his tenure with the club (2014-17).
“We are committed to building a winning team that fights for championships and this signing is a testament to that commitment,” said SDFC vice-chairman and Sycuan Tribal Chairman Cody Martinez.
On the international stage, Lozano made his senior debut for the Mexican National Team in 2016. Lozano’s memorable moments for the national team include his goal against Germany in the 2018 World Cup, which secured a historic win for Mexico against the defending World Cup champion.
Lozano also has represented Mexico at the 2016 Copa América Centenario, the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup and the Concacaf Nations League.
Lozano joins SDFC goalkeeper Duran Ferree, forward Marcus Ingvartsen and midfielder Jeppe Tverskov as the fourth player signing in club history.
Note: Headline corrected to reflect Lozano’s correct nickname.
