SAN DIEGO -- San Diego F.C. presented Mexican star forward Hirving "Chucky" Lozano in front of over 10,000 fans at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on Thursday night.
He is the expansion team's first designated player and was greeted by thundering cheers of "El Chucky Lozano," a chant that he receives from Mexican fans worldwide.
Player presentations are not common outside of the world of football, but Lozano's didn't disappoint. Reggaeton artist Lunay performed before the Mexican star was presented. Then smoke, pyro, and fireworks lit up the sky as Lozano was showered with love from the San Diego FC fans.
San Diego FC present their first superstar Chucky Lozano to their fans. pic.twitter.com/OQGiytUAyZ
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) June 14, 2024
Earlier on Thursday, Lozano was presented to the media at Snapdragon Stadium, where San Diego F.C. will play their games this season.
His message was clear.
"I want to win championships [in] San Diego and make my mark to this league," Lozano said.
Lozano won with his home club, Pachuca, at PSV Eindhoven (Dutch League) and Napoli (Italian League).
He has also scored many goals, but none more famous than his 2018 World Cup goal, which gave Mexico its second win all-time against Germany and put Lozano on the national radar.
"My objective is to work hard and give my all for San Diego, and we'll work hard to give San Diego championships and titles, and I think we're going to be a great, great team in MLS," Lozano said via an interpreter. "I think the base is there, and I'm sure we'll be doing great."
San Diego FC fans getting ready for the presentation of their new superstar Chucky Lozano. pic.twitter.com/GeMuaitwz8
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) June 14, 2024
The signing does two things: one is getting a player who has scored 119 career goals plus 74 assists, and two, with San Diego being a border town, could mean fans from down south could come to watch him play.
San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn explained that the Mexican star will need some help.
"He can't do it alone," Penn said. "I think he's a clear signal to the market that that's what we're after. When you make a signing like this, you expect him to be a very elite player in the league, and you expect to then invest beyond just in him in a roster that's worthy of his talent and is worthy of this stadium and is worthy of this market."
The newest club in MLS has been linked to former Real Madrid superstar Sergio Ramos and Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne. Either signing would be huge for the club because of the star power both players present, as well as their dedication to bringing the best to San Diego.
They will need help with the star power in Miami led by Lionel Messi, LAFC with Carlos Vela, and Real Salt Lake with Cristian Arango.
This is the line to get into the presentation of Chucky Lozano as the newest player of San Diego FC. pic.twitter.com/ro954FhSib
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) June 14, 2024
Lozano will return to PSV and play with the club during the fall portion of their season. When the winter transfer market opens, he will come to San Diego to play with the team in February 2025.
"We're looking forward to watching Chucky make his debut and make a key contribution to us in 2025 and beyond," San Diego FC's chief soccer officer, Tyler Heaps, said.
