Hazard, Cabaye, Ba, Sow invest in U.S. 2nd-tier expansion side

San Diego's new soccer franchise has attracted some premier backing ahead of joining the NASL next spring.

Chelsea star Eden Hazard, his former Lille teammates Yohan Cabaye and Moussa Sow, and ex-Blues colleague Demba Ba have all invested in the ambitious project.

"The first time I came here, the city gave me joy. I was smiling for the whole day because of the energy that is around the city is special," Ba, who plies his trade for Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League, said in the video.

"We have been waiting for this moment for the last two or three years. This is the project of our life."

Interest in American and Canadian soccer reaches far beyond MLS, as evidenced in Paolo Maldini's co-ownership of NASL-topping Miami FC, and the rebranding of USL franchise Phoenix Rising, which has since seen Omar Bravo, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Didier Drogba join the squad. The latter is also a part-owner.

"We can't wait to get started and win some games," Hazard said, according to BBC Sport.

"San Diego is a beautiful place and the love and passion the people have for soccer made this an easy choice for us. My friends and I are honoured to turn this dream into a reality."

MLS commissioner Don Garber has mentioned San Diego as a potential destination for an expansion franchise of the future. A poll for the name of the potential MLS outfit saw "Footy McFooty Face" the leading choice back in March.