First, it was Chelsea legend Didier Drogba at Phoenix Rising FC.

Then came iconic U.S. Men’s National Team members Tim Howard at Memphis 901 FC and Landon Donovan at San Diego Loyal SC.

Now, it’s World Cup-winner David Villa, who became the most recent global star to become an owner in the USL Championship when Queensboro FC was unveiled as an expansion club for the 2021 season in November.

And for Villa, there’s a good reason for the involvement of himself and his fellow former stars in the league.

“The reality is that many people around soccer know that people with big names are investing in USL clubs,” Villa told Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl. “It’s a signal that something great is happening for the future.”

Villa won’t be emulating Drogba in suiting up for the new club – his final game as a player came on New Year’s Day as his Vissel Kobe side defeated the Kashima Antlers in the Final of the 2020 Emperor’s Cup in Japan. Nor will he be emulating Donovan, who is set to lead Loyal SC on the sidelines as the club’s Head Coach in its inaugural season this spring.

Instead, Villa’s role could be looked at more in the vein of Howard, now the General Manager of 901 FC after his playing retirement last fall. The Technical Director of Queensboro FC, Villa has already been at work to secure the services of the club’s first coach, which he expects will be announced soon.

“The decision is almost made,” Villa told Wahl. “It will be one of the first decisions that we need to announce as soon as possible.”