Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has made a significant decision in his career.
United career
The Spaniard enjoyed great success in his career before joining Manchester United, winning the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010 with a dominant Spanish side.
He also won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012. In January 2014, he left the Blues for Manchester United and remained at the club until 2022.
Mata played a total of 285 games for the club and scored 51 goals in all competitions.
Post-United career
Mata played for one year in Turkey with Galatasaray before moving to Japan to play for Vissel Kobe.
He then moved to Australia to play for Western Sydney Wanderers, before joining Melbourne Victory in 2025.
Mata reignited his career last season, winning the club’s player of the season award and also being named in the Australian PFA Team of the Year.
The creative midfielder also purchased a stake in the club in June 2026 and was named a co-owner.
On the club’s official website, the Victory announced, “Melbourne Victory shareholder Juan Mata has elected to conclude his playing commitments at the Club.”
The statement continued, “after careful consideration, the 38-year-old, whose on-pitch contribution represented one of the most impressive individual seasons in A-Leagues history, will now concentrate his expertise with Victory on his position in the Club’s ownership group, while he considers the next steps in his career from his home in Europe. ”
Mata also gave his thoughts on his decision by asserting, “I loved every minute and so greatly enjoyed everything that we achieved last season, falling back in love with football at such a special place, in an amazing city that it was a privilege to call home.”
He then thanked his fans and teammates for their support and looked to the future by stating, “now I am excited about our next chapters, believing together in the future of Australian football and inspiring the next generation of Melbourne Victory players and supporters.”
Gracias, Juan! 💙
The 38-year-old has elected to conclude his playing commitments at the Club, concentrating his expertise on his position in the Club's ownership group, while he considers the next steps in his career. https://t.co/rQxUhNWfdu
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) September 11, 2026
Featured image Laurence Griffiths via Getty Images
