Melbourne Victory is thrilled to announce the signing of Juan Mata ahead of the 2025/26 A-League Men’s Season.
With one of the finest careers in world football, Mata is a FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA European Championship winner and has spent the greatest part of his career with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Valencia, and the Spanish National Team.
A supremely gifted midfielder with iconic technical ability and a magical left foot, Mata’s career began at Real Oviedo before earning the move to Real Madrid’s youth academy as a 15-year-old in 2003.
After impressing in Los Blancos’ youth ranks, Mata made the move to Valencia in 2007 and quickly became a key player for the La Liga club.
The Burgos-born wizard would record 46 goals and 52 assists in 174 appearances for Valencia, while most notably lifting the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain.
Mata holding football’s ultimate glory in 2010 at just 22 years of age.
Mata would eventually move on to London giants Chelsea in 2011 and start exceptionally well for the Blues, winning the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup within his first season, while also being recognised as Chelsea’s Player of the Year.
Off the back of his club season, Mata would retain his place in Spain’s legendary squad for the UEFA Euros in 2012 and famously score the fourth goal in Spain’s 4-0 win in the Final over Italy.
Mata scoring past Gianluigi Buffon in the 2012 European Championship Final.
His 2012/13 season would arguably be his most impressive individual campaign, finishing with a remarkable 20 goals and 35 assists in all competitions and capping it off with a UEFA Europa League title, earning an array of awards for his play.
Mata celebrating Chelsea’s Europa League glory in 2013 alongside Chelsea greats.
Mata would go on to make the switch to Manchester United in January 2014, joining the Red Devils for a then club-record transfer fee.
Arriving at Old Trafford in a period of transition from legendary head coach Sir Alex Ferguson to David Moyes, the Spaniard would consistently be one of United’s bright sparks with his unparalleled creative ability and footballing intelligence.
Mata’s iconic bicycle kick to score his second goal at ‘Juanfield’ in 2015.
Playing a whopping 285 games for United, Mata would help the club win the FA Cup, League Cup, FA Community Shield, and their first-ever UEFA Europa League in 2016/17.
In 2022 and 2023, Mata would win league titles in Turkey and Japan with Galatasaray and Vissel Kobe respectively, before travelling down under last season.
Significantly, it is Mata’s vision for sport off the field which has enhanced his reputation and seen him emerge as one of the most respected players in world football.
In 2017, Mata co-founded Common Goal, a charity that encourages professional footballers and coaches to contribute part of their salary in support of collective initiatives, including anti-racism, gender equality, and environmental action.
Mata is also involved with Right to Dream, a community of dreamers dedicated to expanding people’s understanding of excellence through football and in June 2025 received an Honorary MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to sport and charity.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Arthur Diles said he was delighted to be adding Mata to the team ahead of our 25/26 A-Leagues campaign:
“We are incredibly fortunate to add someone of Juan’s experience and character to the squad. We are excited to welcome him into the changeroom, where we have no doubt his leadership and knowledge of the game will elevate the whole team.”
“Juan’s playing ambitions for this season and his long-term history of success with the game, align perfectly with the way we want to play for our chance to win trophies this season”
Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, said Juan Mata’s signing presents a significant opportunity to not only strengthen the Club on the field, but also to collaborate with Juan in championing the growth of football off the pitch across Australia.
“Melbourne Victory has a vision to lead, unite, connect, and inspire through football. Having Juan at the Club further enables us to drive positive change for the Club, the community, and the League; which is exceptionally important to us. Our vision aligns perfectly with Juan’s. Through his actions, he has dedicated himself to football’s unique ability to unite and connect people.”
“Since the potential of Juan’s signing was first made public, we have been inundated with community groups who can’t wait to come along and show their colours and support for his career in Melbourne, and we look forward to seeing them all in Round 1 at AAMI Park!”
Mata said he is looking forward to working with the Club to contribute to on-field success while bringing people together and connecting the community through football.
“I am excited to be coming to Melbourne and to be part of one of the most respected Clubs in the League and playing in front of the incredible members and fans.
I am driven and motivated to help this team win trophies, and to work with the Club as part of a longer-term plan to strengthen football in the country.”
Mata joins recruits Denis Genreau, Jason Davidson, Keegan Jelacic, Louis D’Arrigo, Matthew Grimaldi, Sebastian Esposito, Franco Lino, Jack Warshawsky, who have all joined the Club ahead of the upcoming A-Leagues Season, together with the re-signings of Roderick Miranda, Adama Traoré, Santos, Kayne Razmovski and Luka Kolic and the signings of five young talents.
