Posted by Chinenye on Fri 11th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
Spanish football star Juan Mata has brought his playing chapter with Melbourne Victory to an end after a remarkable season in Australia.
(Juan Mata. Photo Credit: Yahoo Sport)
Spanish World Cup winner Juan Mata has decided not to play another season with Australian club Melbourne Victory, though he hasn't ruled out playing football elsewhere.
The 38-year-old had a successful year with the club after his late-career resurgence.
He was voted the league's best player for the 2025-26 season, proving that he still has plenty of quality left.
However, he wants to take time to think about his next move.
While he won't be on the pitch for Victory anymore, he's staying connected to the club.
He took an ownership stake in the team earlier this year and will now chair their newly created football committee.
Mata spoke warmly about his time in Australia, saying he loved everything about being at the club and the city.
He rediscovered his passion for football during his time there. Now he's excited about what comes next, both for his own career and for helping develop Australian football and the next generation of Victory players.
Victory's football director praised Mata's impact during the season and said the club is thrilled he's joining their ownership group.
He hopes Mata's football knowledge will guide the club's football committee going forward.
Mata had a nomadic final years before joining Victory.
He played for Manchester United and Chelsea earlier in his career, won the World Cup with Spain in 2010, and won the Champions League with Chelsea.
Before Melbourne, he had a season with another Australian club.
Outside football, he also has ownership stakes in a Formula One team and an American soccer club.