Juan Mata leaves Melbourne Victory as a player but stays on in ownership group

Juan Mata has left Melbourne Victory as a player but will remain involved with the Australian club as part of its ownership group.

The club and the 38-year-old Spain international have not announced what he intends to do next.

Mata joined Melbourne Victory in September 2025 and was named the Australian league’s player of the year after an outstanding 2025/26 season.

Melbourne Victory football director John Didulica said Mata’s contribution had made a lasting impression on supporters and Australian football more broadly.

“Juan’s 2025/26 season will remain etched in the memory of Victory fans and should be cherished by all football fans across Australia,” Didulica said.

“His performances on the pitch and his conduct within the club set an example for others to follow.

“We thank him for everything he has given us. After choosing to join Melbourne Victory, we were delighted to see him thrive in the strong culture and high-performance environment that has been established here over several years.

“Everyone at the club is excited that he will remain part of our ownership group, and we look forward to his football experience guiding our football committee in the future.”

Mata said he had greatly enjoyed his time in Melbourne and the achievements of the previous season.

“I loved every minute and thoroughly enjoyed everything we achieved last season,” he said on the club’s website. “I rediscovered my love for football in such a special place, in a wonderful city that I was honoured to call home.

“I would like to thank my team-mates, the coaching staff and the board for their warm welcome, generous support and for allowing me to give my best to this incredible club, its members and the amazing fans whose support I continue to feel every day.

“I am now excited about the next chapters of our journey, believing together in the future of Australian football and inspiring the next generation of Melbourne Victory players and supporters.”

Mata made 25 appearances for Melbourne Victory, scoring five goals and supplying 12 assists.

He began his club career with Real Oviedo before moving to Real Madrid and then Valencia in Spain. In 2011, he joined English club Chelsea and later moved to Manchester United.

His career also included spells with Galatasaray in Turkey, Vissel Kobe in Japan and Australian side Western Sydney before his move to Melbourne Victory.

Across his club career, Mata played 699 matches, scoring 148 goals and creating 166 more.

At international level, he was part of the Spain team from the country’s golden generation that won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.