Photo Credit: Melbourne Victory
World Cup Winner Juan Mata Leaves Melbourne Victory, Joins Ownership Group
Spanish World Cup winner Juan Mata has left Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory and will not play another season for the club, but has not retired from professional football.

The 38-year-old former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder made the decision as he considers “the next steps in his career” after a standout 2025-26 season where he was voted the A-League Player of the Year.

Mata will remain with the club off the pitch after taking a minority ownership stake, a deal he announced in June. He will become chair of Victory’s newly established football committee.

In a statement, Mata said: “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”.

Victory’s football director John Didulica praised Mata’s impact, saying his 2025/26 season “will live long in the memory of Victory fans”.

Mata, who was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad and won the Champions League with Chelsea, joined Melbourne Victory in 2025 after a season with Western Sydney Wanderers. He also holds stakes in Formula One team Alpine and MLS club San Diego FC.
Source: Punch Nigeria / AFP –