Chelsea and Man Utd icon Juan Mata makes final decision on playing future after becoming co-owner of Australian club

JUAN MATA has bowed out of his playing spell with Melbourne Victory, just months after becoming a co-owner of the Aussie club. The former Chelsea and Manchester United star has opted to focus on his role in the A-League side’s ownership group. Juan Mata has bowed out of his playing spell with Melbourne Victory Credit: Getty The 38-year-old was named as a Victory co-owner in June 2026 Credit: Getty Victory announced the final decision on Friday as Mata walks after spending only a single season as a club player. A statement read: “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.” Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! The club added that Mata will consider the next steps of his career from his home in Europe. He will also become chairman of Victory’s brand new football committee. Mata arrived at AAMI Park in September 2025 and went on to win the Johnny Warren Medal as the best player in the A-League. He also won Victory’s own player of the season award and was named in the PFA Team of the Season. And the Spaniard even helped the Victoria club reach a 15th Finals Series. Victory director of football John Didulica said: “Juan’s 2025/26 season will live long in the memory of Victory fans and should be cherished by all supporters of the world’s game here in Australia.” Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Mata featured for both Man Utd and Chelsea, notching 196 and 82 appearances, respectively Credit: EPA 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.” “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.” Mata became a shareholder in Victory earlier this year and will now take on a bigger role behind the scenes. He already has stakes in Alpine’s Formula One team and MLS side San Diego FC. The midfielder spent four years at Chelsea before joining Manchester United in 2014. He won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup during his time in England, as well as the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 with Spain. Comment now