Juan Mata Steps Back from Playing at Melbourne Victory

Juan Mata, a Spanish World Cup winner, announced on Friday that he will not continue playing for Melbourne Victory for another season, although he has not officially retired from football. The 38-year-old, who previously played for Manchester United and Chelsea, had a successful stint in the A-League, being voted the domestic player of the year for the 2025-26 season.

Mata expressed his enjoyment of the past season and his excitement for future involvement with the club, as he has taken a minority ownership stake and will chair the newly established football committee. John Didulica, the football director of Melbourne Victory, praised Mata's contributions and expressed enthusiasm for his role in the ownership group.

Mata joined Melbourne Victory in 2025 after a season with Western Sydney Wanderers and has stakes in other sports organizations, including Formula One team Alpine and Major League Soccer club San Diego FC.