Mata Embarks on New Chapter with Melbourne Victory
By Joey Lynch
November 6, 2025, 05:00 PM ET
MELBOURNE, Australia — The cities of Mandurah and Bunbury may not be household names in Australia, but they are now part of Juan Mata’s journey as he signs with Melbourne Victory. The 37-year-old has a distinguished career, boasting titles such as a World Cup with Spain, a Champions League trophy with Chelsea, and an FA Cup with Manchester United, and he is now eager to make an impact in the A-League.
Recently arriving back in Australia, Mata signed with Victory after a stint with the Western Sydney Wanderers concluded at the end of the 2024-25 A-League Men season. His travels included a flight from Europe to California, where he is a part-owner of San Diego FC, before heading to Melbourne to finalize his contract and meet the media.
His journey to join his new club for pre-season began with a four-hour flight, somewhat comparable to traveling from London to Moscow.
“Traveling was challenging, but it’s been great to integrate with the team and get to know everybody,” Mata expressed to ESPN. “When you join a short camp like this, you bond with your teammates more effectively.”
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In a humble setting, Mata is rooming with Socceroos defender Jason Davidson, reminiscent of their previous encounter during the group stages of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Mata substituted in a 3-0 victory against Australia.
<p"We reminisced about the World Cup," Davidson noted to ESPN. "We even looked at some old photos; it was amusing to see clips of that match where we played each other." The former teammates reminisced about their time in England, where Davidson was on the bench during a game in which his then-team, West Bromwich Albion, triumphed over Manchester United.
This weekend, Mata is poised to experience his first Melbourne Derby against rival club Melbourne City. After coming off the bench in the opening rounds of the A-League season, he made his debut start against Perth Glory, assuming his favored No. 10 role and scoring his first goal for Victory. Kitman Johnny Nguyen assisted in warming him up, and Mata’s impressive skills have left his new teammates impressed.
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Mata’s contributions have not gone unnoticed by Victory head coach Arthur Diles. He acknowledged that while Mata was not initially anticipated to be ready for their season opener, the player put in the effort to be fit.
<p"There aren't many matches in Australia," Mata laughed, reflecting on the A-League's 26-game season. "I aimed to be ready as soon as possible."
The decision for Mata to join Victory surprised many, considering his challenging previous season with the Wanderers, where he accumulated only 599 minutes of play. His time in Sydney was marred by limited playing opportunities and tensions within the club, with Mata’s representative commenting on the “disrespect” shown by the Wanderers, a statement the then-coach Stajcic deemed inappropriate.
<pInitially offered to Sydney FC, Mata's tenure with the Wanderers was fraught with issues, leading to an underwhelming stint as they exited the playoffs. Despite the rocky start in Australia, Mata's ambition to continue playing was evident.
<p"I wanted to show that I can still enjoy the game and contribute," he declared. "I didn't want to end my career without playing much. My love for football is still alive, and I always emphasize that younger players should not let external factors diminish their passion for the game."
Reflecting on his journey, Mata expressed gratitude for football’s opportunities. Moving from grand arenas like Stamford Bridge to the vibrant landscapes of Australia has enriched his life. At his introductory press conference in Melbourne, he sought recommendations on the best coffee spots to embrace the local culture.
“Australia offers so much in terms of scenery and a relaxed lifestyle,” Mata shared. “For this stage of my career, it feels like a perfect fit. While I’m considering other countries for future opportunities, nothing stands out at the moment.”
Playing for clubs like the Wanderers or Victory, in a country where football isn’t the dominant sport, has its own allure.
<p"There's a difference. Throughout your career, the enjoyment of the game can lessen as expectations grow. However, I remind myself why I started—because I loved football. I aim to reconnect with that passion from my childhood when I watched my father play."
<p"This joy—the love of the game—is the reason I'm still playing," he concluded. "When I'm on the pitch, whether training or competing, that enjoyment remains."
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