Melbourne Victory have confirmed reigning 2026 Johnny Warren Medalist Juan Mata has elected to conclude his playing commitments at the club.
Initially inking a one-year deal, the 38-year-old has taken careful consideration before deciding his next steps, and has now opted to depart the club following stellar indiduval 2025/26 campaign which saw him crowned the Johnny Warren Medalist by a record-breaking margin.
Having already become a stakeholder in the club, Mata will also take up a position as Chair of Victory’s newly established football committee, while he considers the next steps in his career from his home in Europe.
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Spanish World Cup winner Mata joined Victory from the Wanderers in September 2025 and produced one of the most impressive individual seasons in A-Leagues history, helping the club qualify for the Finals Series for a 15th time.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United playmaker was named the best footballer in Australia’s top-flight domestic competition after a standout campaign, while also winning the 2026 Victory Medal and earning selection in the PFA’s Team of the Season.
Mata said he had enjoyed his time at Victory and had fallen back in love with football during his season in Melbourne.
“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.
“Thanks to my teammates, the staff and the Board for welcoming me so warmly, supporting me so generously, and allowing me to give my best for this wonderful Club and the amazing members and fans whose support I still feel every day.
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“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.”
Earlier this year, Mata made a landmark commitment to Australian football by taking an ownership interest in Melbourne Victory, with Melbourne Victory Director of Football John Didulica paying tribute to Mata’s contribution both on and off the pitch.
“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,” Didulica said.
“The way he performed on the pitch and the way he conducted himself around the Club were both exemplary.
“We thank him for everything he delivered and we’re delighted that, after he chose to join Melbourne Victory, he was able to excel within the strong culture and high-performance environment established here over several years.
“Everyone at the Club is excited that he is part of our ownership group and, in the future, looks forward to his football intelligence leading our football committee.”
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Mata featured 24 times for Melbourne Victory during the 2025/26 campaign, making 20 starts and scoring five goals whilst also registering an incredible 13 assists.
Not only crowned the 2026 Johnny Warren Medalist, the World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner was also named the eToro Playmaker of the Year whilst he was also named Fan Player of the Month for both January and March.
Now without the inspirational Mata, 2026 Australia Cup finalists Victory will kick off their Isuzu UTE A-League campaign with an away trip to Wellington Phoenix on the opening weekend of the season.
