Spanish superstar Juan Mata has taken an ownership stake in Melbourne Victory, cementing his commitment to the A-Leagues and Australian football moving forward.
The deal is seperate to Mata’s playing commitments at Melbourne Victory, with the 38-year-old yet to decide whether or not he will continue playing in season 2026-27.
Mata’s new shareholding in Melbourne Victory is effective immediately and the reigning Johnny Warren Medallist will also chair a newly established football committee at the club once he decides to retire from professional football.
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Mata’s commitment will make him one of the few active international footballers anywhere in the world to take an ownership interest at their current club, and adds Melbourne Victory to a portfolio that already includes the BWT Alpine Formula One Team and MLS club San Diego FC.
“Australian football has a future I genuinely believe in,” said the former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder.
“From the moment I arrived at Melbourne Victory, I’ve felt the passion of this Club and the potential of the A-Leagues, and I want to be part of building what comes next – not just for a season, but for the long term.
“I have enjoyed so much this past season on the pitch, and committing to Victory as a shareholder is the natural next step. I want to thank everyone associated with the Club and across Australian football for the way they’ve welcomed me.”
While the commercial terms of the investment remain confidential, it is structured to provide Mata with a significant, long-term minority stake and reflects Mata’s confidence in the Club’s strategic direction.
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“To have a player of Juan’s calibre, a World Cup winner, a Champions League winner, a Victory Medallist and of course a Johnny Warren medallist, choose to take an ownership interest in Melbourne Victory is a significant moment for this Club and for Australian football,” said Melbourne Victory Chairman, John Dovaston.
“Juan is a discerning investor with stakes in elite sporting franchises around the world, and his decision to back Victory reflects real confidence in where this Club and the A-Leagues are heading.”
The transaction has been designed to support a long-term partnership, with Mata to take a stake alongside the Club’s existing ownership group in a way that aligns his interests with Melbourne Victory’s long-term performance, on and off the pitch.
“This is a new benchmark for the A-Leagues,” add Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie.
“Juan brings worldclass football intelligence, a serious investor’s mindset, and a clear long-term commitment.
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“Having that combination embedded in our Club is genuinely groundbreaking for the Australian game.”
A true bright spot of the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season, Mata registered 13 assists whilst scoring five goals as Victory reached the Isuzu UTE A-League Finals Series for the 15th time.
As a result of his magnificent performances Mata was then scooped the Johnny Warren Medal by a record margin whilst also being named VIctory’s Player of the Year.
