Juan Mata is back in the Isuzu UTE A-League, albeit in different colours, but the Spanish superstar returns with a big belief in emerging Australian talent and the future of the game.
The former Manchester United, Chelsea and Spain star had interest from abroad but wanted to remain in Australia, where he helped the Wanderers reach the Elimination Final last season.
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At Western Sydney, FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner Mata played alongside Johnny Warren Medallist Nicolas Milanovic (Aberdeen), star forward Zac Sapsford (Dundee United) and talented midfielder Oscar Priestman (Motherwell), who have all since earned moves abroad in Scotland.
It is a similar story at Mata’s new club Victory, where Kasey Bos (Mainz), Ryan Teague (KV Mechelen) were lured overseas while Socceroo Nishan Velupillay and Victory Medallist Jordi Valadon continue to impress as more international clubs turn to the A-Leagues market.
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“I had experience with Wanderers last season and the three that you mentioned, right? Milanovic, Zac and Oscar and many others that I think are ready to make that big step,” Mata told reporters.
“This is one of the things that I I think there’s a lot of potential here for young players. I think there’s talent, they’re having the minutes that they need in the A-League, and I think most of them, they’re ready for that big dream, which is going to Europe and try to to perform.
“I really believe that the future can be bright in Australia, in football, because the willingness and the potential is there, and they only need the confidence. And of course, the luck is with them, also in Europe. But I think there’s big potential in the country.”
Mata arrived back in Australia on Tuesday morning, meeting his new teammates before heading interstate for a pre-season camp with eyes firmly on Round 1 against reigning premiers Auckland FC on October 18.
The 37-year-old, who insisted he and Victory are on the same page both on and off the field, is gearing up for his second A-Leagues season.
Mata has already had a taste of the league and he is eager for more after his experiences in 2024-25, which wowed some of his former star teammates abroad.
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“It happened last year when I posted something on my social media,” Mata revealed. “Between the games we played between Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC and the atmosphere between City and Victory.
“I had so many ex-teammates asking me, ‘Wow we didn’t know this atmosphere is in the A-League.
“And I tell them that the reality is good. I understand that A-League is in a challenging moment financially, and I only see a way up.
“I only see that this country is going to keep improving, and hopefully some players out there in Europe right now can come to Australia now or in a couple of years, and can help raise the standards, because I think it’s the way that it’s going to develop.”
