Juan Mata to retire from professional football at Melbourne Victory

Juan Mata will call time on his professional career at Melbourne Victory at the end of the current season. The Spanish World Cup winner has decided to retire from playing after a distinguished career across Europe's top leagues.

Mata will remain involved with the Australian club after taking an ownership stake in the A-League side. The 38-year-old has been playing in Australia since joining Melbourne Victory in 2024.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and has over 40 international caps. His decision to stay with the club in a non-playing capacity marks a new chapter in his football career.