Former Chelsea and Man Utd star Mata swaps Sydney for Melbourne Victory

Former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has joined Melbourne Victory after leaving their A-League rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.

Mata moved Down Under last September after making just a single appearance for J1 League club Vissel Kobe in 2023-24.

He appeared 23 times as the Wanderers finished fourth in the 2024-25 regular season and fell at the first hurdle in the finals, scoring once and supplying three assists.

Despite leaving upon the expiration of his contract, Mata will spend another year in Australia with the team that lost last season's grand final, going down 1-0 to rivals Melbourne City.

Victory head coach Arthur Diles told the club's website: "We are incredibly fortunate to add someone of Juan's experience and character to the squad. 

"We are excited to welcome him into the changing room, where we have no doubt his leadership and knowledge of the game will elevate the whole team."

A World Cup and European Championship winner with Spain, Mata made 82 Premier League appearances for Chelsea between 2011 and 2014, scoring 18 goals and providing 27 assists.

He also helped the Blues win the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Europa League before joining United, for whom he made a further 196 Premier League appearances, scoring 34 goals and supplying 27 assists.

He helped the Red Devils win the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League before his departure in 2022. 

Only five players have made more league appearances for United since the retirement of legendary manager Alex Ferguson in 2013 – David de Gea (358), Marcus Rashford (287), Anthony Martial (209), Luke Shaw (202) and Bruno Fernandes (199).