Juan Mata has committed to taking an ownership stake in Melbourne Victory, the club where he played during the 2025-26 campaign. The Asturiana-born midfielder will assume an institutional role that will begin whenever he decides to retire from professional football, extending well beyond his days as a player.
Melbourne Victory announced the agreement across their official channels, noting that this partnership is completely separate from his playing contract. It reflects a shared vision for the future of both the club and the A-League, one that will continue long after he hangs up his boots. Once he steps away from the pitch, Juan will chair a newly created football committee at Melbourne Victory, bringing all his experience and football knowledge to the club’s sporting decisions.
This meaningful step makes Mata one of the very few active international footballers in the world to hold an ownership stake in their current club. With this move, Melbourne Victory joins a sports investment portfolio that already includes the BWT Alpine Formula One Team and MLS side San Diego FC.
“Australian football has a future I genuinely believe in. 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.”
Juan Mata
Melbourne Victory Chairman, John Dovaston, said: “To have a player of Juan’s calibre choose to take an ownership interest in Melbourne Victory is a significant moment for this Club and for Australian football. 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 agreement is structured to grant Mata a significant long-term minority stake, reflecting his full confidence in the project’s strategic direction. The transaction is designed to solidify a lasting partnership, allowing Juan to integrate with the existing ownership group and align his aspirations and interests with the future performance of Melbourne Victory.
