Joining Melbourne Victory ahead of the 2025/26 season, World Cup and Champions League winner Juan Mata is ready to get started right away.
Landing in Melbourne early in the morning and meeting up with teammates and staff at AAMI Park, footballing legend Juan Mata had a big first day in the nation’s sporting capital.Â
Posing in Victory colours for the first time in a press conference, Mata revealed what drew him to the Club.
“I really felt the energy in the club. I really felt that they wanted me here.
“In my conversation with Arthur (Diles)… I really felt that with his style of play and players that we have in the dressing room, we can have a good season.”
Mata spoke highly of the Club, matching the high ambitions and aims to achieve league glory.Â
“Victory has always been fighting to win and it’s one of the most successful clubs in the league; that’s also one of the reasons why I’m here.
“Hopefully this season, we can do what they did last season, which is go to the finals, but change that final result and hopefully win.
“I think a Club of this size and with the fans that they have, it’s something that they deserve.”
Playing at some of the biggest clubs in the world with passionate and devoted supporters, Mata is thrilled to play in front of the famous Victory faithful at AAMI Park.Â
“I’m really looking forward to meeting them at our stadium and in the streets in Melbourne.
“I know how important Melbourne is in sports. It’s a very sporting city and I’m really looking forward to experiencing it and to meeting all the Victory fans.”
While adored for his performances on the field, Mata’s well-renowned work in charity to support initiatives, including anti-racism and gender equality, made joining Victory an attractive prospect beyond the white lines.
“What they have been doing off the pitch for many years is something that I’m interested in.
“I know the relevance of Victory in Melbourne and the fanbase and community support they have. It’s something that I also want to contribute to because it gives you a deeper feeling, a deeper meaning of where you are.”
Playing over 18 years of professional football, competing against the very best globally, Mata feels he can positively impact the up-and-coming young talent at the Club.
“They know that I’m here for anything they might need. I’ll try to help them as much as I can on the pitch with my game and with my years of experience.
“I really believe that the future can be bright in Australian football, because the willingness and potential is there, they only need the confidence.
“I only see a way up. I only see that this country is going to keep improving.”
Becoming the first player in the Club’s history to wear the jersey number of 64, Mata is “happy to be here and excited to start.”
