Veteran Midfielder Juan Mata Finds Renewed Joy in australian League, Defying Retirement talk
Melbourne, Australia – At 37, Juan Mata continues to defy expectations, embarking on a new chapter with Melbourne City FC after a storied career spanning some of world football’s biggest clubs. The Spanish midfielder, a Champions League and World Cup winner, revealed his driving force isn’t chasing accolades, but recapturing the simple joy of the game - a feeling he traces back to watching his father, Juan Manuel Mata, play for Burgos CF.
Mata’s journey has taken him from the youth ranks at Real Madrid to Chelsea, Manchester United, and stints in Japan and Australia, a path he deliberately chose to avoid the pressures that can diminish a player’s love for the sport. “That feeling of enjoyment can be a bit compromised,” Mata explained, reflecting on the demands of playing for elite clubs. “But I always try to tell myself, I started to play football because I wanted it, because I loved it and because I enjoyed it.”
The veteran playmaker’s decision to join Melbourne City, following spells with Vissel Kobe in Japan and Sydney Wanderers, reflects a desire for a more balanced lifestyle and a return to the roots of his passion. He actively sought local recommendations upon arriving in Melbourne, inquiring about the city’s renowned coffee culture.
“Australia is a country that offers you so much in terms of nature and a relaxed lifestyle,” Mata said. “For that time in my life and in my career, I thoght it was a good match. I’m still thinking if I am interested in any other countries for the future, but nothing comes to mind.”
Mata acknowledges that the spotlight in leagues like the A-League is less intense than at Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford, but finds appeal in the freedom that comes with reduced expectations. He emphasizes that his continued participation is “purely because of that [enjoyment]…When I’m training or when I’m in a game with the ball at my feet, I still feel that enjoyment.”
