Australian club Melbourne Victory has confirmed that former Manchester United and Spain midfielder Juan Mata will become a shareholder in the club as part of a long-term investment agreement.
Under the deal, Mata will take a minority stake in the club once he decides to retire from professional football, marking a transition from player to investor.
Beyond his financial involvement, Mata is also expected to play a strategic role in the club’s football operations. He will chair a newly created football committee at Melbourne Victory, giving him influence over the club’s long-term sporting direction.
Melbourne Victory’s Managing Director Caroline Carnegie described the agreement as a “new benchmark for the A-Leagues,” highlighting Mata’s elite football experience and global perspective as key assets for the club.
Club Chairman John Dovaston also welcomed the move, stating that having a World Cup and Champions League winner invest in the club represents a significant moment for both Melbourne Victory and Australian football.
Mata, who has played for top European clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Valencia, has increasingly built an investment portfolio alongside his playing career. His interests reportedly include stakes in Formula 1’s BWT Alpine team and MLS side San Diego FC.
The deal is seen as another step in the A-League’s ongoing push to strengthen its global profile and attract high-level international investment. The A-League continues to position itself as an emerging market in world football, competing with other major Australian sports such as rugby league, cricket, and Australian rules football.
Mata’s involvement is expected to boost both the commercial visibility and strategic credibility of Melbourne Victory as the club looks to expand its influence on and off the pitch.