June 30 – Juan Mata has become one of the few active professional footballers to invest in the club he currently represents after agreeing to join the ownership group at Melbourne Victory. 
 
The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Spain forward has taken a minority stake in the A-League club as part of a deal designed to stretch well beyond his playing career.  
 
While Mata is still deciding whether to play on next season, Victory confirmed he will move into an executive role once he retires, chairing a newly created football committee to help shape the club’s sporting strategy. 
 
Financial details have not been disclosed, but the investment was described as a significant minority holding that aligns Mata with the club’s long-term future. 
 
The announcement follows a successful first season in Melbourne for the 38-year-old. After arriving from Western Sydney Wanderers last September, Mata scored five goals and provided 13 assists in 25 appearances, helping Victory finish fourth in the A-League before being named the competition’s player of the year with the Johnny Warren Medal. 
 
Victory believe the relationship can now evolve beyond the pitch. 
 
Mata said he sees genuine long-term potential in Australian football. 
 
“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.” 
 
Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, added: “This is a new benchmark for the A-Leagues. Juan brings world-class football intelligence, a serious investor’s mindset, and a clear long-term commitment. Having that combination embedded in our Club is genuinely groundbreaking for the Australian game.” 
 
The move adds Melbourne Victory to Mata’s growing investment portfolio. He is already a shareholder in San Diego FC, MLS’s newest franchise, and has invested in the BWT Alpine Formula One Team. 
 
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]