Juan Mata Joins Western Sydney Wanderers

Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has signed with A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers, fulfilling his desire to keep playing football. After a stint with Japan’s Vissel Kobe, Mata expressed in May that he had no plans to retire, and his next adventure takes him to Australia, aiming to win another league title in a new country.

Mata, who previously won league titles in England, Turkey, and Japan, left Manchester United in 2022 after an eight-year spell. He joined Galatasaray for a season before moving to Vissel Kobe, where he added another championship to his collection. Now, at 36 years old, Mata is eager to take on the challenge of the A-League, citing his passion for the game and desire to make a meaningful contribution on and off the pitch.

Western Sydney Wanderers, founded in 2012, quickly established themselves as a force in Australian football. In just their second season, the club won the A-League Premiership and made history by winning the 2014 AFC Champions League, becoming the first Australian team to do so. Known for their passionate fan base and competitive spirit, the Wanderers have consistently been one of the top teams in the A-League, and Mata’s signing adds significant international experience to their squad as they seek further success.