Melbourne Victory have announced Juan Mata has officially ended his time at the club as a player.However, Mata’s association with Victory will continue.Mata’s one-season stint proved he has plenty of magic left in his bootsGettyThe club confirmed Mata will now ‘concentrate his expertise with Victory on his position in the club’s ownership group’.Mata will also take up the position as chair of Victory’s newly-established football committee.Juan Mata issues statement after leaving Melbourne Victory“I loved every minute and so greatly enjoyed everything that we achieved last season, falling back in love with football at such a special place, in an amazing city that it was a privilege to call home,” Mata said.“Thanks to my teammates, the staff and the Board for welcoming me so warmly, supporting me so generously, and allowing me to give my best for this wonderful Club and the amazing members and fans whose support I still feel every day. “Now I am excited about our next chapters, believing together in the future of Australian football and inspiring the next generation of Melbourne Victory players and supporters.”Victory’s director of football John Didulica added: “Juan’s 2025/26 season will live long in the memory of Victory fans and should be cherished by all supporters of the world’s game here in Australia. “The way he performed on the pitch and the way he conducted himself around the Club were both exemplary.“We thank him for everything he delivered and were delighted that, after he chose to join Melbourne Victory, he was able to excel within the strong culture and high-performance environment established here over several years. “Everyone at the Club is excited that he is part of our ownership group and, in the future, looks forward to his football intelligence leading our football committee.” Has Juan Mata retired?Despite Mata stepping into more administrative roles with Victory, he has not hung up his boots just yet.Mata’s 12 assists for the Victory was the most he’d contributed in a single season since the 2012/13 campaignGettyThe Spanish star is now back in Europe as he considers the next steps in his career.Mata leaves the Victorian outfit after just one season, although it was one in which he reminded the world of his play-making brilliance.The 38-year-old registered five goals and 12 assists in 25 appearances for Victory in the 2025/26 campaign, earning him the Johnny Warren Medal, which is given to the A-League’s most valuable player.Mata also earned an inclusion in the PFA’s Team of the Season and was named the A-League Playmaker of the Year, further underlining his brilliance for the Victory.Sadly Mata could not add to his trophy cabinet while in Melbourne, as the Victory were knocked out in the elimination final by Sydney FC.Who else has Juan Mata played for in his career?Mata is now on the lookout for his eighth different club in a playing career that has spanned England, Turkey, Japan and Australia.Mata brings Champions League expertise to wherever he lands nextGettyHe began his senior career in Spain with Valencia before Chelsea came calling in 2011.Mata enjoyed two-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge, only to join Manchester United.The Spaniard remained with the Red Devils until 2022, when he joined Galatasaray.Moves to Japanese side Vissel Kobe and A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers followed before he wound up with the Victory.