Is this Juan Mata's last dance in Oviedo?

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Sevilla Valencia

11/09/26 21:00:00

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Juan Mata, a 38-year-old midfielder, has decided to end his time as a player at Melbourne Victory and focus on his role within the club's ownership while he considers his next professional step. The decision comes after the 2025/26 season where he played 25 games, scored 5 goals, and provided 13 assists. The Real Oviedo transfer market is considering one last dance a la Santi Cazorla.

The move does not signify a permanent retirement. Mata will remain linked to Melbourne Victory as a shareholder and is expected to lead a new football committee once his career as a player concludes, although the Australian club has already confirmed his departure from the squad.

Juan Mata leaves Melbourne Victory after his best season in Australia

Mata arrived at Melbourne Victory in September 2025, coming from Western Sydney Wanderers, and ended his only season with 5 goals and 13 assists in 25 matches. Additionally, he received the Johnny Warren Medal, the A-League's best player award, and the accolade for the best assistant in the competition.

His performance explains why his sporting future remained open over the summer. In June, after acquiring a stake in Melbourne Victory, Mata had not yet decided if he would continue playing in the 2026/27 season.

Now the situation changes. The player leaves the squad but maintains a business relationship with the club, with the financial details of his involvement not publicly disclosed. His new role will be linked to the club's sports structure once his playing career on the field concludes.

Thank you, Juan! 💙

The 38-year-old has elected to conclude his playing commitments at the Club, concentrating his expertise on his position in the Club's ownership group, while he considers the next steps in his career. https://t.co/rQxUhNWfdu

— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) September 11, 2026

Real Oviedo reappears in Juan Mata's future

Real Oviedo is an inevitable reference when talking about Juan Mata's next chapter, although there is currently no announcement confirming his return to Carlos Tartiere. The player was in the Oviedo academy between 2000 and 2003 before moving to Real Madrid.

The connection with Real Oviedo also has an economic dimension. In 2012, Mata, Santi Cazorla, and Michu participated in acquiring shares of the club during the campaign aimed at preventing its disappearance when the entity needed to raise 2 million euros.

Cazorla also represents the closest sporting precedent. The midfielder returned to Real Oviedo in 2023 after his time in Qatar, while Mata has had an international career taking him to Valencia, Chelsea, Manchester United, Galatasaray, Vissel Kobe, and Australia.

For now, Mata has not indicated whether he will follow in Santi Cazorla's steps or if there are negotiations with Oviedo. His next destination as a player remains open after closing his chapter at Melbourne Victory, so any return to Spanish football would depend on a decision that has not yet been announced.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¿Último baile de Juan Mata en Oviedo?