Signing Info:
Transferred from Chelsea, 25/01/2014, 37.1m
Previous Clubs:
Valencia, Chelsea
Debut:
28/01/2014 v Cardiff City (H) 2-0 (Premiership)
Farewell:
Contract expired 30/06/2022
Passed Away:
Biography
Juan Mata was an intelligent, technically gifted attacking midfielder who represented Manchester United from January 2014 until June 2022. Admired for his creativity, professionalism and personality, the Spanish World Cup winner made 285 competitive appearances for United, scored 51 goals and helped the club win four major honours.
Juan Manuel Mata García was born in Burgos, Spain, on 28 April 1988 and raised in Oviedo. He began playing with Real Oviedo before joining Real Madrid’s youth system at the age of 15. After progressing through Madrid’s academy, Mata played for Real Madrid Castilla but left in 2007 without making a competitive first-team appearance. He joined Valencia and quickly established himself in La Liga, helping the club win the Copa del Rey during his first season. Mata developed into one of Spanish football’s outstanding young playmakers. He scored 46 goals in 174 appearances for Valencia before moving to Chelsea in August 2011. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup and was named Chelsea’s Player of the Year in each of his first two seasons.
Despite his success, Mata lost his regular place following José Mourinho’s return as Chelsea manager in 2013. Manchester United moved to sign him during the following January transfer window.
On 25 January 2014, United completed Mata’s transfer for £37.1 million, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history at that time. He memorably arrived at United’s training ground by helicopter before signing his contract. Mata made his United debut on 28 January 2014 in a 2–0 Premier League victory over Cardiff City at Old Trafford. He played a part in the opening goal and immediately demonstrated the vision and passing ability that would characterise his United career. His first goals arrived on 5 April 2014 when he scored twice in a 4–0 victory away to Newcastle United. Mata finished his opening half-season with six goals in 15 appearances, despite United experiencing a difficult campaign under David Moyes.
The defining performance of Mata’s United career came against Liverpool at Anfield on 22 March 2015. He opened the scoring with a composed right-footed finish before producing one of the most spectacular goals in the history of the fixture. After exchanging passes with Ángel Di María, Mata launched himself into the air and scored with an acrobatic scissor kick. His two goals secured a memorable 2–1 victory and inspired supporters to nickname the stadium “Juanfield.” Mata later described the match as his finest performance for Manchester United.
Mata’s calmness, awareness and ability to operate between midfield and attack made him an important player under Louis van Gaal. Although naturally suited to a central playmaking role, he was frequently deployed from the right, moving inside to create opportunities for teammates.
During the 2015/2016 season, Mata played an important part in United’s successful FA Cup campaign. He scored the winning goal from a free-kick against Watford at Old Trafford and also found the net in a quarter-final victory over West Ham United. United faced Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley on 21 May 2016. After Jason Puncheon gave Palace a late lead, Mata equalised three minutes later by controlling Wayne Rooney’s cross and directing the ball into the net. Jesse Lingard subsequently scored in extra time to secure a 2–1 victory and give Mata his first trophy with Manchester United.
The arrival of José Mourinho as United manager reunited Mata with the coach who had allowed him to leave Chelsea. Despite predictions that Mata might again be moved on, he remained an important member of the team. United began the 2016/2017 season by defeating Leicester City in the FA Community Shield. Mata then contributed to successful campaigns in both the League Cup and Europa League. He started the 2017 League Cup final as United defeated Southampton 3–2 at Wembley. Three months later, Mata was also named in the starting side for the Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm. Goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured a 2–0 victory, completing a cup treble and earning United qualification for the Champions League.
Mata continued to produce important moments during the following seasons. On Boxing Day 2017, he scored twice in a 2–2 draw against Leicester City, including an outstanding free-kick. In October 2018, he began United’s dramatic recovery from two goals behind against Newcastle United by scoring from another free-kick. United eventually won 3–2, easing considerable pressure on manager Mourinho. A month later, Mata scored a memorable Champions League free-kick away to Juventus. United had been trailing with only minutes remaining, but Mata’s equaliser and a late own goal completed a remarkable 2–1 victory in Turin.
Although his playing time gradually decreased, Mata remained a respected and influential member of the squad. He signed a new contract in June 2019 and captained United on several occasions.
During the 2019/2020 season, he scored the only goal in an FA Cup replay victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also featured as United reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. Mata made fewer appearances during his final two campaigns but continued to display his quality when selected. He scored his final United goal from the penalty spot in a 2–1 Premier League victory away to Wolves on 23 May 2021.
His last appearance came against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on 22 May 2022. Mata started the match before being substituted during the second half. United subsequently announced that he would leave when his contract expired that summer.
Mata departed Old Trafford after eight and a half years, having accumulated 285 appearances and 51 goals. His record consisted of 196 Premier League appearances and 34 league goals, with a further 89 appearances and 17 goals in domestic cups and European competition. Following his departure, Mata joined Galatasaray and helped the Turkish club win the 2022/2023 Süper Lig championship. He subsequently played for Vissel Kobe in Japan, winning the J1 League, before continuing his career in Australia with Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory.
Mata was also a member of one of international football’s greatest teams. He represented Spain 41 times and scored ten goals, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012. He scored Spain’s final goal in their 4–0 victory over Italy in the 2012 European Championship final.
Away from football, Mata became widely respected for his charitable work. In 2017, he helped launch Common Goal, encouraging professional footballers and others within the sport to donate at least one per cent of their earnings to charitable projects.
Juan Mata may not have played in the most successful period of Manchester United’s history, but he provided many unforgettable moments. His acrobatic goal at Anfield, equaliser in the 2016 FA Cup final and free-kick against Juventus remain enduring highlights.
More than his statistics and trophies, Mata was admired for his intelligence, humility and genuine affection for the club and its supporters. He left Manchester United as one of the most popular and universally respected players of his generation.
