It has been three years since Juan Mata left Manchester United to join Galatasaray.
Juan Mata is currently playing for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia after one year at Vissel Kobe.
The Spanish midfielder has been enjoying football around the globe since leaving the Premier League, from Turkey to Asia and Down Under.
Mata already had a wealth of experience from his time at Manchester United and the Spain national team.
After winning the Premier League and Champions League at Chelsea, Mata signed for United and spent eight years at Old Trafford. He won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during his time at United and became a veteran in the squad before eventually leaving.
Since leaving United, Mata has won the J1 League and Super Lig to keep his name as a winner.
Mata is still in regular contact with United players such as Bruno Fernandes, and he is often seen in the comment section of Instagram posts responding to his former teammates.
Fernandes even suggested he might follow Mata by moving to the A-League at a later stage of his career.
A-League Men Rd 29 - Macarthur FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
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Juan Mata collects MBE for services in sports and charity
Former United midfielder Mata was honoured with his MBE for services to sport and charity, after he was included in His Majesty King Charles III’s 2023 list of Honorary Awards to foreign nationals.
Mata received his prestigious award on 27 June at the Madrid residence of the British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis.
The MBE recognises Mata’s achievements in football, after winning the World Cup and European Championship with Spain, as well as two Europa Leagues, the Champions League, one FA Cup and a League Cup at club level.
🚨 OFFICIAL
🎖️ Former #MUFC player Juan Mata has collected his MBE for services to sport and charity.
🇪🇸The Spaniard received his prestigious award at the Madrid residence of the British Ambassador to Spain. pic.twitter.com/lhpUXc2Zch
— Beyond United (@BeyondUTD1) July 2, 2025
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It would be fair to say Mata did it all on the pitch, and he is still playing football.
Mata has also done a lot for charity since his days at United. In 2017, he co-founded Common Goal to ask its members to pledge one per cent of their earnings. There are currently 250 footballers and coaches part of the movement.
“I’m deeply grateful for this recognition,” Mata said, reacting to his MBE, as quoted by ManUtd.com.
“I’m fortunate to be able to dedicate myself professionally to what I’m most passionate about – football – and even more so that it’s something with such global significance.
“Sport, in general, and football, in particular, have a unique ability to unite and connect people, and to drive positive change. This honour strengthens our commitment to continue supporting those who strive to improve lives through our beloved game.”
Once retired, Mata will have to visit Old Trafford again, especially to show off his new title.
Western Sydney Wanderers offer Mata extension
Western Sydney Wanderers offered Mata an opportunity to remain at the club for one more year, as per the Daily Mail.
This comes as a surprise considering Mata spent large parts of the A-League season on the bench.
The 36-year-old is not thought to be considering retirement, but it remains to be seen if he will remain in Australia or return to Europe before hanging up his boots.
Mata’s arrival brought great excitement last September and it was widely anticipated he would play a key role for the Wanderers this season. That wasn’t the case as Mata started just seven matches and made 13 appearances under coach Alen Atajcic.