Juan Mata rolled back the years with two sensational finishes – including a 40-yard stunner – for A-League side Melbourne Victory.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United man, 37, is enjoying something of a renaissance in Australia having won the top flight’s Player of the Month for January.
Mata signed for Victory last September after a turbulent few years since leaving Old Trafford – including a bizarre stint for Japan’s Vissel Kobe where he made just one appearance – and appears to have found his form again.
With his side facing rivals Melbourne City on Saturday, the Spaniard opened the scoring after 20 minutes in astonishing fashion, latching onto a loose ball and lobbing the goalkeeper from way out.
City levelled the scoring to keep the teams level at half-time, but the World Cup-winner once again produced a moment of magic to put Victory 2-1 up in the 64th-minute.
Unmarked at the edge of the box, Mata controlled the ball with his left foot before teeing up a shot straight into the top left corner to spark pandemonium in the stands.
Juan Mata rolled back the years with two incredible finishes for Melbourne Victory on Saturday
Mata received a standing ovation and was awarded Player of the Match for his performance
Victory ran out 3-1 winners in the end, with the 37-year-old receiving a standing ovation and awarded Player of the Match.
Mata’s two goals take him to three for the season, and add to his already impressive assist tally of eight.
The attacking midfielder, who won the 2010 World Cup and has multiple European honours to his name, first moved Down Under in September 2024 to join Western Sydney Wanderers.
However, his time at the club was soured due to a falling out with manager Alan Stajcic over a lack of game time.
Mata broke through in the Real Madrid academy before catching the eye of Europe’s elite at Valencia, where he won a Copa del Rey during his spell from 2007 until 2011.
Chelsea quickly came calling and Mata would go on to make 135 appearances at Stamford Bridge, scoring 33 times and assisting 53 during a trophy-laden spell which seen him win a Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.
However, he fell out of favour under Jose Mourinho and moved to Man United in January 2014.
Mata made 285 appearances for United, scoring 51 times and assisting 44 goals for his team-mates.Â
The Spaniard moved to Chelsea after an impressive breakthrough at La Liga side Valencia
Mata was sold to Manchester United in 2014 and he would spend eight years at Old Trafford
He won four trophies with the club, three of which (Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield) came in the 2016-17 season under Mourinho after the Portuguese moved to Old Trafford. Mata also won the 2016 FA Cup and left United in 2022.
The Spaniard won the 2012 European Championships with his nation, and last played for the country in 2016.
He received an Honorary MBE after making King Charles III’s 2023 list for services to sport and charity, following his founding of Common Goal, an organisation that employs more than 250 footballers and coaches.
‘I’m deeply grateful for this recognition’ Mata said last June upon receiving the award.Â
‘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.Â
‘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.’Â
