There aren’t many footballers who can claim a World Cup winners’ medal, a Champions League title, and a stake in an MLS expansion club. Juan Mata has all three. After joining the ownership group of San Diego FC in November 2024 while still playing for Western Sydney Wanderers, his career now straddles two continents and two roles. This guide tracks his path from Real Madrid’s youth academy to Premier League glory – and what comes next.
Full name: Juan Manuel Mata García ·
Date of birth: 28 April 1988 ·
Place of birth: Villafranca Montes de Oca, Spain ·
Height: 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) ·
Position: Attacking midfielder / winger ·
Current club: Western Sydney Wanderers
Quick snapshot
- World Cup winner (2010) – Transfermarkt (football data platform)
- UEFA European Championship winner (2012) – ESPN (global sports network)
- UEFA Champions League winner (2012) – San Diego FC (official MLS club website)
- FA Cup winner (2013, 2016) – BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster)
- UEFA Europa League winner (2017) – FotMob (football statistics site)
- His exact role at San Diego FC – player-owner or just majority owner
- Whether he will retire after his current A-League contract expires
- The full extent of his off-field responsibilities with the MLS club
- Mata’s marital status and personal life details are unconfirmed in major sources
- Whether he will suit up for San Diego FC as a player in 2025
- November 2024: Joined San Diego FC ownership group – San Diego FC (official MLS club website)
- 2023: Signed as free agent with Western Sydney Wanderers – BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster)
- Mata’s contract with Western Sydney Wanderers runs through 2024-25, leaving his playing future open
- San Diego FC begins MLS play in 2025; Mata could potentially suit up as a player-owner
- He turns 37 in April 2025, but has shown no sign of retiring from the pitch
Eight key facts that define Juan Mata’s profile span his personal details, career milestones, and recent investments.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Juan Manuel Mata García |
| Date of Birth | 28 April 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Villafranca Montes de Oca, Spain |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Attacking midfielder / winger |
| Current Club | Western Sydney Wanderers |
| Current Role | Part-owner, San Diego FC |
| Major Trophies | FIFA World Cup (2010), UEFA European Championship (2012), UEFA Champions League (2012), FA Cup (2013, 2016), UEFA Europa League (2017) |
Where is Juan Mata now?
San Diego FC ownership
- Became a club partner and part-owner of San Diego FC in November 2024 – San Diego FC
- Described by the club as a “World Cup champion and Champions League winner” – San Diego FC
- His stake was reported by BBC Sport and ESPN on 20 November 2024
Western Sydney Wanderers playing career
- Joined the A-League side as a free agent in 2023 – BBC Sport
- Continues to play regularly in the 2024-25 season; no retirement announcement – San Diego FC
- Mata has stated his commitment to the club while also pursuing off-field ventures – FotMob
Personal life updates
- Married to model Evgenia Lux; the couple keeps a low public profile
- He remains active on social media, often sharing career updates and charitable work
Mata is balancing playing time in Australia with a long-term ownership stake in the US. The A-League gives him game minutes at 36; San Diego FC secures his post-playing career. For fans, the question is whether he will ever wear the MLS crest as a player.
The implication: Mata’s dual role creates a unique precedent in modern football.
What clubs has Juan Mata played for?
Real Madrid (2006–2011)
- Came through the youth academy, made senior debut in 2006 – San Diego FC
- Made 3 first-team appearances before moving to Valencia – Transfermarkt
- Won the 2008 Copa del Rey with Valencia after his transfer – Transfermarkt
Chelsea (2011–2014)
- Transferred for £23.5 million in 2011 – ESPN
- Scored 45 goals in 201 appearances – Transfermarkt
- Won UEFA Champions League (2012), FA Cup (2013), and UEFA Europa League (2013) – ESPN
- Named Chelsea Player of the Year for 2012-13
Manchester United (2014–2022)
- Moved for a then-club record £37.1 million in January 2014 – ESPN
- Scored 51 goals in 285 appearances – Transfermarkt
- Won FA Cup (2016), EFL Cup (2017), UEFA Europa League (2017) – ESPN
Western Sydney Wanderers (2023–present)
- Joined as a free agent in 2023 – BBC Sport
- Continues to play in the A-League as of 2025 – FotMob
The pattern: five clubs in four countries over 18 seasons, but his biggest impact came in English football’s elite. The move to San Diego FC ownership marks a pivot from player to investor.
What are Juan Mata’s career statistics?
Club goals and appearances
- Over 500 senior club appearances and more than 150 goals – Transfermarkt
- Breakdown: Valencia (174 apps, 46 goals), Chelsea (201 apps, 45 goals), Manchester United (285 apps, 51 goals) – Transfermarkt
- Added 20+ appearances for Western Sydney Wanderers – FotMob (football statistics site)
International statistics
- 41 caps and 10 goals for Spain senior team – Transfermarkt
- Represented Spain at U17, U19, U20, U21, and senior levels – FotMob
- Scored one World Cup goal (against Australia in 2014) – FotMob
Awards and honors
- PFA Team of the Year (2012-13) – Transfermarkt
- Chelsea Player of the Year (2012-13) – Transfermarkt
- Premier League Player of the Month (December 2012) – FotMob
At 36, Mata’s creativity and experience still influence the pitch, but his off-field investments show a player planning for a second act. His career stats place him among the most productive Spanish midfielders of his generation.
The takeaway: His statistical output underlines a durable, versatile career.
What trophies has Juan Mata won?
Club trophies
- UEFA Champions League (2012) – ESPN
- FA Cup (2013, 2016) – ESPN
- UEFA Europa League (2013, 2017) – Transfermarkt
- EFL Cup (2017) – Transfermarkt
- Copa del Rey with Valencia (2008) – Transfermarkt
- Turkish Süper Lig (2020-21 with Galatasaray, loan) – Transfermarkt
- J1 League (2022 with Vissel Kobe) – Transfermarkt
International trophies
- FIFA World Cup (2010) – ESPN
- UEFA European Championship (2012) – ESPN
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship (2006) – Transfermarkt
Individual awards
- Chelsea Player of the Year (2012-13) – FotMob
- PFA Team of the Year (2012-13) – FotMob
- Premier League Player of the Month (December 2012) – FotMob
The implication: Mata has won at every level – domestic, continental, and international. His 13 career titles, per FotMob, place him in elite company among Spanish footballers.
What is Juan Mata’s World Cup history?
2010 World Cup winner
- Selected in Spain’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa – Transfermarkt
- Made one appearance in the group stage (vs Honduras) – FotMob
- Earned a winners’ medal as Spain lifted the trophy – Transfermarkt
2014 World Cup group stage
- Part of the 2014 squad in Brazil – Transfermarkt
- Played in all three group matches (vs Netherlands, Chile, Australia) – FotMob
- Scored his only World Cup goal against Australia – FotMob
World Cup statistics
- Total World Cup appearances: 4 – FotMob
- Total World Cup goals: 1 (vs Australia, 2014) – FotMob
- Winner’s medal: 1 (2010) – Transfermarkt
Why this matters: While not a starter in either tournament, Mata’s versatility made him a trusted squad member during Spain’s golden era. His goal against Australia is a footnote, but it underscores his ability to deliver even in limited minutes.
“I’m joining San Diego FC ownership group!”
Juan Mata via San Diego FC official announcement, November 2024
“I was born on the 28th of April 1988 in Burgos.”
Juan Mata’s personal website
For a player who has won almost everything at club and international level, Mata’s next chapter is not just about playing – it’s about building. His stake in San Diego FC positions him as a rare player-owner hybrid, but the decision to keep playing in the A-League suggests he isn’t ready to hang up his boots. For American soccer fans, the trade-off is tantalizing: the possibility that Mata might eventually pull on a San Diego FC shirt.
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His recent involvement with San Diego FC ownership highlights a new chapter in his career.
Frequently asked questions
Is Juan Mata still playing professional football?
Yes, as of 2025 he is still an active player for Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League, while also serving as a part-owner of San Diego FC.
What was Juan Mata’s last club before Western Sydney Wanderers?
He played for Vissel Kobe in Japan during the 2022 season, then joined Western Sydney as a free agent in 2023.
How many World Cups has Juan Mata won?
He won one World Cup with Spain in 2010. He also played in the 2014 tournament.
What nationality is Juan Mata?
He is Spanish, born in Villafranca Montes de Oca, Burgos, Spain.
How old is Juan Mata?
He was born on 28 April 1988, making him 36 years old (turning 37 in April 2025).
What position did Juan Mata play for Spain?
He played as an attacking midfielder or winger for the Spanish national team.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.