Juan Open Eyes Invests In A-League To Increase Australian Football Popularity

Juan Mata is investing in A-League to further popularize Australian and New Zealand football (Instagram/@juantatagarcia).

JAKARTA - Former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata said that despite his current focus on playing for Melbourne Victory, he is open to investing in the A-League (Austrian and New Zealand Professional League) in the future after exploring the possibility of buying several clubs during the summer break.

Turning from Western Sydney Wanderers to Melbourne Victory in September 2025 to look for additional playing time, Mata made his first appearance as a starter and scored for his new side last weekend, helping them win 2-0 over Perth Glory.

As the winner of the World Cup with the Spanish National Team, Mata will now experience Melbourne Derby for the first time on Saturday, November 8, 2025, when his new team host city rivals Melbourne City-club which is part of the City Football Group which is also the owner of his former rival, Manchester City.

"Wherever the derby takes place, it doesn't matter, in Sydney, Melbourne, in Japan, in Spain, in England. Derby has always been a special game on the calendar for many supporters. I look forward to it," Mata told ESPN.

However, Melbourne Victory isn't the only Australian club to be linked to Mata during the summer break. Interestingly, it's not a matter of where he plays.

ESPN's report states the 37-year-old also invested in the A-League club. He reportedly bought shares on the Central Coast Mariners which were struggling before signing a contract at AAMI Park - Melbourne Victory headquarters - as well as being part of a league effort to issue male player licenses in Canberra.

"I'm exploring investing in A-League. I've discussed with various clubs and leagues. I'm still open to that."

"I firmly believe that there are important things in Australia, for football, that can develop. I understand the financial challenges facing the league and its clubs."

"I see that the only way is up. If I can contribute in any form to that development and growth, I will do it with pleasure."

"I think it would be great for Australian fans to watch the game in the A-League and not just follow football from afar."

"I feel like a lot of people here are following football, but they prefer the Premier League or Spanish League (LaLiga), right?"

"Differences in time are indeed difficult. Hopefully, this love of football can be realized with the increasing number of players in the A-League."

"So, yes, I am (interested in investing). I am still open to it. However, that is not my priority. My priority is to play (for victory)," said Mata.

Mata has plunged into the world of club ownership - becoming the first active international and second player after David Beckham - who was involved in MLS (Major League Soccer) when he was announced as part of the San Diego FC expansion franchise holding group while still a member of Western Sydney Wanderers last year.

Under the guidance of former assistant coach of the United States National Team, Total Varas, San Diego topped the West Region of MLS in their first year of the competition in 2025.

They will face Portland Timbers in the third match of the first round of playoff series which determines the winner on Sunday, November 9, 2025, local time.

"It's very important to have a plan. I think it's very important to have a plan with common sense and to really make decisions and take steps towards the plan."

"I really think that in the future, I don't know how many more years it will take, but I think the A-League will be better."

"I think clubs will have more financial freedom to make decisions."

"The problem is, at this time, many clubs do not have adequate finances so they have to make short-term decisions."

"So ideally, there is a point where clubs and A-League can make a medium-long-term plan and make it happen. I think it will be a different change," Mata said when asked what he wanted to see as an investor.

The Canberra team remains the focus of league officials and they continue to seek investment.

Meanwhile, News Corp. reported that Sydney Olympic FC (National Premier League/second level league) President Damon Hanlin has stepped in to fund the Central Coast Marines (A-League), which club CEO Greg Brownlow calls speculation.