Juan Mata, whose full name is Juan Manuel Mata García, is one of Spain’s most skillful attacking midfielders. With a glittering career at Valencia, Chelsea, Manchester United, and the Spanish national team, Mata is admired not only for his technical brilliance but also for his humility and character off the pitch. Let’s explore the remarkable journey of this “Gentle Football Genius.”
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Juan Manuel Mata García was born on April 28, 1988, in Burgos, Spain, but grew up in Oviedo, Asturias. His father, Juan Manuel Mata Rodríguez, was a professional striker for Burgos CF during the 1980s and 1990s and later became his FIFA-licensed agent. Inspired and guided by his father, Mata grew up passionate about football—while also enjoying table tennis, which he still plays to relax.
Mata began his youth career at local club Real Oviedo in 2000, before joining Real Madrid’s prestigious academy, La Fábrica, in 2003. He rose through the ranks, impressing in Cadete A, Juvenil C, and Juvenil A. In the 2005–06 season, he scored five goals across competitions, helping Real Madrid’s youth side win the Copa de Campeones.
Club Career
Real Madrid Castilla (2006–2007):
Mata made his professional debut with Real Madrid Castilla in Spain’s Segunda División during the 2006–07 season. Despite the team’s relegation, his performances stood out and opened the door for a move to Valencia.
Valencia (2007–2011):
Mata joined Valencia in the summer of 2007 on a free transfer. Over four seasons, he became a key player, scoring 46 goals and providing 52 assists in 174 appearances. His highlight came in the 2008 Copa del Rey final, where he scored in the victory over Getafe. His success at Valencia also earned him his first call-up to Spain’s senior national team.
Chelsea (2011–2014):
In August 2011, Chelsea signed Mata for around €28 million. He quickly became the creative heartbeat of the team, recording 33 goals and 58 assists in 135 games. In his debut season, Mata helped Chelsea win both the 2012 FA Cup and the 2012 UEFA Champions League. The following year, he added the 2013 UEFA Europa League, making him—along with Fernando Torres—one of the few players to hold the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Europa League simultaneously. Mata was voted Chelsea Player of the Year twice in a row (2011–12 and 2012–13). However, after José Mourinho’s return as manager, Mata lost his starting role and moved to Manchester United in January 2014.
Manchester United (2014–2022):
Mata joined Manchester United for a then club-record £37.1 million. Over eight and a half seasons, he played 285 matches, scoring 51 goals and providing 47 assists. Although not always the first-choice starter, he contributed significantly to United’s FA Cup (2016), EFL Cup (2017), and UEFA Europa League (2017) triumphs. Mata became a fan favorite thanks to his professionalism, intelligence, and positive influence in the dressing room.
Galatasaray & Vissel Kobe (2022–2024):
After leaving United in 2022, Mata signed with Galatasaray, helping them win the 2022–23 Süper Lig title. He then moved to Japan’s Vissel Kobe, where he celebrated the 2023 J1 League championship.
Western Sydney Wanderers (2024–present):
In September 2024, Mata joined Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia’s A-League Men. His arrival brought immense excitement and added global prestige to the competition.
International Career with Spain
Mata represented Spain at every youth level before debuting for the senior team in 2009. He scored his first international goal against Estonia in World Cup qualifying.
He was part of Spain’s golden generation, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012. In the Euro 2012 final, he scored in Spain’s 4–0 victory over Italy. Earlier, he had been named Golden Player at the 2011 UEFA European U21 Championship. Mata also played at the 2012 Olympics.
By the time he retired from international duty in 2016, he had earned 41 caps and scored 10 goals.
Career Achievements
Club Titles:
- Copa del Rey (2008, Valencia)
- UEFA Champions League (2012, Chelsea)
- FA Cup (2012, Chelsea; 2016, Manchester United)
- UEFA Europa League (2013, Chelsea; 2017, Manchester United)
- EFL Cup (2017, Manchester United)
- Süper Lig (2022–23, Galatasaray)
- J1 League (2023, Vissel Kobe)
International Titles:
- FIFA World Cup (2010, Spain)
- UEFA Euro (2012, Spain)
- UEFA U19 Championship (2006)
- UEFA U21 Championship (2011, Golden Player)
Individual Awards:
- Chelsea Player of the Year (2011–12, 2012–13)
- PFA Team of the Year (2012–13, Premier League)
- Manchester United Goal of the Season (2014–15, vs. Liverpool)
Personal Life and Charity Work
Beyond football, Mata is highly educated, holding a degree in Sports Science and Marketing from Camilo José Cela University in Madrid. He has a long-term relationship with Evelina Kamph, a Swedish fashion business graduate.
He enjoys table tennis, blogging on his personal site One Hour Behind, and exploring culture and travel, often sharing experiences on social media.
In 2017, Mata co-founded Common Goal, a charitable initiative encouraging footballers, coaches, and clubs to donate 1% of their salaries to support global social projects, including gender equality, environmental protection, and anti-racism. The movement has since attracted over 160 players and several clubs.
Mata also co-owned a Spanish restaurant in Manchester (Tapeo and Wine, closed in 2020 due to COVID-19) and remains an investor in his boyhood club, Real Oviedo.
The Future
At 37, Juan Mata continues to demonstrate professionalism and passion for the game. His move to Western Sydney Wanderers reflects his desire not only to play but also to inspire young talents in Australia. With his dual legacy as both a world-class footballer and a global humanitarian, Mata will remain an influential figure in and beyond the sport.
Juan Mata is more than just a footballer with an impressive trophy collection—he is a symbol of kindness, intelligence, and social responsibility. Truly, one of football’s finest gentlemen.