Juan Mata facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Juan Mata

Mata playing for Manchester United in 2021
Personal information
Date of birth	(1988-04-28) 28 April 1988 (age 37)
Place of birth	Burgos, Spain
Height	1.70 m
Playing position	Attacking midfielder, winger
Club information
Current club	Western Sydney Wanderers
Number	64
Youth career
2000–2003	Real Oviedo
2003–2006	Real Madrid
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2006–2007	Real Madrid Castilla	39	(9)
2007–2011	Valencia	129	(33)
2011–2014	Chelsea	82	(18)
2014–2022	Manchester United	196	(34)
2022–2023	Galatasaray	16	(3)
2023–2024	Vissel Kobe	1	(0)
2024–	Western Sydney Wanderers	10	(1)
National team
2004	Spain U16	3	(2)
2004	Spain U17	2	(0)
2006–2007	Spain U19	13	(12)
2007	Spain U20	5	(3)
2007–2011	Spain U21	20	(5)
2012	Spain Olympic	4	(0)
2009–2016	Spain	41	(10)
Honours Men's football Representing  Spain FIFA World Cup Winner 2010 South Africa UEFA European Championship Winner 2012 Poland–Ukraine FIFA Confederations Cup Runner-up 2013 Brazil UEFA European Under-21 Championship Winner 2011 Denmark UEFA European Under-19 Championship Winner 2006 Poland
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 1 January 2025. † Appearances (Goals).

Juan Manuel Mata García (born on 28 April 1988) is a Spanish professional footballer. He plays for the A-League Men club Western Sydney Wanderers. Juan Mata usually plays as an attacking midfielder, but he can also play as a winger.

Mata grew up in Real Madrid's youth academy. He played for Real Madrid Castilla in 2006–07. Then, he joined Valencia in 2007. He became a key player for Valencia, playing 174 games over four seasons. He also won the Copa del Rey with them. In 2011, Mata moved to the English club Chelsea. He quickly became a very important player for the team. In his first two seasons, he helped Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Europa League.

Later, Mata moved to Manchester United in January 2014. He played 285 games for United over nine seasons. During this time, he won the Europa League and FA Cup again. He also won the EFL Cup and FA Community Shield. After his contract with United ended in 2022, he joined Galatasaray in Turkey. There, he won his first league title.

Mata first played for the Spanish national team in 2009. He played in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. In September 2009, he scored his first goal for Spain against Estonia. This goal helped Spain qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He was part of the Spanish team that won the World Cup. In 2011, he helped Spain win the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He was named the best player of that tournament. Mata also played for Spain in UEFA Euro 2012. He scored Spain's fourth goal in the final as they beat Italy 4–0. This win meant Spain kept their title as champions of Europe.

Early Life and Football Start

Juan Mata was born in Burgos, Spain. He got his name from his father, Juan Manuel Mata Rodríguez. His father was also a footballer who played as a forward. Mata grew up in Oviedo, Spain, which was his father's hometown. His father later became Mata's agent, helping him with his football career. When he was younger, Mata also enjoyed playing table tennis.

Starting His Football Journey

Mata began his football journey at Real Oviedo in 2000. His father had also played for this club. In 2003, when he was 15, Mata joined Real Madrid's youth academy, called La Fábrica. He quickly moved up through the different youth teams. In his last youth season (2005–06), he scored important goals. This included the winning goal in the Copa de Campeones final.

In the 2006–07 season, Mata played for Real Madrid Castilla, which is Real Madrid's reserve team. Even though the team was relegated, he was their second-highest scorer with nine goals.

Club Career Highlights

Playing for Valencia

Mata at Paterna in 2009

After his time at Real Madrid, Mata signed with Valencia CF in March 2007. He quickly became a key player for Valencia. On 20 March 2008, he scored two goals in a Copa del Rey semi-final match against FC Barcelona. This helped Valencia reach the final. On 16 April, he scored the first goal in a 3–1 win against Getafe CF, helping Valencia win the Copa del Rey. Fans and players voted him the team's Best Young Player that season.

Mata playing for Valencia in 2010

In the 2008 Spanish SuperCup, Mata scored against his old club Real Madrid. Valencia won the first game 3–2, but lost overall. He started the 2008–09 season well, scoring in the first game. He also scored the only goal against CA Osasuna. Mata had a great season, scoring 11 goals and making 13 assists. Only Xavi from Barcelona had more assists in the league.

For the next two seasons, Mata was always an important attacking player for Valencia. He scored 17 goals in 68 league games. Valencia finished third in the league in both seasons.

Time at Chelsea

Joining Chelsea

On 21 August 2011, Valencia announced that Mata would join Premier League club Chelsea. He signed a five-year deal with Chelsea on 24 August 2011. Mata said that his Spanish teammate Fernando Torres helped convince him to move to Stamford Bridge. Another player, Yossi Benayoun, even offered Mata his favourite number 10 shirt. Mata thanked Benayoun, saying it was a very important number to him.

Winning European Trophies

Mata taking on Bayern Munich defender Jérôme Boateng in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final

Mata played his first game for Chelsea on 27 August 2011 against Norwich City. He came on as a substitute and scored Chelsea's third goal in a 3–1 win. On 14 September, Mata made his UEFA Champions League debut for Chelsea. He scored in stoppage time to help his team beat Bayer Leverkusen 2–0.

On 29 October 2011, Mata helped Chelsea score their 6,000th league goal. He also scored a fantastic 25-yard goal in a 3–5 loss to Arsenal. He often set up goals for his teammates and scored himself. He was named Man of the Match in a 3–0 win against Newcastle United. On 6 December 2011, Mata made two assists for Didier Drogba in a Champions League match against his former club Valencia. Chelsea won 3–0 and finished first in their group.

Mata continued to score important goals. He scored Chelsea's only goal in a 1–1 draw against Fulham on Boxing Day. He also scored in the FA Cup against Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers. After Roberto Di Matteo became the new coach, Mata played more as a central attacking midfielder. He scored in the FA Cup replay against Birmingham City.

On 15 April, in Chelsea's 5–1 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup semi-final, Mata scored a goal and assisted two others. He played in both legs of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against FC Barcelona. Chelsea won 3–2 overall, setting up a final against Bayern Munich.

Mata also assisted two goals for Fernando Torres in a 6–1 win over Queens Park Rangers. He assisted the first goal in the FA Cup final, which Ramires scored. Chelsea beat Liverpool 2–1, and Mata was named Man of the Match. On 10 May, fans voted Mata as Chelsea's Player of the Year.

Mata during the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup final

In the 2012 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich on 19 May, Mata assisted Didier Drogba's equalizer from a corner kick. The game went to penalties. Mata took Chelsea's first penalty, which was saved. But Chelsea still won 4–3 in the shootout, winning their first Champions League title. Mata had a great first season, with 14 assists and six goals in the Premier League.

Mata missed Chelsea's pre-season games because he was playing for Spain at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He scored his first goal of the season in a 6–0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Four days later, he scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Arsenal. He scored directly from a free-kick in a 2–1 away win.

Mata in action for Chelsea in 2012

Mata scored two goals and made an assist in a 4–2 win against Tottenham Hotspur. He also scored a beautiful free kick against Manchester United. Mata won the Premier League Player of the Month award for October.

After manager Roberto Di Matteo was replaced, Mata scored the first goal under the new manager, Rafael Benítez. He continued his good form in the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan. He scored Chelsea's first goal in the tournament against Monterrey. Chelsea reached the final but lost 1–0 to Corinthians.

On 22 December 2012, Mata signed a new contract with Chelsea until 2018. He scored a brilliant goal against Norwich City on Boxing Day. On 3 March 2013, Mata played his 100th game for Chelsea. On 19 April, Mata was nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. He also scored a late winning goal against Manchester United, which was important for Chelsea to qualify for the Champions League.

On 15 May, Mata played very well in the 2013 UEFA Europa League Final against Benfica. He assisted Branislav Ivanović's winning goal in injury time. The next day, he won Chelsea's Player's Player of the Year award. He also won Chelsea's Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

Leaving Chelsea

Mata on tour with Chelsea in 2013

Under the new Chelsea manager José Mourinho, Mata did not play as much. Mourinho preferred Oscar in the attacking midfield role. Mata struggled to get a regular spot in the team. He had started only 11 of Chelsea's 22 Premier League games. Mata scored 33 goals and made 58 assists in 135 games for Chelsea.

Moving to Manchester United

Joining Manchester United

On 24 January 2014, Chelsea accepted an offer from Manchester United for Mata. The transfer was completed the next day. Manchester United paid a club record fee for him. Mata signed a contract until the summer of 2018.

First Seasons and Success

Mata during a training session in Washington D.C., 2014

Mata played his first game for United against Cardiff City on 28 January. He assisted a goal in the 2–0 win. Mata scored his first goal for United in a 4–1 win over Aston Villa on 29 March 2014. He also scored two goals against Newcastle United and two more against Norwich City. He scored the only goal in a 1–1 draw against Southampton in the last game of the season. Mata scored six goals for Manchester United in his first season.

Mata started the next season well. He scored the only goal in a 1–1 draw against Sunderland. He also scored in a 4–0 win against Queens Park Rangers. This was Louis van Gaal's first win as United's manager. Mata later scored winning goals against Crystal Palace and Stoke City. On 22 March 2015, Mata scored two goals, including a bicycle kick, in a 2–1 win over Liverpool. He said this was his best performance for Manchester United. His second goal against Liverpool was voted Premier League Goal of the Month. He was also named Manchester United's Player of the Month for March.

Winning the FA Cup

Mata (centre) preparing to take a free kick against Chelsea in 2015.

Mata had a good start to the 2015–16 season. He made an assist against Aston Villa. In September, Mata scored two goals and made two assists in three games. Manchester United won against Liverpool, Southampton, and Sunderland. Because of this, Mata was named the club's Player of The Month.

Mata was made captain for the home game against Watford on 2 March. He scored a free kick, which was the winning goal. On 6 March, Mata received his first red card in his career. This happened in a 1–0 loss to West Brom.

On 21 May 2016, Mata scored for United in the FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace. He equalized the score at 1–1. Mata was substituted later, and Jesse Lingard scored the winning goal for United in extra time.

Winning Europa League and League Cup

Mata during Manchester United's victorious 2016–17 UEFA Europa League campaign

In the summer, Mata was reunited with his former Chelsea manager, José Mourinho. On 7 August 2016, Mata was on the bench for the FA Community Shield. He came on as a substitute and was later substituted again. Despite rumors of problems between them, Mata said there were no tensions. He started the first Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth and scored United's first league goal of the season. Mata also served as stand-in captain in a 0–0 draw against Burnley.

Later Years at United

Mata scored two goals against Leicester City on Boxing Day. However, the game ended in a 2–2 draw. Mata finished the season with three goals in 40 games. United finished second in the Premier League and lost the 2018 FA Cup Final to Chelsea.

Mata scored United's first goal of the League Cup season against Derby County. On 6 October, Mata scored United's first goal in a 3–2 comeback win over Newcastle United. On 7 November 2018, Mata scored an equalizer from a free kick in a 2–1 win over Juventus in the Champions League. Mata also scored in a 4–1 win over Fulham. His final goal of the season came in a 1–1 draw against Chelsea on 28 April 2019.

On 19 June 2019, Mata signed a new two-year contract with Manchester United. This ended months of talk about his future.

Mata's first goal of the 2019–20 season was a penalty in a 4–0 win over AZ. He also scored in an FA Cup replay against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Mata scored in United's last game before the COVID-19 pandemic caused football to stop.

In the League Cup, Mata scored against Luton and Brighton. He also played very well in a 4–1 win against Newcastle United. He assisted Harry Maguire's equalizer and helped create other goals. His manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, called his game "fantastic." On 23 May 2021, he scored his only Premier League goal of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

On 2 July 2021, Mata signed another contract extension with Manchester United for one more year. He played 12 games in the 2021–22 season. Mata left the club at the end of the season after eight years. He played 285 games and scored 51 goals for United, winning four trophies.

Later Career Moves

On 8 September 2022, Mata signed a one-year contract with the Turkish team Galatasaray. He played his first game on 24 September in a friendly match. He scored his first goal for Galatasaray on 28 October. Mata won the 2022–23 league title with Galatasaray. This was the club's 23rd championship. On 1 July 2023, it was announced that he left Galatasaray.

On 3 September 2023, the J1 League club Vissel Kobe in Japan signed Mata. He wore the number 64 shirt. Mata played only one game for the club. He came on as a substitute in a 2–0 loss to Sanfrecce Hiroshima. However, he still received a medal because Vissel Kobe won the J1 League title that season. On 6 January 2024, Mata's contract with Vissel Kobe ended.

On 5 September 2024, Mata joined the Australian club Western Sydney Wanderers. He scored his first goal for the club on 1 January 2025 in a 2–3 loss to Macarthur FC.

International Career for Spain

Mata celebrating with Fernando Torres (left) and Sergio Ramos (right) after winning UEFA Euro 2012

Juan Mata played for Spain at many different levels from 2004 to 2016. He played for the under-16, under-17, under-19, under-20, under-21, Olympic, and senior teams.

He was a key player when Spain won the 2006 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He was the second-highest scorer in the tournament with four goals.

On 1 February 2007, Mata was called up to the Spain under-21 squad. On 6 February, at 18 years old, Mata made his under-21 debut in a 2–2 draw against England.

On 14 November 2008, Vicente del Bosque called Mata up to the Spain senior squad. On 28 March 2009, he made his senior international debut. He came on as a substitute in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Turkey.

In June 2009, Del Bosque included Mata in the squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He started one match and came on as a substitute in another.

Mata, Adrián López and Alberto Botía lining up for Spain U21 in 2011

On 9 September 2009, Mata scored his first goal for the senior team in a 3–0 win against Estonia. This win meant Spain qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He also scored the winning goal against Armenia on 10 October. Mata was chosen for Spain's World Cup squad and played once. Spain went on to win the World Cup.

The next summer, Mata was part of Spain's team that won the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He was named the best player of the tournament.

Mata returned to the senior squad for UEFA Euro 2012. He came on as a substitute in the final and scored Spain's fourth goal. Spain beat Italy 4–0 and kept their title as European champions.

Mata was also in Spain's squad for the 2012 Olympic football tournament. Spain did not score in their first three games and were knocked out early.

In June 2013, he was in Spain's squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. He played in four matches and scored in a 10–0 win over Tahiti. Spain lost 3–0 to Brazil in the final.

Mata was included in the Spanish squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He played in the last group match against Australia. He scored Spain's final goal in a 3–0 win.

How Juan Mata Plays

Juan Mata is known for his role as a playmaker. He usually plays as an attacking midfielder behind the main strikers. He can also play on either wing (side of the field). Sometimes, he plays as a second striker.

Mata is not the fastest player, but he makes up for it with his excellent control, technique, and passing skills. He has great creativity and vision, which means he can see passes and opportunities that others might miss. This allows him to link up well with his teammates and create many assists, as well as score goals himself.

He is a smaller player, standing at about 1.70 meters (5 feet 7 inches). He is not very strong physically or good at heading the ball. However, he is quick, agile, and moves well. He mostly uses his left foot and is also very good at taking free kicks. Some people have said that he could improve his defensive skills and work rate.

Honours and Awards

Mata in a Chelsea suit wearing his Champions League winners' medal

Valencia

• Copa del Rey: 2007–08

Chelsea

• FA Cup: 2011–12
• UEFA Champions League: 2011–12
• UEFA Europa League: 2012–13
• FIFA Club World Cup runner-up: 2012

Manchester United

• FA Cup: 2015–16; runner-up: 2017–18
• EFL Cup: 2016–17
• FA Community Shield: 2016
• UEFA Europa League: 2016–17; runner-up: 2020–21

Galatasaray

• Süper Lig: 2022–23

Vissel Kobe

• J1 League: 2023

Mata wearing his World Cup winners' medal

Spain U19

• UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2006

Spain U21

• UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2011

Spain

• FIFA World Cup: 2010
• UEFA European Championship: 2012
• FIFA Confederations Cup runner-up: 2013; third place: 2009

Individual

• UEFA European Under-21 Championship Golden Player: 2011
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2011
• Chelsea Player of the Year: 2012, 2013
• Chelsea Players' Player of the Year: 2013
• Premier League Player of the Month: October 2012
• PFA Team of the Year: 2012–13 Premier League
• Most assists in the Premier League: 2012–13
• Manchester United Goal of the Season: 2014–15 (vs. Liverpool, 22 March 2015)

Career Statistics

Club Appearances

International Appearances

As of match played 15 November 2016. Spain score listed first, score column indicates score after each Mata goal.

List of international goals scored by Juan Mata

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	9 September 2009	Estadio Romano, Mérida, Spain	Estonia	3–0	3–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
2	10 October 2009	Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan, Armenia	Armenia	2–1	2–1	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
3	14 October 2009	Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina	Bosnia and Herzegovina	5–0	5–2	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
4	29 March 2011	Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas, Lithuania	Lithuania	3–1	3–1	UEFA Euro 2012 qualification
5	7 October 2011	Generali Arena, Prague, Czech Republic	Czech Republic	1–0	2–0	UEFA Euro 2012 qualification
6	1 July 2012	Olympic Stadium, Kyiv, Ukraine	Italy	4–0	4–0	UEFA Euro 2012
7	11 June 2013	Yankee Stadium, New York City, United States	Republic of Ireland	2–0	2–0	Friendly
8	20 June 2013	Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Tahiti	8–0	10–0	2013 FIFA Confederations Cup
9	15 October 2013	Estadio Carlos Belmonte, Albacete, Spain	Georgia	2–0	2–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
10	23 June 2014	Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, Brazil	Australia	3–0	3–0	2014 FIFA World Cup

See also

In Spanish: Juan Mata para niños