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Juan Mata took a step back in time with two remarkable goals – featuring a 40-yard wonder strike – forA-League side Melbourne Victory.

The former Chelsea and Manchester Unitedguy, 37, is experiencing a resurgence in Australia after being named Player of the Month for January in the premier league.

Mata joined Victory in September following a challenging period since departing Old Trafford — including an odd spell with Japan’s Vissel Kobe, where he played only once — and seems to have regained his best performance.

With his back to Melbourne City’s rivals on Saturday, the Spanish player scored within 20 minutes in a remarkable way, seizing a loose ball and lofting the goalkeeper from a long distance.

The city equalized the score, keeping both teams tied at halftime, but the World Cup champion once again created a magical moment to put Victory ahead 2-1 in the 64th minute.

Near the edge of the box, Mata guided the ball with his left foot and took a shot that found the top left corner, causing chaos in the crowd.

Victory concluded with a 3-1 victory, as the 37-year-old was given a standing ovation and named Player of the Match.

Mata’s two goals bring his total for the season to three, while increasing his assist count to eight, which is already impressive.

The playmaker, who claimed the 2010 World Cup and has several European accolades, initially came to Australia in September 2024 to sign with Western Sydney Wanderers.

Nevertheless, his tenure at the club was negatively affected by a disagreement with manager Alan Stajcic regarding limited playing opportunities.

Mata emerged in the Real Madrid youth system before gaining recognition across Europe while playing for Valencia, where he secured a Copa del Rey title during his tenure from 2007 to 2011.

Chelsea soon made their move, and Mata went on to make 135 appearances at Stamford Bridge, scoring 33 goals and providing 53 assists during a successful period that included winning the Champions League, Europa League, and FA Cup.

Nevertheless, he lost his position under Jose Mourinho and joined Manchester United in January 2014.

Mata played 285 matches for United, netting 51 goals and providing 44 assists to his teammates.

He secured four trophies with the team, including three (Europa League, League Cup, and Community Shield) during the 2016-17 season under Mourinho following the Portuguese manager’s arrival at Old Trafford. Mata also claimed the 2016 FA Cup and departed from United in 2022.

The Spanish athlete secured victory at the 2012 European Championships with his team, and his final appearance for the country was in 2016.

He was awarded an Honorary MBE after being included in King Charles III’s 2023 list for his contributions to sports and charity, after establishing Common Goal, a group that has over 250 football players and coaches working with it.

“I am extremely thankful for this honor,” Mata stated last June when accepting the award.

I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to focus professionally on what I care about most—football—and even more so because it holds such great global importance.

Sports, especially football, possess a special power to bring people together and foster connections, while promoting positive transformation. This recognition reinforces our dedication to backing those who aim to enhance lives through our cherished sport.

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