(Makes clear in headline and ⁠paragraphs 1 and 6 that Mata's shareholding is already in place ⁠and it is only the off-field role that commences whenever ‌he retires)

June 29 (Reuters) - Spanish midfielder Juan Mata has agreed to become a shareholder in Melbourne Victory in a deal that will extend beyond his playing career, the Australian club said on ​Monday, with the World Cup winner also set ⁠to take up an off-field ⁠role once he retires.

The 38-year-old, who has played for Valencia, Chelsea and Manchester ⁠United ‌and was part of the Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup, joined Victory in September last year from rivals Western ⁠Sydney Wanderers.

Mata made 25 appearances for the club, scoring ​five goals and ‌providing 13 assists in the 2025-26 season for the Melbourne club. ⁠He also claimed ​the Johnny Warren medal as the A-League men's best player.

Victory finished fourth in the recently concluded season, amassing 40 points.

Mata is also a part owner of U.S. ⁠Major League Soccer expansion side San Diego FC ​and has invested in the Formula One team Alpine Racing.

Mata is still considering whether to continue playing next season but, once he retires, he will chair ⁠a newly formed football committee at Victory to support their operations, the club added.

"Australian football has a future I genuinely believe in," Mata said. "From the moment I arrived at Melbourne Victory, I’ve felt the passion of this club ​and the potential of the A-Leagues, and I ⁠want to be part of building what comes next – not just for a season, ​but for the long term."

"I have enjoyed ‌so much this past season on the ​pitch and committing to Victory as a shareholder is the natural next step."

(Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus)