Juan Mata wins Johnny Warren Medal as A-League MVP

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mata-juan/nHlv2UfS/"]Mata[/a] was by far the standout player of the season, particularly from December onwards when he recorded four of his five season goals and all 13 of his assists for 2025/26 within an 18-game period. [/p][p]He also featured in Flashscore's [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-a-league-a-league-team-of-the-season-the-18-top-performers-of-2025-26/CSPfsIhB/"]A-League Men's Team of the Season[/a] having registered an average Flashscore player rating of 7.7 out of 10, the equal-best in the competition.  [/p][p]The Spanish World Cup winner went viral on more than one occasion throughout the season, including [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-a-league-juan-mata-scores-from-outside-the-box-twice-in-australian-masterclass/CbGloTbE/"]two goals from outside the box[/a] in one Melbourne derby this February as well as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-a-league-juan-mata-lights-up-a-league-with-a-world-class-free-kick/z5cevWpB/"]a world class set piece free kick[/a] to secure a 2-2 draw against long-time rivals [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sydney-fc/6JsBlXVI/"]Sydney FC[/a]. [/p][embed guid="ca572f6e-2802-4e5e-836e-c771b11aef16" url="https://x.com/aleaguemen/status/2025164578297184695" social-type="twitter" /][p]With [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/melbourne-victory/Qql6CzOP/"]Melbourne Victory[/a] failing to make the Grand Final after their [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/melbourne-victory-Qql6CzOP/sydney-fc-6JsBlXVI/?mid=SpEwrzJb"]elimination finals loss to Sydney FC[/a], the 38-year-old has left his immediate future unclear, telling the media he'll be taking some time to consider whether to continue on in 2026-27 - be it in Melbourne, Australia or elsewhere in the world. [/p][p]Now ex-Victory boss Arthur Diles and Victory captain [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/miranda-roderick/h4OfqlS8/"]Roderick Miranda[/a] pleaded for Mata to stay on for another season, with both saying he has plenty to offer and to personally gain from going around again.[/p][p]“[b]I felt that Victory was the right place to for me to go and play my football,[/b]” Mata said when accepting the award.[/p][p]“When I enjoy playing football I think I can play at my best level, and every week I was looking forward to games and training. and that tells you something about it.[/p][p]“[b]I knew I still had football in me, and if I found a place to play where I had the trust of the coach and felt at home at the club, then I knew I could perform and that’s what happened.[/b][/p][p]“I was not trying to prove a point to anybody, I’m just more happy that I’ve been able to show to myself that I was right about having football still in my legs and in my head.[/p][p]“[b]I’m really grateful and honoured to get this award. I know the importance of it, the history of it, and the players that have won it before[/b].”[/p][embed guid="7e3f7344-6f2e-4c34-9c13-e8dac79e109f" url="https://x.com/aleaguemen/status/2057406405834092578" social-type="twitter" /][p]The central midfielder also hinted that he is considering the potential of retirement whilst still producing the kind of mesmerising football that has taken the A-League by storm.[/p][p]“[b]I will have some time now to think, relax, and see where my head and my feelings are,[/b]” Mata explained.[/p][p]“It’s nice to keep playing when you are enjoying it and performing, but it’s also maybe a good time to stop when things are going well, so I don’t really know.[/p][p]“[b]I will make a decision a bit later down the line. The club has been very understanding and they showed their willingness for me to stay, and I really appreciate that.[/b]”[/p]