From Chelsea and Man Utd, to Japan and Australia: Why Juan Mata can't quit soccer
At 37, Juan Mata has won just about everything you can in the soccer world. So why is he still chasing minutes in the far-flung Australian A-League?
Sydney FC release stunning Jacaranda jersey
Good things apparently come to those who wait because, three weeks into the A-League season, Sydney FC has only gone and dropped arguably the competition's best kit.
Juan Mata 'open' to buying A-League club
Juan Mata has told ESPN that while his current focus is Melbourne Victory, he is open to investing in the A-League in the future after exploring buying into multiple clubs over the offseason.
Juan Mata: In-form Utd can now look up, not down
Former Manchester United star Juan Mata has told ESPN that this budding momentum, combined with an easing of the suffocating pressure that had surrounded the squad, can augur continued success.
Stocks up, stocks down: Why Mata's goal could be significant
Juan Mata's A-League revival might just be the story the competition needs, while a number of Socceroos veterans' stocks are sliding.
Glory sack Zdrilic 2 games into A-League season
Perth Glory have sacked head coach David Zdrilic just two matches into the new A-League Men's season.
Stocks up, stocks down: Australia's latest wonderkid Alex Badolato
Garang Kuol, Nestory Irankunda and now Alex Badolato? Four goals in two games will do that to your A-League stocks...
Soccer's longest away trips: Journeys that clock up thousands of miles, cross continents
As Truro prepare to make the longest round trip for a professional league match in English football history, here's a look at the furthest that teams have to travel every season.
WA bullish Serie A game in Australia will proceed
The WA government remains adamant that Perth will host a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como next year, despite the cancellation of a planned fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal in the United States.
Socceroos Geria, Duke eye moves in J1 hiatus
Two Japan-based Socceroos, Jason Geria and Mitchell Duke, say that the J.League's changing calendar will force them to explore potential short-term moves in January.
City hope first win reinvigorates ACL tilt
Melbourne City are determined to use their breakthrough 2-1 win over Buriram United to kick-start their Asian Champions League Elite campaign.
Stocks up, stocks down: Mariners start the season with a thriller
Sunday's F3 Derby produced one of the most stunning finishes in A-League history, while Ufuk Talay could already be in a bit of strife. Here's what you might have missed over the opening weekend.
Montemurro: Western United a disappointing loss (1:08)
Another A-League season begins amid feelings of existential dread
Hope fuels football around the world. So why, on the cusp of the 2025-26 A-League Men season, does feel in such short supply?
A-League 2025-26 kit ranking: Australia's best and worst jerseys
With the 2025-26 A-League season set to begin, ESPN has run the rule over the best (and worst) kits in Australia's top flight.
ESPN's must-read A-League Men 2025-26 team-by-team season preview
Silverware or bust? Which player is on the cusp of the Socceroos' World Cup squad? Who is primed to be sacked? Here's all you need to know about each team ahead of Friday's A-League start.
Football filled with hope: The inaugural Australian Championship begins
The launch of the Australian Championship represents a historic day for Australian football, one worthy of celebration. But it's also a step in a larger journey.
A-League betting scam: Davila pleads guilty
Former Mexico youth international and Macarthur FC captain Ulises Davila has admitted his role in a lucrative card-fixing scam.
Newcastle Jets revival: Milligan bringing pride back to the Hunter
Does the Australia Cup represent the dawn of a new era for the Jets? Maybe. But the trophy is just reward for a fan base and region subjected to years of existential dread.
Jets down high-flying Heidelberg to win Australia Cup
Newcastle have claimed their first Australia Cup title and delivered a cruel ending to Heidelberg United's fairytale run with a 3-1 extra-time win in the final.
A-League stars avoid conviction over betting scam
Two former A-League Men players who deliberately received yellow cards in exchange for $10,000 have escaped a conviction on their criminal record.
More minutes? Why Melbourne Victory took a punt on Juan Mata
Juan Mata barely featured for the Wanderers last season. So why have Melbourne Victory snapped up the 37-year-old World Cup winner?
A-League Men Table
| TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland FC | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | +3 | 10 |
| Melbourne City FC | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | +6 | 8 |
| Central Coast Mariners | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| Sydney FC | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +4 | 6 |
| Adelaide United | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | +1 | 6 |
| Wellington Phoenix FC | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Macarthur FC | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Brisbane Roar | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Melbourne Victory | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -3 | 4 |
| Newcastle Jets | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -1 | 3 |
| Western Sydney Wanderers | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | -3 | 2 |
| Perth Glory | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -7 | 1 |