Melbourne Victory midfielder Juan Mata has been awarded the Shark Player of the Month for March following a public vote from fans.
The 37-year-old has been in exceptional form throughout the season, marking his second Player of the Month accolade for the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Mata has been instrumental in keeping Melbourne Victory in contention for a place in this year’s Finals Series, demonstrating his prowess with five goals and 13 assists to date.
Since joining the Western Sydney Wanderers during the off-season, Mata has been a delight to watch. The Spanish World Cup winner currently leads the Opta statistics, boasting 13 assists and 85 chances created, while also ranking second for expected assists (xA) with a total of 6.5.
HE SAID WHAT? EVERY word from your Isuzu UTE A-League coach after Round 23
During the eligibility period, Mata truly shone.
The monthly nominees for the Shark Player of the Month award are selected based on the 10 players with the highest FotMob ratings (scales from 0.0 to 10.0) during each voting window.
The March eligibility period was condensed due to the March FIFA International break, covering Rounds 20-22 of the Isuzu UTE A-League season from March 6 to March 22 as per the FotMob rating system.
In all three of Melbourne Victory’s matches throughout the March eligibility window, Mata made a significant impact, scoring twice and providing three assists. He played a pivotal role in the 2-2 draw with Sydney FC, before orchestrating two impressive 4-1 victories against Macarthur Bulls and Central Coast Mariners.
With this latest recognition, Mata has now been honoured as the Shark Fan Player of the Month twice during the ongoing 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season, having previously won the title for his performances in January.
Brisbane Roar’s Youstin Salas secured the award for the October/November period, while Auckland FC’s Lachie Brook claimed the December honours, and Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Dylan Scicluna received the February prize.
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
