Juan Mata has always been more than just a very good footballer.
He’s a restaurateur, philanthropist, mental health advocate, Formula 1 investor, and football club owner, among other roles. He has even received an MBE for his contributions to sport and charity. His latest pursuit? Art curation.
As part of the 2025 Manchester International Festival, the former Manchester United and Chelsea player – now with the Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia – has unveiled an exhibition titled Football City, Art United.
Created in partnership with esteemed curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, filmmaker Josh Willdigg, and visual arts producer Holly Shuttleworth, this project features new works from 11 legendary footballers and 11 contemporary artists. It explores the dynamic intersection between the vibrancy of the pitch and the creativity of the studio.
Among the footballers featured are former United stars Eric Cantona and Shinji Kagawa, current United Women’s star Ella Toone, Brazil legend Raí and the always colourful Edgar Davids.
From sound installations and manga art to animation, sculpture and genre-defying collaborations, Football City, Art United pushes boundaries and reimagines creativity through a footballing lens.
“The concept is to try to create a relationship between art and football,” Mata told United’s official website. “I think it’s fun. It’s been a learning process for me, of course it’s very different to what I’m used to, but I’m really happy with the result and the exhibition.”
Mata was particularly thrilled to work alongside Cantona – a man he described as “an artist on the pitch.”
“The way he played football and everything he did, he was different and unique,” said the Spaniard. “And so he was also very happy and welcoming to the idea of joining. So, I’m very happy and proud that he is one of the players in the exhibition and I’m so happy to be here today and to get to know it for the first time.”
Mata’s exhibition is on display at North Warehouse, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester from 4 July to 24 August 2025.
A truly one-of-a-kind cultural crossover – this is one football and art fans alike won’t want to miss.
