Juan Mata wins second league title since leaving Manchester United

The 35-year-old has now won two league titles in two seasons since leaving Man United in 2022.

Juan Mata won his second league title in as many seasons since leaving Manchester United on Saturday as Vissel Kobe were crowned J. League champions.

Kobe beat Nagoya Grampus 2-1 to clinch the title with one game of the season remaining after Yokohama F. Marinos, their only remaining challengers, drew 0-0 against Niigata on Friday. Mata watched on from the bench as two goals in 14 minutes allowed his side to take control.

Mata's side spent much of last season in a relegation scrap, going through several coaches before finishing 13th in an 18-team league. Their fortunes changed dramatically after the appointment of current coach Takayuki Yoshida.

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“After every game I show the players the video and tell them ‘this was wrong, this is how we should be doing it’, and make adjustments every time,” Yoshida said after claiming the title. “This is the result of all the work we have done game by game and I’m proud of all my players and staff.”

Mata made the shock move to Kobe at the start of September, following a successful campaign in Istanbul with Galatasaray. He played 18 times in all competitions for the Turkish side, helping them to the Super Lig title.

Upon signing for Kobe in September, the former Manchester United midfielder detailed his aim to bring a first league title to his new team.

"I'm really looking forward to playing in this stadium in front of your fans with the aim of winning the first league for Vissel Kobe," Mata said in September. "I will try my best to help the team to win this trophy, to put one more trophy in my career, hopefully the first one of many."

Things have not gone so smoothly for Mata in Japan. The 35-year-old has made just one appearance.