Juan Mata has all the time been extra than simply an excellent footballer.
He’s a restaurateur, philanthropist, psychological well being pioneer, Components 1 investor, soccer membership proprietor – and every little thing in between. He even holds an MBE, awarded for companies to sport and charity. His newest enterprise? Artwork curator.
As a part of the 2025 Manchester Worldwide Pageant, the previous Manchester United and Chelsea star – who now performs in Australia for Western Sydney Wanderers – has launched his personal exhibition: Soccer Metropolis, Artwork United.
Developed in collaboration with famend curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, filmmaker Josh Willdigg, and visible arts producer Holly Shuttleworth, the undertaking brings collectively brand-new work from 11 legendary footballers and 11 up to date artists. Collectively, they discover what occurs when two worlds of aptitude and creativeness – the pitch and the studio – collide.
Among the many footballers featured are former United stars Eric Cantona and Shinji Kagawa, present United Girls’s star Ella Toone, Brazil legend Raí and the all the time vibrant Edgar Davids.
From sound installations and manga artwork to animation, sculpture and genre-defying collaborations, Soccer Metropolis, Artwork United pushes boundaries and reimagines creativity by means of a footballing lens.
“The idea is to attempt to create a relationship between artwork and soccer,” Mata instructed United’s official web site. “I believe it’s enjoyable. It’s been a studying course of for me, after all it’s very totally different to what I’m used to, however I’m actually pleased with the end result and the exhibition.”
Mata was significantly thrilled to work alongside Cantona – a person he described as “an artist on the pitch.”
“The best way he performed soccer and every little thing he did, he was totally different and distinctive,” mentioned the Spaniard. “And so he was additionally very blissful and welcoming to the thought of becoming a member of. So, I’m very blissful and proud that he is among the gamers within the exhibition and I’m so blissful to be right here at this time and to get to realize it for the primary time.”
Mata’s exhibition is on show at North Warehouse, Aviva Studios, Water Avenue, Manchester from 4 July to 24 August 2025.
A very one-of-a-kind cultural crossover – that is one soccer and artwork followers alike received’t need to miss.
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