Juan Mata curates new art exhibition for Manchester International Festival 2025.
“Football City, Art United” includes works by Eric Cantona, Edgar Davids, Brazil’s legend Raí and more
“I’m really happy with the result,” says Mata
Juan Mata has always been more than just a very good footballer.
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He’s a restaurateur, philanthropist, mental health advocate, Formula 1 investor, football club owner – and everything in between. He has even received the British Order of MBE for his contributions to sport and charity. His latest project? Art curator.
As part of the Manchester International Festival 2025, the former Manchester United and Chelsea star – who now plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia – has launched his own exhibition: Football City, Art United.
Developed in collaboration with renowned curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, filmmaker Josh Willdigg and visual art producer Holly Shuttleworth, the project brings together brand new works from 11 legendary footballers and 11 contemporary artists. Together, they explore what happens when two worlds of creativity and imagination – the pitch and the artist studio – collide.
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Among the footballers represented are former United stars Eric Cantona and Shinji Kagawa, current United Women player Ella Toone, Brazil’s legend Raí and the ever-colourful Edgar Davids.
From sound installations and manga art to animation, sculpture and genre-breaking collaborations, Football City, Art United pushes the boundaries and reinvents creativity through a football perspective.
“The concept is to try to create a connection between art and football,” Mata told United’s official website. “I think it’s funny. It’s been a learning process for me, of course it’s very different from what I’m used to, but I’m really happy with the result and the exhibition.”
Mata was especially excited to work alongside Cantona – a man he described as “an artist on the field.”
“The way he played football and everything he did, he was different and unique,” said the Spaniard. “So he was also very happy and open to the idea of participating. I’m very proud that he’s one of the players in the show, and I’m so happy to be here today and experience it for the first time.”
Mata’s exhibition will be on display at North Warehouse, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester from 4 July to 24 August 2025.
A truly unique cultural crossover – this is something both football and art enthusiasts will not want to miss.
