The popular Spaniard received his prestigious award on 27 June at the Madrid residence of the British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis.
Mata’s MBE recognises his magnificent achievements in football, after he won the World Cup and European Championship with Spain, as well as two Europa Leagues, the Champions League, one FA Cup and a Carabao Cup at club level.
Juan’s prize is also for his charitable endeavours. In 2017, he co-founded Common Goal to harness the business of football as a tool for social change, asking its members to pledge one per cent of their earnings. Today, over 250 footballers and coaches are part of the movement.
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