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Not another Juan: Victory man not here to replace Mata
Anna Harrington, AAP •  October 6th, 2026 11:23 am
Former Auckland FC forward Guillermo May is heading to the Victory comfortable in his own skin | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/AAP
Guillermo May shakes a finger when asked about the unenviable task of replacing Juan Mata at Melbourne Victory.
The former Auckland FC playmaker is standing in front of a banner of the magical 2010 World Cup winner whipping in a corner at the Victory's AAMI Park headquarters.
But while May is taking Mata's visa spot and No. 10 role, the Uruguayan sensation is his own man.
"I'm not gonna replace him," May told AAP.
"He's one of the greatest ever here in the league and he has done a lot for world football. I'm here to yeah be one more (player), try to win trophies with Victory that the club needs.
"We have to chase four titles this season. We are already in one final. That's good. So that's my aim for the season."
Juan Mata enjoyed plenty of highs in Victory colours after a tough spell with Western Sydney | Photo: Will Murray/AAP
Mata won the Johnny Warren and Victory Medal as the clear best player in the A-League Men (ALM) competition last season.
But one thing eluded the Spanish legend: team success.
The Victory haven't won a trophy since the 2021 Australia Cup, while the Melbourne powerhouse haven't won a championship since 2017-18 or premiership since 2014-15.
May, 28, has already got a premiership and championship to his name at Auckland, scoring 16 goals and notching six assists across 58 league games over two seasons.
He wants the Victory to contend for all four trophies this year: the Australia Cup, premiership, championship and Asian Champions League Two.
One of Guillermo May's ALM goals came against the Victory in Melbourne last year | Photo: Con Chronis/AAP
"That's my aim," May said.
"They bring me too for that winning mentality that I put on in Auckland with some of my teammates - that experience in big games,' May said.
"My characteristic as a player is pressing the whole game individually, try to connect the forwards with the midfield, try to assist, score, be on top and be a different player in the league.
"That's my objective this season and I'm not gonna be happy if we don't win at least two or three titles."
May has already earned a firm friend in fellow Uruguayan and former striker Bruno Fornaroli, who now works in Melbourne's football department and has helped him settle in.
"We've been talking about the club, about the city - about everything," May said.
"And of course, I get more excited about all the stories he told me about the club, about everything, and I'm living it now.
"So I'm expecting to start the season, to start winning games, winning titles and scoring goals for the club."
That campaign begins with Saturday's Australia Cup final against former NSL powerhouse South Melbourne at a sold-out AAMI Park.
"It's gonna be good for me," May said.
"It's the last title I need to win here in Australia so I will go and chase it. I'm excited."
Guillermo May on his time at Auckland FC | Sport Nation
