Mata accepted the honor on June 27 at the British Ambassador to Spain's official residence in Madrid.
Mata won this honor because of his brilliant achievements in football: he has won World Cup and European Cup championships with the Spanish national team, and at the club level, he has won two UEFA Champions League titles, one UEFA Champions League titles, one FA Cup championship and one League Cup championship.
Mata won the award for his charity. In 2017, he co-founded the “Common Goal” aimed at using the football industry as a tool for social change, calling on its members to commit to donating one percent of their personal income. Today, more than 250 football players and coaches have joined the sport.
For the MBE, Mata said: "I am deeply grateful for this recognition."
"I am fortunate to devote my career to the football career I love most, and it is even more fortunate that this sport is of great significance worldwide."
"Sports, especially football, have unique strengths that unite and connect people and promote positive change. This honor strengthens our commitment and we will continue to support it." Those who work to improve people’s lives through the sport of football we love.”
At the ceremony, British Ambassador Alex Ellis said: “Through his leadership and vision in the ‘shared goal’, Mata shows how football can be a force for good.”
”Mata’s commitment to supporting the community and improving lives is encouraging, and I am honored to recognize his outstanding work with this honor MBE.”