Former Man Utd footballer Juan Mata returns to Manchester to launch new exhibition at National Football Museum

Former Manchester United footballer Juan Mata has returned to the city he called home for many years to launch a new art exhibition. The project is part of a new work from Tino Sehgal which will premiere at Manchester’s national Football Museum. 

Sehgal’s work is titled ‘This Entry’ brings together a group of highly skilled people from very different fields – a footballer, violinist, cyclist and a singer/dancer. It is said to be a ‘playful exchange’ and involves ex Red Devil Mata. 

Mata’s involvement in the work is with the segment titled ‘The Trequartista – Art and Football United’. The work brings together 11 contemporary artists and 11 footballers to produce new works inspired by the Trequartista. It has been premieried as part of Manchester International Festival and will be at the National Football Museum in Manchester until July 5. 

Co-curated by renowned curator/MIF Artistic Advisor Hans Ulrich Obrist and World Cup/Champions League-winning footballer Juan Mata, The Trequartista is conceptualised and developed by writer Josh Willdigg. 11 teams of footballers and artists will work their magic together over two years, culminating in a group show at the 2025 edition of Manchester International Festival.

Full dates for The Trequartista in Manchester

After around a week at the National Football Museum, the exhibition will move to The Whitworth Gallery in Manchester. Full dates and times are available below, and a reminder that entry to both is free. For more information, visit the Manchester International Festival website.

• June 29 – July 5- 10am – 5pm

• July 7 – July 16 (not 10 July)- 10am – 5pm