Mata was a free agent after leaving leaving Turkish side Galatasaray.

 

He also played for Valencia, Chelsea and Manchester United. Capped 41 times by Spain, Mata also featured for them in their Euro 2012 title triumph, scoring the fourth goal in their 4-0 win over Italy in the final. 

He joins a Kobe side battling for the J League title with Takayuki Yoshida's side set to go top if they beat Kyoyo Sanga later on Sunday following Yokohama F Marinos 2-0 defeat to Kashiwa Reysol on Saturday.