RCD Mallorca is one of Spain’s most fascinating football clubs. Based in Palma, Mallorca, the team has experienced incredible highs and devastating lows. From competing in European tournaments to financial struggles and relegation battles, Mallorca has always found a way to fight back.
By 2025, the club has re-established itself in La Liga, proving once again that it belongs among Spain’s elite. Let’s take a closer look at Mallorca’s history, key moments, and the current state of the team.
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Early Years and Growth
Founded in 1916 as Alfonso XIII Football Club, Mallorca is the oldest professional club in the Balearic Islands. The team spent much of its early history in the lower divisions of Spanish football. However, the club’s first major breakthrough came in the 1960-61 season when it earned promotion to La Liga for the first time.
Mallorca spent the next few decades moving between La Liga and the Segunda División. The club lacked consistency but slowly built a strong foundation. The 1990s marked a turning point, as Mallorca started to establish itself as a competitive team in Spanish football.
Golden Era: European Football and Copa del Rey Glory
The late 1990s and early 2000s were the greatest years in Mallorca’s history. Under coach Héctor Cúper, the team finished third in La Liga during the 1998-99 season, securing a place in the Champions League qualification rounds. That same season, Mallorca reached the Copa del Rey final but lost to Valencia.
However, in 2003, Mallorca achieved its greatest triumph by winning the Copa del Rey. Led by legendary players like Samuel Eto’o and Ariel Ibagaza, Mallorca defeated Recreativo de Huelva 3-0 in the final. This victory secured their place in the UEFA Cup, marking another milestone in the club’s history.
Financial Crisis and Relegation Struggles
Despite their success on the pitch, Mallorca faced financial difficulties. Poor management and mounting debts led to instability. By 2013, the club was relegated to the Segunda División after 16 consecutive seasons in La Liga.
The situation worsened in 2017 when Mallorca dropped to the third tier of Spanish football, Segunda División B. For a club that had played in the Champions League just over a decade earlier, this was a shocking decline. However, the club refused to stay down for long.
The Road Back to La Liga
Mallorca began its climb back to the top in 2018. Under coach Vicente Moreno, the team secured back-to-back promotions, returning to La Liga for the 2019-20 season.
Although the club was relegated again in 2020, Mallorca bounced back immediately, earning promotion for the 2021-22 season. This time, the club was determined to stay in La Liga.
Mallorca in La Liga: Stability and Growth
Since returning to La Liga, Mallorca has focused on building a strong, competitive team. The club has developed a defensive, counter-attacking style, making them tough to beat. Players like Vedat Muriqi, Kang-in Lee, and Pablo Maffeo became key figures in the squad.
By 2025, Mallorca has solidified its place in Spain’s top division. The team has consistently finished mid-table, avoiding relegation battles and slowly improving each season.
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Playing Style: A Defensive Fortress
Mallorca’s playing style is built on defensive discipline and organization. The team prioritizes structure over attacking flair. Under Javier Aguirre, the club became known for its solid backline and ability to frustrate bigger teams.
Mallorca often plays with five defenders, allowing them to absorb pressure and counter-attack quickly. Set pieces are also a major weapon, with Muriqi’s aerial ability making him a constant threat in the box.
Key Players Over the Years
Throughout its history, Mallorca has developed and signed several top players. Some of the most memorable names include:
- Samuel Eto’o – One of the club’s greatest players, Eto’o helped Mallorca win the Copa del Rey before becoming a global superstar.
- Dani Güiza – The Spanish striker won the Pichichi Trophy (La Liga’s top scorer) in 2007-08.
- Ariel Ibagaza – The Argentine playmaker was crucial to Mallorca’s success in the early 2000s.
- Vedat Muriqi – The Kosovan striker has been a key player since 2022, providing goals and leadership.
Mallorca’s Fanbase and Stadium
Mallorca plays its home matches at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, which has a capacity of around 23,000. While smaller than many La Liga stadiums, Son Moix is known for its passionate atmosphere.
The club enjoys strong support from locals and international fans. Because Mallorca is a popular tourist destination, the club often attracts visitors who come to watch La Liga football while on vacation.
Rivalries: Facing Espanyol and Ibiza
Mallorca’s biggest rivalries are with Espanyol and UD Ibiza. The rivalry with Espanyol is fueled by the historical connection between Mallorca and Catalonia. Matches between the two teams are always intense.
UD Ibiza, a club from the nearby island of Ibiza, has become a new rival in recent years. If both teams continue to grow, this rivalry could become even more significant.
Mallorca’s Future: What’s Next?
By 2025, Mallorca has established itself as a stable La Liga club. The next step is to push for European qualification. The club has the potential to compete in the UEFA Conference League or Europa League if it continues to improve.
Investment in young talent and smart transfers will be crucial. Mallorca does not have the financial power of Spain’s biggest clubs, so scouting and player development must remain a priority.
Conclusion
RCD Mallorca’s journey has been full of ups and downs. From winning the Copa del Rey and playing in Europe to suffering financial collapse and relegation, the club has experienced it all.
Now, with a strong foundation in La Liga, Mallorca is looking toward a brighter future. With the right strategy, the club could once again become a force in Spanish football. The fans, the history, and the passion are all there—Mallorca just needs to take the next step.
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