Real Club Deportivo Mallorca, commonly known as RCD Mallorca, is a professional Spanish football club that represents the island of Mallorca on the national stage. Based in Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands, the club has a rich history and a passionate fanbase known as “Los Bermellones” (The Vermilions) or “Los Piratas” (The Pirates).
Club History and Achievements
Founded on March 5, 1916, as Alfonso XIII Foot-Ball Club, the team quickly gained the “Real” (Royal) title from King Alfonso XIII. The club’s history has been marked by periods of both top-flight success and lower-division struggles.
RCD Mallorca’s golden era was in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a number of notable accomplishments:
- Copa del Rey: The team’s crowning achievement was winning the Copa del Rey in the 2002-2003 season, defeating Recreativo de Huelva 3-0 in the final. They also reached the final in the 2023-2024 season, losing to Athletic Bilbao on penalties.
- La Liga: The club achieved its highest-ever league finishes, securing third place in La Liga in both the 1998-99 season under Héctor Cúper and the 2000-01 season under Luis Aragonés.
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: The club reached the final of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1999, losing to Lazio.
The Home Ground: Estadi Mallorca Son Moix
Since 1999, RCD Mallorca has played its home matches at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix. Located in Palma, the stadium has a capacity of 25,736 and is the largest in the Balearic Islands. The stadium has had several names over the years due to sponsorship deals, including “Visit Mallorca Estadi” and “Iberostar Estadi.” Recent renovations, completed in January 2024, have modernized the facilities, removed the running track, and moved the stands closer to the pitch, significantly enhancing the matchday atmosphere for fans.
Current Squad (2024-2025 Season)
The current squad for RCD Mallorca includes a mix of experienced veterans and new talent. As of the 2024-2025 season, some of the key players are:
- Goalkeepers: Dominik Greif, Leo Román, Iván Cuéllar
- Defenders: Mateu Morey, Toni Lato, Antonio Raíllo, Johan Mojica, Pablo Maffeo, Martin Valjent, Copete, Valery Fernández
- Midfielders: Omar Mascarell, Antonio Sánchez, Manu Morlanes, Sergi Darder, Dani Rodríguez, Samú Costa, Daniel Luna, Robert Navarro
- Forwards: Vedat Muriqi, Abdón Prats, Cyle Larin, Takuma Asano, Marc Domènech, Javi Llabrés
Notable Players
Throughout its history, RCD Mallorca has been home to many talented players. Some notable names from the club’s past and present include:
- Dani Rodríguez: A veteran midfielder known for his work rate and technical ability.
- Vedat Muriqi: A powerful Kosovan striker who is a key player in the club’s attack.
- Sergi Darder: A central midfielder who joined the club to bring quality and experience to the team.
- Ariel Ibagaza: An Argentine playmaker who was instrumental during the club’s successful period in the late 90s and early 2000s.
- Samuel Eto’o: The legendary Cameroonian striker began his career in Spain with RCD Mallorca, where he made a name for himself before his famous moves to other top European clubs.
Historical Head Coaches
RCD Mallorca has had numerous managers throughout its long history. Some of the most significant and recognizable names who have taken the helm include:
- Héctor Cúper: The architect of Mallorca’s golden era, he managed the team during their most successful period in the late 1990s.
- Luis Aragonés: The legendary Spanish coach who led the club to a historic third-place finish in La Liga in the 2000-2001 season.
- Gregorio Manzano: A multiple-time manager for the club, he is a fan favorite and led the team to their historic Copa del Rey victory in 2003.
- Javier Aguirre: The Mexican coach who successfully guided the team to survival in La Liga and reached a Copa del Rey final in the 2023-2024 season.
- Jagoba Arrasate: The current head coach, who was appointed on July 1, 2024.
For anyone visiting the island of Mallorca, a trip to see RCD Mallorca play at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix is an opportunity to experience a true piece of Spanish football culture.
