Mallorca is outperforming many punters’ expectations.
There’s sunshine and rainbows in Mallorca.
If the Islanders—led by the Basque coach Jagoba Arrasate—keep collecting points at this rate (24 from 15 games so far), they could enter European competition for the first time in 22 years. The top form comes six months after avoiding relegation with 40 points in 2023/24; that tally wasn’t enough to save Real Valladolid from being demoted the season prior.
Although it’s early days, with the midpoint of La Liga still approaching, it now appears much rosier from a Mallorca persuasion. The latest victory arrived versus lowly Valencia, the decisive strikes from forwards Cyle Larin and charismatic local hero Abdón Prats in a 2-1 scoreline. Grinding out results has defined Mallorca’s success lately—not winning a match by more than one goal, scoring few (15), and conceding fewer (13).
Such competitiveness is encouraging to supporters in Palma and outside. The Spanish team is owned by U.S. sportspeople, of which former tennis player Andy Kohlberg has a majority stake, accompanied by basketball names Steve Nash and Steve Kerr as minority shareholders. While taking control of any soccer club doesn’t guarantee rich returns financially, there are other reasons for Messrs Kohlberg, Nash, and Kerr to smile.
Should the ownership have watched each minute of every Mallorca game, they will have seen a lot of captain Antonio Raíllo, the central defender who has played more than any player in the Spanish top tier this term. They will have watched towering striker Vedat Muriqi win the most aerial duels. And they will have observed number 12 Samu Costa snapping into 40 tackles—among the highest. This is from the time of writing, knowing some teams have played more fixtures than others.
Coach Kerr keeps track of Mallorca when he’s away from the island, with personalities like Kohlberg, … [+]
What’s come of Mallorca are players pulling together and getting the most of their talents. They did so when tying 1-1 against Real Madrid on the opening weekend and in the rollercoaster contest with Las Palmas, where Los Bermellones netted a controversial last-minute winner via an indirect free kick. Someone who embodies the spirit well is Dani Rodríguez, a 36-year-old steam-train of a midfielder, charging around the park and recording the most goals and assists in red and black.
The squad has the will and industry to continue its run. Less clear? If Mallorca has the premium quality to battle in the top places of the table until late May.
La Liga’s rule-makers handed Mallorca a reasonable enough budget of €59 million ($62 million) to disburse on staff and players in 2024/25—the 11th highest. Before a ball was kicked, it signed Johan Mojica for around €1.5 million ($1.6 million) and Robert Navarro for just under €1 million ($1.1 million). These were the only two costing anything, as Mallorca—which sold more—spent frugally. That put the focus on the training ground and dressing room culture.
Much credit should go to Arrasate. And for the owners, there will be personal satisfaction in seeing the work bear fruit on the grass. In September, Kerr spoke about the in-game similarities between basketball and soccer in an interview with Spanish publication El País, and both he and Nash have been hands-on with the players during visits to the island. Before the Copa del Rey final in April, which Mallorca lost, Nash was animating the crowd, embracing mallorquinismo (Spanish).
Away from the venture’s emotion, there is capital appreciation. Already well-placed to access the U.S. market and on an island soaking in plenty of tourists, Mallorca’s brand and value will grow with success—perhaps resulting in a big sale in the future. Yet, the way things are going, those on board will likely want to stay along for the ride, as nobody knows where it may end up.
