A version of this article was initially released in October 2021.
The delectable freshly made pizza served at Son Moix home in Mallorca is so irresistible that players often linger after La Liga matches to share a slice with fortunate fans seated in the club’s VIP corner.
Cooked at scorching 800 degrees in a portable oven with ingredients transported from Naples, this pizza has garnered high praise from Andy Kohlberg, the club’s current president and former tennis player, who describes it as “undoubtedly the finest pizza you’ll ever taste”.
Mallorca’s journey in La Liga has been influenced by international elements both on and off the field, aiding the Balearics club in solidifying its position after a tumultuous period.
The team is now on the verge of potential Copa del Rey triumph for only the second time in their history, reminiscent of their victory in 2003 led by Samuel Eto’o.
Following victories over Girona and Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao poses the final challenge for Los Bermellones in the upcoming final in Seville this Saturday.
Anticipating up to 20,000 supporters traveling from the island, with many more tuning in on the massive screen set up in Palma’s Placa de la Reina.
Abdon Prats, the forward and cult figure, expressed, “As a Mallorcan, it’s a dream. We are a club to be proud of, one that has been rejuvenated after eight years.”
In 2016, Mallorca faced significant debt before being acquired by a consortium that included Kohlberg, Robert Sarver, and basketball legend Steve Nash. This acquisition was followed by relegation to Spain’s third tier, but since then, Mallorca has made a remarkable comeback to the top flight, experiencing relegation and subsequent promotion in 2020-21.
With the presence of former England defender Graeme le Saux on the board, Mallorca is currently relishing their third consecutive season in the Spanish top tier.
Reflecting on the tumultuous journey, Kohlberg, who acquired Sarver’s shares, shared with BBC Sport, “Describing it as a rollercoaster would be an understatement. It has been challenging, but we have persevered.”
The club’s aim is to establish a winning culture by emphasizing the academy and development program while enhancing the playing squad through strategic acquisitions, a task delegated to the football experts.
“We have learned valuable lessons along the way, and our objective is to secure our position in La Liga and become a top-10 team,” Kohlberg added.
Despite finishing ninth last season, Javier Aguirre’s side currently occupies the 15th position in the league standings.
Kohlberg’s approach involves infusing his expertise from the NBA, where he spent 17 years with the Phoenix Suns, into the football realm, leveraging his understanding of elite athletes’ mentality to drive performance across sports.
The recent £25m renovation of the Mallorca Son Moix Stadium, removing the athletics track and enhancing capacity to over 26,000 while prioritizing sustainability, signifies the club’s commitment to progress.
Apart from the delectable pizza, the stadium now features Spain’s pioneering “tunnel club,” incorporating a one-way glass wall in the tunnel, a press conference viewing room, and a VIP mini-stand.
Kohlberg’s strategy aims to cater to diverse fan interests, striking a balance between traditional match experiences and innovative offerings targeted at millennials and Generation Z, while maintaining the essence of the island’s culture.
The club’s global appeal has been augmented by international signings in recent seasons, such as Japan’s Takefusa Kubo and South Korea’s Kang-in Lee, who attracted significant attention during their stints at Mallorca.
The decision-making process for signings, as explained by Kohlberg, prioritizes footballing aspects, ensuring the right fit and value before considering secondary factors like international appeal.
With another opportunity to etch their name in football history, Mallorca eyes victory in Seville this Saturday to further solidify their resurgence on the footballing landscape.