The 2025/26 season finds RCD Mallorca firmly established as La Liga’s Mediterranean survivors, a club from the Balearic Islands that has defied geographic isolation and modest resources to secure its place among Spain’s elite. The Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, with its distinctive red-and-black seats and capacity just over 23,000, has become a challenging away trip for visiting teams, who must contend with the passionate Bermellones (Red and Blacks) and the island’s unique atmosphere. Javier Aguirre, the eccentric Mexican manager who kept Mallorca in La Liga against all odds in 2023 and 2024, remains at the helm, his fiery touchline presence and tactical pragmatism perfectly suited to a club that punches above its weight. This season’s squad reflects Aguirre’s blueprint: experienced veterans with survival nous, undervalued South Americans, loanees from bigger clubs, and homegrown products from the club’s modest academy. There is no European ambition, only the desperate fight to avoid the relegation that has claimed so many island clubs before them. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Mallorca’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Predrag Rajković
Nationality: Serbian
Former Clubs: Jagodina, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Stade de Reims
Transfer Fee: £6 million (2023)
Predrag Rajković has become Mallorca’s undisputed number one and one of La Liga’s most underrated goalkeepers, providing Serbian international pedigree (2022 World Cup), shot-stopping excellence, and leadership. The 29-year-old’s reflexes (76% save percentage in 2024/25, 75% in 2025/26 to date) and command of the penalty area (87% cross-claiming success) have been instrumental in Mallorca’s successive survival campaigns. Rajković’s distribution (86% pass completion) remains functional rather than expansive, but his shot-stopping fundamentals have proven remarkably consistent. Having started 34 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 13 clean sheets, he remains remarkably durable. Rajković’s experience—including 60+ Serbia caps and Ligue 1 exposure—provides dressing room leadership. Rajković’s contract runs through 2028, with Mallorca rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs. Rajković’s performance against Real Madrid in October 2025—making 11 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Leo Román
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Mallorca B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Leo Román has accepted a rotational role behind Rajković, providing Spanish backup depth and cup competition cover following his graduation from Mallorca B. The 25-year-old’s shot-stopping (72% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (85% pass completion) provide functional cover. Román started 10 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Rajković’s rest), keeping 4 clean sheets. Román’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Iván Cuéllar
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Leganés, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Iván Cuéllar has provided emergency third-choice cover following his free transfer from Leganés, offering Spanish experience. The 39-year-old’s contract expires in 2027, with retirement likely.
Defenders
1. Antonio Raíllo (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Mallorca B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Antonio Raíllo has become Mallorca’s defensive captain and leader, the academy graduate providing Spanish physicality, aerial dominance, and organisational communication across nearly a decade at the club. The 33-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.5 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing wing-backs—provides defensive security. His aerial duel success (84%) leads Mallorca’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. Raíllo’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and blocks (1.4 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. His passing (85% completion) remains basic; his role involves clearing danger and organising teammates. Raíllo’s partnership with Martin Valjent has conceded only 1.12 goals per 90 minutes over the 2025/26 season to date. Raíllo’s leadership, formalised as club captain, manages Mallorca’s dressing room through vocal authority and professional standards. Raíllo’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter. Raíllo’s performance against Barcelona in December 2025—winning 11 duels, organising the defensive line—demonstrated his value.
2. Martin Valjent
Nationality: Slovak
Former Clubs: Ternana, Chievo, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2020)
Martin Valjent has become Raíllo’s long-term partner, providing Slovak international experience, tactical intelligence, and defensive diligence across six seasons at the club. The 30-year-old’s positioning (2.4 interceptions per 90) and reading of the game provide defensive security. His passing (88% completion) remains secure if unambitious. Valjent’s partnership with Raíllo has developed understanding; their complementary styles (Raíllo’s physicality, Valjent’s composure) create defensive synergy. Valjent’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Pablo Maffeo
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Manchester City, Girona, VfB Stuttgart (loan), Mallorca
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2022)
Pablo Maffeo has become Mallorca’s first-choice right-back, providing Spanish pace, defensive aggression, and attacking thrust following his permanent signing from Manchester City. The 27-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.7 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide balance. Maffeo’s recovery pace (35.2 km/h) prevents dangerous transitions. Maffeo’s relationship with Spanish teammates provides comfort; his Manchester City academy education provided technical foundations. Maffeo’s contract runs through 2029, with Mallorca rejecting January 2026 approaches.
4. Jaume Costa
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Valencia, Villarreal, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Jaume Costa has become Mallorca’s first-choice left-back, providing Spanish experience, defensive diligence, and crossing quality following his free transfer from Villarreal. The 37-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.4 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 2 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide security. Costa’s experience—including 300+ La Liga appearances—provides dressing room wisdom. Costa’s contract expires in 2027.
5. Copete
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Betis, Sporting Gijón (loan), Mallorca
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2023)
Copete has provided centre-back depth following his arrival from Real Betis, offering Spanish physicality and aerial presence. The 29-year-old’s aerial duel success (80%) and tackling (2.4 per 90) provide functional cover. Copete’s contract runs through 2028.
6. Toni Lato
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Valencia, Osasuna (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Toni Lato has provided left-back depth following his free transfer from Valencia, offering Spanish pace and crossing as Costa’s understudy. The 28-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.3 per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) created 1 assist in 2025/26. Lato’s contract runs through 2028.
7. David López
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Napoli, Huesca, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
David López has provided emergency centre-back depth following his free transfer, offering Spanish experience. The 36-year-old’s contract expires in 2027.
Midfielders
1. Samú Costa
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Almería, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2023)
Samú Costa has become Mallorca’s midfield anchor, providing Portuguese physicality, tackling, and tactical discipline following his arrival from Almería. The 25-year-old’s tackling (3.4 per 90) and interceptions (2.6 per 90) lead Mallorca’s midfield. His work rate (11.8 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.5 pressures per 90) set Aguirre’s standards. Costa’s passing (87% completion) remains basic; his role involves disruption, tactical fouling, and protecting the backline. Costa’s partnership with Dani Rodríguez provides midfield balance (Costa’s destruction, Rodríguez’s creativity). Costa’s contract runs through 2029, with Mallorca rejecting January 2026 approaches.
2. Dani Rodríguez (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Albacete, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2019)
Dani Rodríguez has become Mallorca’s creative heartbeat and vice-captain, the Spanish playmaker providing passing quality, set-piece delivery, and work rate across seven seasons at the club. The 37-year-old’s passing (4.7 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and composure under pressure enable Mallorca to build play through midfield. His set-piece delivery (5 assists from corners and free kicks in 2025/26) adds significant value. Rodríguez’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (6 assists) provide balanced output. Rodríguez’s contract runs through 2027, with retirement likely.
3. Manu Morlanes
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Villarreal B, Villarreal, Espanyol (loan), Alavés (loan), Mallorca
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2024)
Manu Morlanes has provided midfield depth following his arrival from Villarreal, offering Spanish passing quality, technical ability, and tactical discipline. The 26-year-old’s passing (4.8 progressive passes per 90, 89% completion) and composure provide functional depth. Morlanes’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Omar Mascarell
Nationality: Spanish (covered in Levante, now at Mallorca on loan)
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Derby County, Schalke 04, Eintracht Frankfurt, Elche, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: Loan from Elche (2025)
Omar Mascarell’s season-long loan from Elche added Spanish experience, tactical intelligence, and midfield security to Mallorca’s squad. The 32-year-old’s tackling (2.9 per 90) and interceptions (2.3 per 90) provide functional depth. Mascarell’s contract runs through 2026 with Elche, loan expires at season’s end.
5. Josep Gayá
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Mallorca B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Josep Gayá has graduated from Mallorca B to midfield rotation following promising development. The 23-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Rodrigo Battaglia
Nationality: Argentine
Former Clubs: Rosario Central, Sporting CP, Alavés, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Rodrigo Battaglia has provided emergency midfield depth following his free transfer from Alavés, offering Argentine physicality and experience. The 33-year-old’s contract expires in 2027.
Forwards
1. Vedat Muriqi
Nationality: Kosovan
Former Clubs: Fenerbahçe, Lazio, Mallorca (loan), Mallorca (permanent)
Transfer Fee: £8 million (2023, following loan)
Vedat Muriqi has become Mallorca’s attacking talisman and cult hero, the Kosovan forward providing physical presence, hold-up play, and finishing that has kept Mallorca in La Liga. The 31-year-old’s finishing (14 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (24%) provide consistent scoring threat. His hold-up play (75% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (82%) occupy defenders, creating space for wingers. Muriqi’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.8 pressures per 90) sets Mallorca’s defensive tone from the front. Muriqi’s relationship with Kosovan teammates (none currently) provides comfort. Muriqi’s contract runs through 2029, with Mallorca rejecting January 2026 approaches. Muriqi’s performance against Real Betis in 2025—scoring a brace, winning 10 duels—demonstrated his physical dominance.
2. Cyle Larin
Nationality: Canadian
Former Clubs: Orlando City, Beşiktaş, Club Brugge, Valladolid, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2024)
Cyle Larin has provided striking depth following his arrival from Valladolid, offering Canadian international pace, finishing, and versatility across the frontline. The 30-year-old’s finishing (8 goals in 2025/26, primarily as substitute) and movement off the shoulder provide functional depth. Larin’s relationship with Canadian teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his CONCACAF experience provides international exposure. Larin’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Abdon Prats
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Mallorca B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Abdon Prats has become Mallorca’s local hero, the academy graduate providing Spanish work rate, finishing, and emotional connection across eight seasons at the club. The 32-year-old’s finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) and movement provide functional depth. Prats’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood, over 200 appearances—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Prats’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Sergi Darder
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Espanyol, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Sergi Darder has provided attacking midfield depth following his free transfer from Espanyol, offering Spanish passing quality, creativity, and set-piece delivery. The 31-year-old’s passing (4.9 progressive passes per 90) and finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Darder’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Antonio Sánchez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Mallorca B
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Antonio Sánchez has provided wide depth following his graduation from Mallorca B, offering Spanish work rate and crossing. The 26-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Amath Ndiaye
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: Getafe, Mallorca
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Amath Ndiaye has provided emergency wide depth following his free transfer from Getafe, offering Senegalese pace and dribbling. The 28-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Conclusion
Mallorca’s 2025/26 squad represents the most resilient and tactically coherent group assembled during Javier Aguirre’s transformative tenure, a testament to the Mexican manager’s pragmatism, the recruitment team’s intelligence (Rajković, Muriqi, Maffeo), and the academy’s continued production (Raíllo, Prats). The defence, anchored by Antonio Raíllo’s Spanish physicality and Martin Valjent’s Slovak composure, provides platform for Aguirre’s low-block, counter-attacking survival system. The midfield, dominated by Samú Costa’s Portuguese destruction and Dani Rodríguez’s creativity, controls matches through disruption and set-piece quality. The attack, headlined by Vedat Muriqi’s Kosovan physical dominance and Cyle Larin’s Canadian finishing, carries sufficient goal threat to secure survival. Crucially, Mallorca has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Rajković, Muriqi, and Maffeo represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining La Liga status despite the club’s geographic isolation and modest budget, with the added difficulty of attracting players to an island location. Yet Son Moix’s passionate atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember the glory days of the 1990s (Copa del Rey finalists 1991, 1998, 2003) and darker days in Segunda B, provides emotional fuel. Mallorca does not hope merely to survive; they fight with everything they have, taking pride in frustrating established giants and securing improbable results. This squad appears equipped to deliver another season of top-flight football, continuing the club’s remarkable transformation from yo-yo club into established La Liga battler. Força Mallorca.
