Marbella FC
- Leagues Played
- Spain Segunda B Group 4 244 Spain Tercera Group 9 85 Spain Primera Division RFEF Group 2 38 Spain Segunda Division RFEF Group 4 34 Club Friendly List 12 Spain Copa del Rey 10 Spain Copa Federacion 4 Spain Segunda Division RFEF Play-Offs 4 Spain Segunda B Play-Offs 3 Spain Tercera - Play-Offs 1
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- Marbella FC U19
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Wikipedia - Marbella FC
Marbella Fútbol Club, formerly known as Unión Deportiva Marbella, is a Spanish football team based in Marbella, the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded in 1997, it currently plays in Primera Federación – Group 2, playing home matches at Dama de Noche football ground.
History
Unión Deportiva Marbella was founded in 1997 immediately after the defunction of Club Atlético Marbella, which was founded 38 years before and was owned by Jesús Gil, also the chairman of Atlético de Madrid. In 2000–01, the team won its Tercera División group but came second to Real Betis B in the promotion play-offs. It subsequently qualified to the Copa del Rey for the first time, losing 0–1 at home to CD Díter Zafra in the preliminary round. In 2003, it was finally promoted to Segunda División B.
Marbella was taken over by businessmen Ian Radford and Wayne Elliott of the HI Group, an international sports, leisure, property and travel company in September 2007. In 2009, the club contested the play-offs for promotion to Segunda División for the first time, losing 2–1 on aggregate to Lorca Deportiva. In the ensuing domestic cup season, it reached the last 32 before an 8–0 aggregate loss to Atlético; the league campaign ended with relegation after seven years in the third tier.
On 28 June 2013 Unión was renamed Marbella Fútbol Club, by consent of the Russian ownership presided by Alexander Grinberg, in order to appeal to a wider foreign fanbase. At the end of the season, it ended four years in the fourth division with a 3–2 aggregate win over CD Eldense after extra time in the play-offs. By finishing second in the regular season, Marbella played in the 2018 Segunda División B play-offs, and lost on penalties in the first round to Celta de Vigo B.
Grinberg sold the club to Chinese investor Zhao Zhen in November 2018. In 2019–20, the team again came second and qualified for the play-offs, where all games were held in the local area due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, they lost 2–0 in the first round to SCR Peña Deportiva. A league restructuring meant that Marbella were relegated from the last season of the Segunda División B in 2020–21, dropping to the fifth-tier Tercera Federación.
After two years in the fifth tier, Marbella achieved promotion in April 2023 as champions of their group. Goalkeeper Alberto Lejárraga celebrated the occasion by coming out as gay.
Marbella's first season in the Segunda Federación ended in success, with promotion to the Primera Federación in June 2024. They defeated Getafe B and then UD Logrones in two two-legged play off games. Following promotion, it was announced that Brazilian midfielder Casemiro would be investing in the club.
Club background
- Atlético Marbella: 1947–1997
- UD Marbella: 1997–2013
- Marbella FC: 2013–present
Known for their attacking style of play and skilled players, Marbella FC has a passionate fan base that fills the stands at their home stadium for every match. The team's colors of blue and white are proudly displayed by supporters throughout the city.
Marbella FC has a strong youth development program, nurturing talented young players and giving them the opportunity to shine on the senior team. The club also has a reputation for fostering a positive team culture and promoting sportsmanship both on and off the field.
With a dedicated coaching staff and a roster of talented players, Marbella FC continues to strive for success in the Spanish football league and beyond. Their commitment to excellence and passion for the game make them a formidable opponent for any team they face.