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| Full name | Malappuram Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Short name | MFC | ||
| Founded | May 2024 | ||
| Ground | Malappuram District Sports Complex Stadium, Payyanad, Manjeri | ||
| Capacity | 30,000 | ||
| Owner | Veliyath Ajmal Anvar Ameen Chelat Sanju Samson | ||
| Head coach | Miguel Corral | ||
| League | Super League Kerala | ||
Malappuram Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Malappuram, Kerala, competing in the Super League Kerala. The club was founded in May 2024. [1] [2]
Malappuram FC plays their home matches at the Malappuram District Sports Complex Stadium in the city of Manjeri.
Malappuram FC competed in the inaugural edition of the Super League Kerala (SLK) in 2024, entering the competition with significant expectations and the unwavering backing of one of the most passionate football fan bases in the state. Under the management of former Aston Villa and Chennaiyin FC coach John Gregory [3] , the club assembled a star-studded squad that combined experienced Indian names with proven foreign professionals.
The team’s most notable domestic signing was Anas Edathodika, the former India international defender and one of Kerala’s most respected footballers. The foreign contingent featured Sergio Barboza, who had previous I-League experience, along with Joseba Beitia and Pedro Manzi, both accomplished players with successful stints in Indian football.
Malappuram began their campaign with a win over Forca Kochi FC [4] . However, the team’s form soon dipped, as defensive lapses and finishing woes led to dropped points in crucial matches. Despite flashes of quality from Beitia, Manzi, and Barboza, the side struggled to maintain consistency across the league stage.
Their two victories of the season came in away fixtures, against Forca Kochi FC and Thrissur Magic FC [5] . By the end of the league stage, Malappuram FC finished fifth among six teams, with a record of two wins, four draws, and four losses, thereby failing to qualify for the semifinals.
After a dismal outing in the inaugural season of the Super League Kerala, Malappuram FC management undertook a sweeping rebuild ahead of Season 2. The club parted ways with English coach John Gregory and appointed Miguel Corral from Spain as the new head coach, signalling a shift toward a more modern, possession-oriented approach [6] .
To reinforce the squad, Malappuram made several high-profile signings. Roy Krishna, the Fijian international and former Indian Super League top scorer, joined the attack, adding proven goal-scoring pedigree [7] . From Calicut FC, they secured Gani Nigam, one of the standout midfielders of the previous edition. The defence was strengthened by the arrival of Abdul Hakku, who brought with him rich experience from both the ISL and I-League, having previously represented Kerala Blasters FC and Gokulam Kerala FC.
The changes paid off early in the campaign. Malappuram opened their season with a 1–0 victory over Thrissur Magic FC, courtesy of a Roy Krishna penalty [8] .
Ultras Malappuram are the official supporters’ group of Malappuram FC and one of the most vibrant fan collectives in the Super League Kerala. Known for their unmatched energy and elaborate matchday atmosphere, the group has become a defining part of Malappuram’s football identity.
Originating from the district’s long-standing football culture, the Ultras are recognised for their colourful tifo displays, rhythmic chants, and coordinated drums that echo through the stadium during home games. Their passion often turns Malappuram’s fixtures into carnival-like events, with banners, flares, and songs celebrating local pride and the team’s motto.
Even during the club’s underwhelming first season, the Ultras remained steadfast in support, often travelling to away matches in large numbers.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Head coach |  Miguel Corral |
| Assistant coach |  Dragoș Firțulescu |
| Goalkeeping coach |  Felix D'Souza |
| Strength & conditioning coach | Marius Bortis |
| Physio | Anandu Kumar |
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chief operating officer | Arun K. Nanu |
| Head of football operations | Wilbur Lasrado |
| Season | Year | Kit Manufacturer | Shirt Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024 | Hummel | Impex [9] |
| 2 | 2025 | Hummel | Rapheal Film City [10] |
| 3 | 2026 |
Sports teams based in Kerala | ||
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| Cricket |
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| Football |
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| Futsal | ||
| Volleyball | ||
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