The best Málaga CF players: our all-time XI

Selecting an all-time Málaga XI is guaranteed to cause arguments. Different generations remember different clubs, divisions and versions of La Rosaleda. This team is therefore an opinion rather than an official ranking.

We have balanced longevity, peak performance, importance to the club and the emotional connection each player created with supporters.

Goalkeeper: Willy Caballero

Caballero became one of the defining figures of Málaga’s modern golden era. His shot-stopping, personality and performances in Europe made him a natural choice in goal.

Right-back: Jesús Gámez

An academy product, club captain and dependable right-back, Gámez represented the link between local development and Málaga’s rise into European competition.

Centre-back: Weligton

Weligton combined leadership, aggression and longevity. He was central to the Pellegrini era and became one of the most recognisable defenders in the modern club’s history.

Left-back: Eliseu

Eliseu’s pace, attacking intent and powerful shooting made him memorable. He played multiple roles across different seasons and was important during Málaga’s European period.

Midfield: Migueli

Migueli was the first player representing Málaga to win senior caps for Spain. A legend of the historic CD Málaga era, he provides the team with continuity across the club’s different identities.

Midfield: Juanito

The Fuengirola-born Juanito became a Spain and Real Madrid icon, but his roots in Málaga football remain central to his story. He brings personality, movement and local significance.

Midfield: Sebastián Viberti

Viberti was the creative reference point of one of CD Málaga’s most celebrated periods. His technique and charisma made him an idol of the 1970s.

Midfield: Duda

Few modern players are as closely associated with Málaga as Duda. His delivery from set pieces, left foot and years of service made him crucial across several different teams.

Forward: Julio Dely Valdés

The Panamanian striker was prolific, intelligent and loved at La Rosaleda. His goals made him one of the clearest attacking choices.

Forward: Catanha

Catanha’s goals and exuberant personality defined an exciting period around the turn of the century. He was a striker supporters came to see.

Forward: Isco

Isco’s time in the first team was relatively short, but his peak was exceptional. An academy talent at the centre of the Champions League run, he gave Málaga genuine global star quality.

Manager: Manuel Pellegrini

Pellegrini led Málaga to their highest league finish and the Champions League quarter-finals. No other manager can match the scale of that modern achievement.

The players who narrowly missed out

Any Málaga XI could include Pedro Bazán, Joaquín Peiró, Koke Contreras, Martín Demichelis, Santi Cazorla, Salomón Rondón, Nacho Monreal, Ignacio Camacho, Roque Santa Cruz, Antonio Hidalgo and many others.

That debate is part of the fun. The right team often depends on the era in which you first fell in love with Málaga.

Read about Málaga players who represented Spain