In 2023, Mallorca Palma Futsal reached unprecedented heights in the world of sports by clinching the titles of the UEFA Futsal Champions League and the Intercontinental. Within a span of 7 months, the team secured the first two prestigious titles in its 25-year history—a sporting ‘miracle’ celebrated in Vatican City. A delegation from the Balearic team was granted an emotional audience with Pope Francis, marking a historic moment for world futsal.
During this significant meeting, Bishop Sebastià Taltavull of Mallorca played a pivotal role as the mastermind behind the achievement. Alongside him were President Tomeu Quetglas, Coach Antonio Vadillo, and Team Captain Carlos Barrón. With the only absence being the General Director of the entity, José Tirado, due to an indisposition. Pope Francis, surprising the Spanish representatives with his knowledge of sports, received a Mallorca Palma Futsal shirt with ‘Pope Francis’ on the back, along with a club scarf.
Tomeu Quetglas described the audience as “incredible, exciting, and impressive,” emphasizing the privilege of conversing with the Pope and experiencing his familiarity with the team. Antonio Vadillo expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s a privilege—an incredible moment to personally greet the Pope and be received in this manner. I extend my thanks to the Bishop of Mallorca for making this meeting possible; it’s truly gratifying for the club.”
In a statement to Cadena Cope, he described the meeting as “very exciting and endearing,” highlighting the Pope’s encouraging words for everyone.
This unforgettable moment, dedicated to the founder Miquel Jaume, represents another accolade for Mallorca Palma Futsal. Solidifying its position as a sporting and social reference both nationally and internationally. The team, crowned European and World champions, looks forward to defending their title in the Yerevan Final Four in May.
Even beyond the sports arena, Mallorca Palma Futsal has showcased its ability to bridge political tensions. Last October, Captain Carlos Barrón captured an unlikely photo with the President of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens of the PP, and her predecessor, Francina Armengol of the PSOE and current President of Congress. This selfie, taken at the Diario de Mallorca Awards, served as a unifying moment, transcending political differences. The team’s twenty-fifth-anniversary celebration at the Can Balaguer Cultural Center in Palma also attracted the presence of two prominent political figures from the island, emphasizing the club’s broader impact beyond the sports arena.
