Dirk Nowitzki Reflects on Steve Nash’s Journey with RCD Mallorca

Steve Nash, the two-time NBA MVP, has pursued his passion for soccer by becoming a minority shareholder in RCD Mallorca, a club in Spain’s La Liga. Since joining an ownership group in 2016, Nash has faced both challenges and victories, resonating with fellow NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki, who shared his own experiences in the sport.

During a recent conversation on the club’s YouTube channel, Nash reflected on the difficulties the club encountered after his ownership group took charge. “You can imagine a bunch of Americans and a Canadian come in and take over the club, and we go down to the third division in a year or a half or so,” he stated, highlighting the rocky start. The 2017-18 season saw Mallorca drop to Tier 3, frustrating a dedicated fan base that had high expectations.

Nash noted that the club’s struggles impacted attendance, with many supporters choosing to stay home. “A lot of people stopped coming,” he admitted, underscoring the intense emotions tied to the club’s performance. Nowitzki, who grew up in Germany and played for the small club DJK Wuzberg, found parallels between his experience and Nash’s challenges.

“I grew up in Germany in a small club,” Nowitzki recounted. “We got promoted, and everybody, even the GM, is in practice and is passionate. I think that’s the only way for a small club to grow.” His journey with DJK Wuzberg, where he began playing at just 16 years old, culminated in leading the team to a historic promotion to a higher league in his final season. This passion for the game is something both he and Nash share, as they navigate the complexities of managing a soccer club.

Fortunately for Mallorca, the ownership group, which includes Nash, is not motivated solely by financial returns. Instead, they are driven by a genuine love for soccer and a desire for the team’s success. Following their relegation in 2018, RCD Mallorca made a determined comeback, achieving promotion back to Tier 1 in the 2021-22 season. Since then, the club has maintained its position in the top league, much to the relief and joy of its loyal fans.

Nowitzki’s insights resonate with Nash as they aim to elevate the club’s profile in Spanish soccer. The challenges of managing a small club have provided valuable lessons that they hope to apply moving forward. Both legends exemplify how passion and dedication can lead to success, not just in basketball, but in soccer as well.

As RCD Mallorca continues to compete against some of the top teams in the league, the partnership between Nash and Nowitzki serves as a reminder of the strong connections between sports and the communities they represent.