v.v. Melissant is a Dutch amateur club founded in 1945 in the small community of Goeree-Overflakkee, in the southwest of the Netherlands. It currently competes in the fifth tier of national football. No spotlights, no big budgets, and a purely local, community-driven spirit. And yet, for several years now, this modest team has been living an absolutely extraordinary story: its surprising connection with Málaga CF.
The seed of this bond was planted by a former president of v.v. Melissant, a club official who, during his time on the Costa del Sol, particularly in the Málaga town of Nerja, struck up friendships some 15 years ago with several locals who were members of the Málaga supporters’ club in Nerja.
Those meetings, conversations, and experiences centred around Málaga CF gradually left their mark. Upon returning to the Netherlands, that admiration didn’t remain a mere anecdote, it evolved into an idea that would eventually permeate the identity of v.v. Melissant.
Robbie Mijnders, the team delegate, explains this very particular feeling to MCFTV: “Every year it’s very important for us to be here and experience the atmosphere. We feel a great love for Málaga.” During his visits to Málaga, Robbie takes the opportunity to bring Málaga jerseys to the village children, and orders of Blue and White kits through the Online Store are commonplace.
“La Bombonera” resonates in the Netherlands
Last season marked a turning point. Since then, in their home matches and on the occasion of the club’s 80th anniversary, v.v. Melissant’s first team takes to the pitch to the Málaga CF anthem, “Málaga, la Bombonera.” A gesture as anecdotal as it is symbolic.
Hearing the Malaguista anthem in a Dutch amateur stadium is the clearest sign of a connection that is a true declaration of football love, a heartfelt bridge between two very different worlds, united by the same passion. But Málaga CF’s influence doesn’t stop at the pre-match music.
In the stands at v.v. Melissant’s ground, there is always a sizable group of supporters proudly wearing Blue and White jerseys. Málaga songs are sung, and the latest news about Málaga CF is discussed as if La Rosaleda were just around the corner, despite being more than 2,200 kilometres away. An admirable loyalty in this small Dutch community.
v.v. Melissant’s supporters dream of taking things a step further. Their goal and aspiration is to formalise this bond by becoming a registered Málaga CF supporters’ club. Such an initiative would symbolise the official recognition of a relationship that is already real and tangible.
A notable occasion on the calendar for this was Málaga CF’s first match at La Rosaleda in 2026, against AD Ceuta FC. It was the perfect setting, where a group of Dutch fans enjoyed the 2-1 victory from the Martiricos stands.
Football as a cultural link
The story of v.v. Melissant and Málaga CF shows that football remains a powerful tool for cultural connection. It knows no borders, languages, or divisions, it thrives on shared emotions, linking our Málaga CF with a modest Dutch amateur club.
In Melissant, children grow up seeing Blue and White jerseys, hearing the Málaga anthem, listening to stories of La Rosaleda, and learning that love for a club can be born in the most unexpected places. A true ode to football, the kind that connects people and communities through a ball, a scarf, or a jersey. In this case, the Málaga CF jersey.