The coach of Málaga CF's promotion, Sergio Pellicer, known as Funes, was the announcer for the Feria de Málaga 2026, at an event opened by Mayor Francisco de la Torre.
The Feria de Málaga 2026 now has its proclamation. The coach of Málaga CF's promotion, Sergio Pellicer, better known as Funes, was responsible for kicking off the major festivities of the capital at an event held on August 15. He did so after the mayor, Francisco de la Torre, personally thanked him for accepting the role: “No one better than him to symbolize a person who has done many things for Málaga,” the mayor assured.
De la Torre recalled the achievement of the team led by Funes, which culminated in promotion after winning the final against Las Palmas and Almería. “The miracle of Funes. A formidable job. He knew how to motivate the players,” the mayor pointed out, defining the promotion as “the crowning of immense joy for the city.” The event, which took place as part of the fair, also served for De la Torre to shout “Long live the Feria de Málaga, long live Funes, long live Málaga CF and the Málaga fans.”
Funes, for his part, began his speech by thanking those present and the “Málaga family that has shown we are more than 200,000.” The coach, used to speaking to his players in the locker room, confessed that it was “a great responsibility” to address all the people of Málaga. He also wanted to thank the mayor and Teresa, referring to the councillor for Fiestas, for the call to be the announcer.
One of the most emotional moments of the proclamation came when Funes spoke of his bond with the city. “My daughter was born in Málaga. My wife and I were born in Loja, but from the first day we arrived we understood what is written on our shield. That it is very hospitable,” he explained. The coach recounted how in Málaga they are called “the lojeños” and when they return to Loja, “the boquerones come,” in a nod to the integration of those who arrive from outside.
Funes asked those present to imagine an “eleven of illustrious Málaga figures” in their heads, with names like Antonio Banderas, Juanito, María Zambrano, Fernando Hierro, Chiquito, or Victoria Kent. “It would be difficult to agree on any eleven,” he joked. But he went further and wanted to leave a message about teamwork: “A team is not 11 players. It is everyone rowing in the same direction together. The teams that are written in capital letters are the ones that row together.”
The announcer closed his speech appealing for the unity of the city: “If we truly want Málaga to continue being a great team, it will need everyone. Bakers, teachers, merchants, builders, gardeners, fishermen… from all of you who are here.” With these words, the Feria de Málaga was officially inaugurated for the upcoming days of celebration, during which the city immerses itself in its traditions and its people.
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