History of NK Maribor
{{short description|History of Nogometni klub Maribor}}
{{about||a statistical breakdown by season|List of NK Maribor seasons|the history of Maribor's home ground|Ljudski vrt}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
Nogometni klub Maribor is a Slovenian professional association football club based in Maribor. It was founded in December 1960 by officials and players of NK Branik Maribor. With 16 Slovenian PrvaLiga titles and 9 Slovenian Cups, they are the most successful Slovenian team. Maribor is also the only Slovenian club that reached the group stages of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
In its early years, the club played in the Yugoslav Second League, before being promoted to the Yugoslav First League in 1967. They remained in the top division for five seasons, then dropped out and never returned to the Yugoslav top flight. In the early 1980s, the club was relegated to the third level due to a bribery scandal.
Following Slovenia's independence in 1991, Maribor were one of the founding members of the Slovenian PrvaLiga, and also won the inaugural edition of the Slovenian Cup in 1992. The first golden era of the club was between 1997 and 2003, when Maribor won seven consecutive league titles and reached the group stages of the 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League. In the mid-2000s, the club declined for several years and was plagued by major financial difficulties.
The second golden era of the club began in 2007, when Zlatko Zahovič was appointed sports director of the club. In the period between 2009 and 2019, Maribor won eight league titles, four cup titles, and qualified for the Champions League group stages twice.
Background
The first step in the establishment of NK Maribor was the creation of the I. SSK Maribor on 28 June 1919.{{cite web | url = http://www.zveza-msdbranik.si/vsebina/1/27/1919_-_1941.html | title = Prvi slovenski športni klub Maribor 1919–1941 | website = zveza-msdbranik.si | access-date = 7 December 2021 | language = sl | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120426054256/http://www.zveza-msdbranik.si/vsebina/1/27/1919_-_1941.html | archive-date = 26 April 2012 | url-status = dead }} In 1920, the club acquired their first pitch at the Ljudski vrt area and played its first official competitive match against Rapid.{{cite web | url = https://mnzmaribor.si/wp-content/uploads/MNZ_Maribor_knjiga_Vec%CC%8C-kot-igra_predaja_2020-05-18.pdf | title = MNZ Maribor – 80 let nogometa v Mariboru | publisher = MNZ Maribor | year = 2008 | access-date = 7 December 2021 | archive-date = 1 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201101231031/https://mnzmaribor.si/wp-content/uploads/MNZ_Maribor_knjiga_Vec%CC%8C-kot-igra_predaja_2020-05-18.pdf | url-status = live }}
During the interwar period, the Slovenian football scene was dominated by clubs located in Ljubljana and therefore Maribor managed to win the Ljubljana Subassociation League title only three times (1931, 1933 and 1939).{{cite web |title=Slovenia – List of Champions |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/slovchamp.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=7 December 2021 |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502211134/http://www.rsssf.com/tabless/slovchamp.html |url-status=live }} After World War II, FD Maribor stepped in as the successor of the I. SSK Maribor. In 1949, NK Branik Maribor was founded. The team was disbanded in August 1960 due to the food poisoning affair before the match against Karlovac in the promotion play-offs for the Yugoslav Second League.{{cite web |last1=Zupan |first1=Miha |title=NK Maribor je posledica "afere driska" |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/NK-Maribor-je-posledica-afere-driska |publisher=Nogomania |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=23 October 2019 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207141816/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/NK-Maribor-je-posledica-afere-driska |url-status=live }}
Formation and early years (1960–1967)
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Nogometni klub Maribor was founded on 12 December 1960 by officials and players of NK Branik Maribor, a club that folded a few months earlier.{{cite web |title=NK Maribor slavi 60 let |url=https://snportal.si/slovenska-tekmovanja/prva-liga/nk-maribor-slavi-60-let/ |website=Slovenski nogometni portal |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl-SI |date=12 December 2020 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206194510/https://snportal.si/slovenska-tekmovanja/prva-liga/nk-maribor-slavi-60-let/ |url-status=live }} The board of the newly established club then organized the presidential elections. Srečko Koren was appointed as the first club president, Andrija Pflander as the first head coach, and Oto Blaznik as the first team captain. It was initially proposed that the club should be named NK Maribor 1960 and that the colours of the club should be red and white, inspired by the colours of the coat of arms of the city of Maribor.{{cite web |last1=Plestenjak |first1=Rok |title=Zgodba o junaku, ki je pred 60 leti obarval Maribor v vijolično |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/maribor-oto-blaznik-dresi-60-let-541095 |publisher=Siol |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=11 December 2020 |archive-date=19 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719221002/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/maribor-oto-blaznik-dresi-60-let-541095 |url-status=live }} However, at the first general assembly on 26 December 1960, it was decided that the club would be called NK Maribor, with purple and white as its main colours.{{cite news|title=S sinočnje seje NK »Maribor«. Ime ostane, barvi bela in vijoličasta. |website=Večer |page=7 |language=sl |date=27 December 1960}} Blaznik was the one who proposed the combination of purple and white jerseys to the club board after seeing photos of Italian side Fiorentina in La Gazzetta dello Sport. Maribor played its first match on 5 February 1961, a friendly against Kovinar, defeating them 2–1 with two goals by Stefan Tolič.{{cite web |last1=Plestenjak |first1=Rok |title=Vse najboljše, slovenski velikan in evropski fenomen! |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/rojstnodnevna-abeceda-nk-maribor-541138 |publisher=Siol |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=12 December 2020 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206194510/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/rojstnodnevna-abeceda-nk-maribor-541138 |url-status=live }}
Maribor started competing during the second part of the 1960–61 Slovenian Republic League, and took over the points and position of the city rivals ŽŠD Maribor. The first official league match was played on 12 March 1961, when Maribor played against Nova Gorica and won 2–0.{{cite web |last1=Vindiš |first1=Tomaž |title=Slovenska nogometna kluba iz Maribora in Ljubljane v prvi jugoslovanski ligi med leti 1967–1972 |url=https://www.fsp.uni-lj.si/COBISS/Diplome/Diploma22054050VindisTomaz.pdf |website=fsp.uni-lj.si |publisher=University of Ljubljana |language=sl |access-date=7 December 2021 |date=2008 |archive-date=27 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827163746/https://www.fsp.uni-lj.si/COBISS/Diplome/Diploma22054050VindisTomaz.pdf |url-status=live }} The team won the Republic League (third tier in Yugoslavia) in its first season, and thus qualified for the play-offs to advance to the Yugoslav second division.{{cite web |title=1961–1970 |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/history/decades/f3bf4798-40fa-4c9d-8f1c-d8e9ee2eadfd |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=28 November 2024 |language=sl |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203030603/https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/history/decades/f3bf4798-40fa-4c9d-8f1c-d8e9ee2eadfd |url-status=live }} Pflander was the head coach of the team that won the Republic title, however, he had to step down from the position due to illness. His successor became Vladimir Šimunić, who eventually led the team to the Yugoslav First League six years later. Maribor went through as a winner in the first two rounds of the qualifications and eventually defeated Uljanik from Pula in the final phase with 2–1 on aggregate, therefore earning promotion to the second Yugoslav division.
On 2 September 1962, football fans across Slovenia witnessed the birth of a new rivalry between Maribor and Olimpija.{{cite web|url=http://www.nkolimpija.com/?page=club&id=13 |title=Večni derbiji z Mariborom |trans-title=Eternal derbies with Maribor |website=nkolimpija.com |language=sl|access-date=8 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127114624/http://nkolimpija.com/?page=club&id=13 |archive-date=27 November 2010 }} The first match between the two sides was played in Ljubljana and ended in a draw (1–1).{{cite web |title=Zgodovina derbijev med Olimpijo in Mariborom: rivalstvo traja 53 let |url=https://www.dnevnik.si/1042725248 |website=Dnevnik |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=21 November 2015 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207162812/https://www.dnevnik.si/1042725248 |url-status=live }} After five seasons in the second tier, the club, managed by Šimunić, won the second division and qualified for the Yugoslav First League, making it one of only three Slovenian clubs in history to play in the Yugoslav top flight.{{cite web |last1=Plestenjak |first1=Rok |title=Stoletje, v katerem se je dogajalo marsikaj #video |url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/top-10-nzs-fotografije-525936 |publisher=Siol |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=21 May 2020 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207162810/https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/top-10-nzs-fotografije-525936 |url-status=live }}
File:Prihod nogometašev na igrišče na tekmi Maribor - Uljanik 1961.jpg players before the promotion play-offs in 1961.]]
Yugoslav First League (1967–1972)
The club's first match in the Yugoslav top division was played on 20 August 1967 against Vardar in Skopje, which ended in a 1–1 draw with Maras scoring the only goal for Maribor. The first home match was played on 27 August against Proleter Zrenjanin in front of 8,000 spectators, which Maribor won 3–0. The goals were scored by Mladen Kranjc, Milan Arnejčič and Boris Binkovski. During the same season, the first match in Yugoslav top division between two Slovenian clubs was contested, when Maribor hosted a match against their rivals Olimpija in front of 13,000 spectators, which ended in a goalless draw.{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1967/68&t=2&kolo=13 | title = NK Maribor – Olimpija 0:0 | publisher = NK Maribor| language = sl | access-date = 6 April 2011 }} Maribor finished its first top division season in 12th place.{{cite web |title=Yugoslavia championship 1967/68 |url=https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=4031 |website=eu-football.info |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206194507/https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=4031 |url-status=live }} In 1966 and 1967, the team also won back-to-back Slovenian Republic Cup titles, beating Olimpija on both occasions.{{cite web |title=Zgodovina slovenskega pokala – 1. del |url=https://snportal.si/zgodovina/zgodovina-slovenskega-pokala-1-del/ |website=Slovenski nogometni portal |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl-SI |date=19 May 2014 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207200202/https://snportal.si/zgodovina/zgodovina-slovenskega-pokala-1-del/ |url-status=live }} Furthermore, Maribor reached the semi-finals of the Yugoslav Cup in 1968, narrowly losing 2–1 to Crvena zvezda.
File:Mladen Kranjc.jpg playing for Maribor in 1969.]]
During their five-year stint in the Yugoslav top division, Maribor played a total of 166 matches and achieved 40 wins, 57 draws and 69 defeats, with a goal difference of 166–270. Their highest league position was in 1969–70, when the club finished in 10th place in a league with 18 teams.{{cite web |title=Yugoslavia championship 1969/70 |url=https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=4033 |website=eu-football.info |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206194510/https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=4033 |url-status=live }} 1971–72 was their last season in the Yugoslav first division as the team finished in last place with just 20 points.{{cite web |title=Yugoslavia championship 1971/72 |url=https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=4035 |website=eu-football.info |access-date=7 December 2021 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206194509/https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=4035 |url-status=live }} Maribor never returned to the Yugoslav top division again.{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/history/decades/8078a587-b4d3-4ad6-ba49-0cc0f8dc2c6e | title = 1971–1980 | publisher = NK Maribor| language = sl | access-date = 28 November 2024 }}
In the first division, Maribor played a total of ten matches against Olimpija, with an overall score of two wins, three draws and five defeats. All matches between the two clubs during this time were sold out, with crowd attendance sometimes reaching up to 20,000. Mladen Kranjc, one of the best players in the history of the club,{{cite news|url=http://web.vecer.com/portali/vecer/v1/default.asp?kaj=3&id=2008102205372397 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008094945/http://web.vecer.com/portali/vecer/v1/default.asp?kaj=3&id=2008102205372397 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 October 2011 |title=Mariborski črni biser |trans-title=Maribor's black pearl |first=Zmago|last=Gomzi |newspaper=Večer |language=sl|date=22 October 2008 |access-date=19 May 2013 }} was the best goalscorer for the team in each of its five seasons spent in the Yugoslav top league, having scored 54 goals, which brought him a transfer from Maribor to Dinamo Zagreb.
The dark years (1973–1990)
In 1972–73, Maribor played in the second Yugoslav division. In the last round, they defeated Rijeka 7–1 at home in front of 7,000 spectators, which was enough for second place and a place in the promotion play-offs.{{cite web |title=2. zvezna liga – Zahod – 1972/73 |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1972%2F73&sezonaD=1972%2F73 |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206204415/https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1972%2F73&sezonaD=1972%2F73 |url-status=live }} In the first qualifying round against Budućnost, Maribor advanced on penalties and qualified for the decisive round against Proleter. The first leg was played in Maribor on 8 July 1973, and is considered one of the most historic matches in the history of the club, as it still holds the record for the most spectators in the home game.{{cite web |title=Prva finalna kvalifikacijska tekma za vstop v 1. Ligo |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/dokument.asp?id=48 |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |archive-date=16 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616201458/http://www.nkmaribor.com/dokument.asp?id=48 |url-status=dead }} There were 20,000 spectators, and almost three hours before the start of the match, about 15,000 people already gathered in the stands. Maribor won the match 3–1. Two goals advantage was, however, not enough as Proleter won the second leg 3–0 at home and earned the promotion to the top flight, eliminating Maribor 4–3 on aggregate. When the score was 1–0 for Proleter, Josip Ražić scored an equalising goal in the 23rd minute, but the goal was not awarded by the main referee. Later, the television review showed that the ball had actually crossed the line and that the goal should have counted.
After the dramatic play-offs against Proleter, a period of stagnation began for the club. Maribor finished the 1973–74 season in 13th place, and barely avoided relegation to the third tier. However, they were relegated the next season (1974–75), which meant that the team was not part of the top two divisions of Yugoslav football for the first time in 14 years. Maribor immediately returned to the second division after only one season and was again close to promotion to the top tier in 1978–79 when they finished as runners-up, six points behind Čelik.{{cite web |title=2. zvezna liga – Zahod – 1978/79 |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1978%2F79&sezonaD=1978%2F79 |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208110147/https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1978/79&sezonaD=1978/79 |url-status=live }} At the end of the 1980–81 season, Maribor defeated Čelik 4–2 in the decisive last round and finished in 10th place, and thus avoided relegation, when the bribery scandal, dubbed as the "Ball Affair" ({{langx|sl|Afera Žoga}}), caused that the club was relegated by the disciplinary committee of the Football Association of Yugoslavia, from second to third division.{{cite web |last1=Gomzi |first1=Zmago |title=Dinarji, marke, šilingi ... Kako je afera žoga leta 1981 ustavila NK Maribor |url=https://www.vecer.com/sport/nogomet/dinarji-marke-silingi-kako-je-afera-zoga-leta-1981-ustavila-nk-maribor-10227872 |website=Večer |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl-si |date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208111828/https://www.vecer.com/sport/nogomet/dinarji-marke-silingi-kako-je-afera-zoga-leta-1981-ustavila-nk-maribor-10227872 |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/history/decades/8959678e-4526-4ed4-b8a0-d53eb9cc8d69 | title = 1981–1990 | publisher = NK Maribor| language = sl | access-date = 28 November 2024}} The club allegedly had a secret fund that was used for bribing the officials and opponents. Some club officials recorded the cost of bribery in their "black book", which was later confiscated by the authorities. The club had to play in the Slovenian Republic League in the next season. During the 1980s, Maribor never fully recovered from the affair and was bouncing between second and third division up until Slovenia's independence in 1991. Between 1981 and 1989, Maribor won six Slovenian Republic Cups.{{cite web |title=Zgodovina slovenskega pokala – 2. del |url=https://snportal.si/zgodovina/zgodovina-slovenskega-pokala-2-del/ |website=Slovenski nogometni portal |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl-SI |date=20 May 2014 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208111817/https://snportal.si/zgodovina/zgodovina-slovenskega-pokala-2-del/ |url-status=live }}
From 1988 and until Slovenia's independence in 1991, Maribor played in the West Division of the newly established Inter-Republic League (third tier of Yugoslav football) with teams from Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1988, Maribor joined the Branik Sports Association and became Maribor Branik.{{cite web | url = http://www.zveza-msdbranik.si/vsebina/1/32/Ustanovitev_mariborskega_%C5%A1portnega_dru%C5%A1tva_Branik.html | title = Ustanovitev mariborskega športnega društva Branik | website = zveza-msdbranik.si | language = sl | access-date = 4 April 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120322093553/http://www.zveza-msdbranik.si/vsebina/1/32/Ustanovitev_mariborskega_%C5%A1portnega_dru%C5%A1tva_Branik.html | archive-date = 22 March 2012 | url-status = dead }} Although the club uses the name NK Maribor in domestic and international competitions, it is, nevertheless, officially registered under the name of NK Maribor Branik to this day.{{cite web |title=Nogometni klub Maribor Branik |url=https://www.bizi.si/NOGOMETNI-KLUB-MARIBOR-BRANIK/ |website=bizi.si |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208135426/https://www.bizi.si/NOGOMETNI-KLUB-MARIBOR-BRANIK/ |url-status=live }}
New country and international debut (1991–1996)
After Slovenia's independence in 1991, the best clubs in the country formed the Slovenian First League, or simply 1. SNL.{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/history/decades/22128c65-3292-4237-bf0d-83381abc68d1 | title = 1991–2000 | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 28 November 2024 | archive-date = 4 December 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20241204143823/https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/history/decades/22128c65-3292-4237-bf0d-83381abc68d1 | url-status = live }} Maribor were one of the founding members of the league and is one of only two clubs, the other being Celje, which has never dropped out from the Slovenian top division since then.{{cite web |title=Pred tekmo: Celje – Rudar |url=https://www.nzs.si/novica/Pred_tekmo:_Celje_-_Rudar?id=50637&id_landing=&id_objekta=3 |publisher=Football Association of Slovenia |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=4 June 2020}} The team played its first 1. SNL match against Gorica in Nova Gorica, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Later, the match was registered as a 3–0 win for Gorica because Maribor's goalscorer Ante Šimundža was not eligible to play for the team. Maribor had to wait until the second round when they won their first points after they defeated Koper with the score of 5–0. The club's first official scorer in the Slovenian League match was Igor Poznič. During the first couple of seasons, Maribor's rivals Olimpija from Ljubljana, which had a long tradition of playing in the Yugoslav first division and at the time still had their squad composed of players from that era, dominated the league.{{cite web |last1=Plestenjak |first1=Rok |title=Jubilejnih 30 let od prve krone Olimpije do prve krone Mure |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/zgodovina-1-snl-472823 |publisher=Siol |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=27 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127164107/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/zgodovina-1-snl-472823 |url-status=live }} Despite, Maribor still managed to win the first edition of the Slovenian Football Cup. The final match was played in Ljubljana at the Bežigrad Stadium against Olimpija. The final ended in a goalless draw and was won by Maribor on penalties, with the decisive goal scored by Edim Hadžialagić.
In 1992–93, Maribor debuted in international competitions as the team played in the 1992–93 European Cup Winners' Cup. It was on 19 August 1992, when the team hosted Ħamrun Spartans from Malta and won 4–0. The next season, Maribor again played in the European Cup Winners' Cup and achieved its biggest victory in European competitions to date, when they defeated Estonian side Norma Tallinn 10–0 at home. The match is also historic for being the first match at Ljudski vrt that was played at night under the floodlights.{{cite web |last1=Dajčman |first1=Miha |title=Norma v Mariboru: deset komadov pod žarometi in v dežju |url=https://www.vecer.com/sport/nogomet/norma-v-mariboru-deset-komadov-v-uri-in-pol-10227450?mView=1&tmpl=component |website=Večer |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl-si |date=18 November 2020}}{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/stadium/stadiumHistory | title = Ljudski vrt: Zgodovina | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 28 November 2024 | archive-date = 2 December 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20241202015005/https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/stadium/stadiumHistory | url-status = live }}
Maribor were Slovenian League runners-up in 1991–92, 1992–93 and 1994–95, and finished third in 1993–94. During this period the club managed to win another Slovenian Cup, in 1993–94, after defeating Mura in the final over two legs.{{cite web |title=Slovenia – List of Cup Finals |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/slovcuphist.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=8 December 2021 |archive-date=24 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424153252/http://www.rsssf.com/tabless/slovcuphist.html |url-status=live }}
Domination (1996–2003)
{{football squad on pitch|align=right
| GK_nat = Slovenia| GK = Simeunovič
| RB_nat = Slovenia| RB = Židan
| RCB_nat = Albania| RCB = Çipi
| CB_nat = Slovenia| CB = Galič
| LCB_nat = Slovenia| LCB = Šarkezi
| LB_nat = Slovenia| LB = Karić
| AM_nat = Croatia| AM = Balajić
| RCM_nat = Slovenia| RCM = Djuranović
| LCM_nat = Slovenia| LCM = Sešlar
| RCF_nat = Albania| RCF = Bozgo
| LCF_nat = Slovenia| LCF = Šimundža
| caption = The lineup that defeated Dynamo Kyiv 1–0 in the UEFA Champions League.{{cite web |title=Dinamo Kiev – Maribor Teatanic 0:1 (Champions League 1999/2000, Preliminary Gr. A) |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/report/champions-league-1999-2000-vorrunde-gr-a-dinamo-kiev-nk-maribor/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=6 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206225129/https://www.worldfootball.net/report/champions-league-1999-2000-vorrunde-gr-a-dinamo-kiev-nk-maribor/ |url-status=live }}
}}
The 1996–97 season was a turning point in the history of Maribor. They won the league and became Slovenian national champions for the first time.{{cite web |title=Summary – 1. SNL – 1996/1997 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/slovenia/1-snl/1996-1997/round-1/r650/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=8 December 2021 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208161915/https://int.soccerway.com/national/slovenia/1-snl/1996-1997/round-1/r650/ |url-status=live }} During this season, the average home attendance of Maribor's matches was 5,289, which is still a record.{{cite web |title=Maribor drugič v zgodovini SNL preko štiri tisoč |url=https://snportal.si/drugo/maribor-drugic-v-zgodovini-snl-preko-stiri-tisoc/ |website=Slovenski nogometni portal |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl-SI |date=1 June 2015 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208165406/https://snportal.si/drugo/maribor-drugic-v-zgodovini-snl-preko-stiri-tisoc/ |url-status=live }} The final match of the season was played on 1 June 1997 against Beltinci in front of 14,000 spectators, which is also a joint-record attendance of the 1. SNL.{{cite web |last1=Plestenjak |first1=Rok |title=Ljubljana ukradla rekord Mariboru, a se ji ni smejalo |url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/rekorder-obisk-1-snl-416796 |publisher=Siol |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=8 May 2016 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208154913/https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/rekorder-obisk-1-snl-416796 |url-status=live }} During the course of the same season Maribor also won the Slovenian Cup, thus winning the domestic double.
In 1998–99, Maribor came close to qualifying for the elite UEFA Champions League, but were eliminated in the final qualifying round by PSV Eindhoven, losing 5–3 on aggregate after extra time.{{cite web |title=UEFA Champions League, Cup Winners Cup, UEFA Cup 1998–99 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec199899.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=8 December 2021 |archive-date=4 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804235735/https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec199899.html |url-status=live }} However, they managed to qualify for the group stage in the next season. Under the guidance of head coach Bojan Prašnikar, Maribor defeated Genk (5–1, 0–3) and Lyon (1–0, 2–0) in the qualifying rounds.{{cite web |last1=Gruden |first1=Toni |title=Video: 10 let od zgodovinskega uspeha Maribora |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/video-10-let-od-zgodovinskega-uspeha-maribora/210685 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=25 August 2009}} In the group stage, they were drawn against Dynamo Kyiv, Bayer Leverkusen and Lazio. Maribor started their Champions League campaign with a win as the team managed to pull an upset in Kyiv against Dynamo; Šimundža scored late in the game for the final score of 1–0. After that, Maribor did not win any points in the group until the final round when the team played in Leverkusen against Bayer, and managed to hold on to a 0–0 draw, thus preventing the German side from qualifying to the next round.{{cite web |title=Champions League 1999/2000 – Preliminary Gr. A |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/champions-league-1999-2000-vorrunde-gr-a/0/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207042109/https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/champions-league-1999-2000-vorrunde-gr-a/0/ |url-status=live }}
One of the most famous matches in the history of the Slovenian league was played in the final round of the 2000–01 season, when Olimpija met Maribor at their home stadium in Ljubljana. Both teams were competing for their fifth league title. Olimpija needed a win to secure the title, while a draw was enough for Maribor. The match ended with a draw (1–1), and Maribor won their fifth consecutive title in front of 3,000 Maribor fans that travelled to Ljubljana.{{cite web | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/na-danasnji-dan/mariborcani-pred-11-leti-za-bezigradom-slavili-naslov/112711 | title = Mariborčani pred 11 leti za Bežigradom slavili naslov | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | access-date = 8 December 2021 | date = 27 May 2012 | archive-date = 24 June 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202318/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/na-danasnji-dan/mariborcani-pred-11-leti-za-bezigradom-slavili-naslov/112711 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/history/decades/a4c6129e-58c4-48c6-af86-a7de53ac8e3b | title = 2001–2010 | publisher = NK Maribor| language = sl | access-date = 28 November 2024}} Croatian coach Ivo Šušak became the first foreign coach to win the Slovenian league title.
In 2002–03, Celje led the championship standings and Maribor began to face their first financial and results crisis in more than a decade. At one point, the team was twelve points behind the league leaders when the title hunt began with new head coach Matjaž Kek. Maribor caught up with Celje three rounds before the end of the season and played a decisive match against them at home, only one round later. Celje was leading 1–0 until the 86th minute, when Danijel Brezič and Damir Pekič scored two late goals for Maribor and thus secured their seventh consecutive title.{{cite web |last1=Plestenjak |first1=Rok |title=Štorovčan, ki ima rad Olimpijo, ne živi od spominov |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/aleksander-seliga-celje-olimpija-530008 |publisher=Siol |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=15 July 2020}}
Financial difficulties (2004–2008)
The 2003–04 Slovenian Cup was the last trophy won by Maribor before the club declined. They failed to win their eighth consecutive league title in 2003–04 after losing to Mura in the final round of the season, losing the title to Gorica.{{cite web |title=PrvaLiga 2004 Playoff – 10. Round |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/svn-prva-liga-2004-playoff-spieltag/10/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208163459/https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/svn-prva-liga-2004-playoff-spieltag/10/ |url-status=live }} The following season, Maribor finished seventh in the league and played in the relegation group, which is still their lowest ever finish in Slovenian football.{{cite web|title=Slovenia 2004/05|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/slov05.html|website=RSSSF|access-date=21 February 2022|archive-date=13 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113175540/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/slov05.html|url-status=live}}
Between 2004 and 2008, the club was struggling with financial difficulties and the disbandment of the club was seriously considered at one point.{{cite web | url = https://www.24ur.com/sport/nogomet/nk-maribor-dolgovi-so-preteklost.html | title = NK Maribor: Dolgovi so preteklost | date = 13 January 2011 | website = 24ur.com | language = sl | access-date = 13 January 2011 | archive-date = 15 January 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110115183342/http://24ur.com/sport/nogomet/nk-maribor-dolgovi-so-preteklost.html | url-status = live }} Due to debt, which at one point reached over €3 million, the club could not afford to buy new players. As a consequence, the first team consisted mostly of youth team players together with a couple of foreign players brought to the club as free agents. In the fall of 2006, the club changed leadership, and it was not until January 2011 that the club announced that the debt had been paid in full.{{cite web |author1=R. V. |title=V Mariboru se poštarjev ne bojijo več |url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/v-mariboru-se-postarjev-ne-bojijo-vec-383296 |publisher=Siol |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=13 January 2011 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206225128/https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/v-mariboru-se-postarjev-ne-bojijo-vec-383296 |url-status=live }}
Despite the debt, Maribor managed to defeat Villarreal 3–2 on aggregate, a club that played in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League only a couple of months earlier, in the third round of the 2006 UEFA Intertoto Cup.{{cite web |title=UI-Cup 2006/2007 – 3. Round |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/ui-cup-2006-2007-3-runde/0/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208163502/https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/ui-cup-2006-2007-3-runde/0/ |url-status=live }} UEFA recognizes Maribor as one of the winners of the competition.{{cite web |title=Club facts: Maribor |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/023b-0e9746a45c75-ca62f8fe6bba-1000--club-facts-maribor/ |publisher=UEFA |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=en |date=1 July 2017 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208163459/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/023b-0e9746a45c75-ca62f8fe6bba-1000--club-facts-maribor/ |url-status=live }} However, the trophy itself was awarded only to Newcastle United.{{cite web |title=Newcastle to lift Intertoto Cup |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6185511.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=8 December 2021 |date=16 December 2006 |archive-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823075347/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6185511.stm |url-status=live }} The next year, Maribor was eliminated from the 2007 UEFA Intertoto Cup by Hajduk Kula. After winning the first match 2–0, Maribor suffered a heavy 5–0 defeat away in Serbia, which is still described today as one of the club's most unexpected defeats.{{cite web |title=Hud polom vijolic na Marakani |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/hud-polom-vijolic-na-marakani/118790 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=14 July 2007 |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209152701/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/hud-polom-vijolic-na-marakani/118790 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Plestenjak |first1=Rok |title=Maribor se spominja beograjske zaušnice |url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/maribor-se-spominja-beograjske-zausnice-274588 |publisher=Siol |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=19 July 2011}}
In this period, Maribor also lost two consecutive Slovenian cup finals (2007 and 2008), and never finished higher than third in the league.
Beginning of the golden era with Zahovič and Tavares (2008–2013)
{{multiple image
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| footer = Milanič (left) and Tavares (right), who are considered the best manager and the best player in the history of the club.
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Before the 2007–08 season, former Slovenian international Zlatko Zahovič was appointed sports director of Maribor, which marked the beginning of the golden era of the club.{{cite web |title=Zahovič dve leti v Mariboru |url=https://sta.si/1177923/zahovic-dve-leti-v-mariboru |website=sta.si |publisher=Slovenian Press Agency |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=20 July 2007 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122046/https://sta.si/1177923/zahovic-dve-leti-v-mariboru |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Plestenjak |first1=Rok |title=Fenomen brez primere |url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/vzponi-in-padci-zlatka-zahovica-468779 |publisher=Siol |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=29 May 2018 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122047/https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/vzponi-in-padci-zlatka-zahovica-468779 |url-status=live }} In 2008, Darko Milanič and Marcos Tavares were brought to Maribor. The former became the most successful manager in the history of Maribor, and the latter the club's all-time top goalscorer in all competitions.{{cite web |title=Darko Milanič iskreno in sproščeno kot še nikoli |url=https://www.24ur.com/sport/nogomet/fuzbal-st-7-darko-milanic-iskreno-in-sprosceno-kot-se-nikoli.html |website=24ur.com |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=9 June 2020 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208200134/https://www.24ur.com/sport/nogomet/fuzbal-st-7-darko-milanic-iskreno-in-sprosceno-kot-se-nikoli.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author1=A. G. |title=Legendarni kapetan Maribora Tavares podpisal zadnjo pogodbo |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/legendarni-kapetan-maribora-tavares-podpisal-zadnjo-pogodbo/587459 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208200132/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/legendarni-kapetan-maribora-tavares-podpisal-zadnjo-pogodbo/587459 |url-status=live }}
In May 2008, the club reopened the Ljudski vrt stadium, which underwent a major reconstruction.{{cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/premiera-pred-12-000-gledalci-za-cisto-desetko/123374 | title = Premiera pred 12.000 gledalci za čisto desetko | author = A. V. | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | date = 10 May 2008 | access-date = 14 February 2011 | archive-date = 11 October 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121011034654/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/premiera-pred-12-000-gledalci-za-cisto-desetko/123374 | url-status = live }} The first match played at the renovated stadium was a league match against Nafta Lendava, which was won 3–1 in front of 12,435 spectators. In the 2008–09 season, the team reached the semi-finals of the 2008–09 Slovenian Cup, where they were eliminated by Interblock.{{Cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/interblock-ostaja-strup-za-vijolicaste/128409 | date = 29 April 2009 | author = A. V. | title = Interblock ostaja strup za vijoličaste | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | access-date = 25 July 2016 | archive-date = 13 February 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170213135849/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/interblock-ostaja-strup-za-vijolicaste/128409 | url-status = live }} With a 1–0 home victory in front of 9,000 fans against Celje on 9 May 2009, the club managed to secure its first league title in six years. The scorer of the goal, which brought Maribor the eighth championship title, was Dalibor Volaš.{{cite web | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/foto-volas-mariboru-prinesel-osmi-naslov/128575 | title = Foto: Volaš Mariboru prinesel osmi naslov | date = 9 May 2009 | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | access-date = 8 November 2010 | archive-date = 28 October 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211028212244/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/foto-volas-mariboru-prinesel-osmi-naslov/128575 | url-status = live }}
At the beginning of the 2009–10 season, Maribor won its first Slovenian Supercup title, the only domestic trophy missing among club honours.{{cite web | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/bunderla-mariboru-priigral-prvi-superpokal/207152 | title = Bunderla Mariboru priigral prvi superpokal | date = 8 July 2009 | author = A. G. | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | access-date = 8 November 2010 | archive-date = 7 October 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121007075220/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/bunderla-mariboru-priigral-prvi-superpokal/207152 | url-status = live }} The club also qualified for the final of the Slovenian Cup, which was hosted on their stadium in May 2010, and won their sixth cup title after extra time, defeating Domžale. David Bunderla scored the decisive goal in the 120th minute of the match.{{cite web | url = https://www.dnevnik.si/1042358012/sport/nogomet/1042358012 | title = Bunderla odločil dramatičen finale: Nogometaši Maribora zmagovalci Hervis pokala | website = Dnevnik | language = sl | access-date = 8 November 2010 | date = 9 May 2010 | archive-date = 24 August 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170824215931/https://www.dnevnik.si/1042358012/sport/nogomet/1042358012 | url-status = live }} With the latest trophy, Milanič became the first manager to have won all three domestic trophies in Slovenian club football.{{cite news | url = https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Milanic-ne-gre-v-Beograd | title = Milanič ne gre v Beograd | date = 20 April 2011 | first = Zoran | last = Milićev | publisher = Nogomania | language = sl | access-date = 25 July 2016 | archive-date = 24 June 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190624172924/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Milanic-ne-gre-v-Beograd | url-status = live }}
Maribor played in another Supercup match at the beginning of the 2010–11 season, but failed to defend the title after losing to Koper on penalties.{{cite news| url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/viler-superpokal-poklonil-nekdanjim-soigralcem/234373| title = Viler superpokal "poklonil" nekdanjim soigralcem| publisher = RTV Slovenija| access-date = 25 July 2016| date = 9 July 2010| author = M. R.| language = sl| archive-date = 8 August 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160808163450/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/viler-superpokal-poklonil-nekdanjim-soigralcem/234373| url-status = live}} The team had an impressive run in the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League where it played a total of six matches, defeating Videoton (1–1, 2–0) and Hibernian (3–0, 3–2), before losing in the play-offs against Serie A club Palermo (0–3, 3–2).{{cite web|url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/tekmovanja/ostala/default.asp?t=1&id_sezone=2011|title=Evropske tekme 2010/2011|publisher=NK Maribor|language=sl|access-date=25 July 2016|archive-date=19 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919034937/http://www.nkmaribor.com/tekmovanja/ostala/default.asp?t=1&id_sezone=2011|url-status=live}}
After 15 rounds of the 2010–11 Slovenian PrvaLiga season, Maribor set a record for the best start in the history of the Slovenian League.{{cite news | url = https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/milanica-zanimajo-le-zmage-ne-rekordi-146962 | title = Milaniča zanimajo le zmage, ne rekordi | publisher = Siol | language = sl | access-date = 12 November 2010 | first = Rok | last = Viškovič | date = 4 November 2010 | archive-date = 22 August 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160822153108/http://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/milanica-zanimajo-le-zmage-ne-rekordi-146962 | url-status = live }} With eleven wins and four draws, the team won an impressive 37 points and improved the club's record of the generation that had played in the UEFA Champions League eleven years earlier.{{cite web |author=Uredništvo |title=Zmaga za zgodovino |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Zmaga-za-zgodovino |publisher=Nogomania |access-date=8 December 2021 |language=sl |date=30 October 2010}} With the 2–1 away victory over Primorje, on 21 May 2011, Maribor secured its ninth Slovenian league title.{{cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/beric-po-preobratu-v-ajdovscini-zadel-za-deveti-naslov-maribora/258056 | title = Berič po preobratu v Ajdovščini zadel za deveti naslov Maribora | author = To. G. | date = 21 May 2011 | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | access-date = 25 July 2016 | archive-date = 20 June 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180620182502/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/beric-po-preobratu-v-ajdovscini-zadel-za-deveti-naslov-maribora/258056 | url-status = live }} Four days later, the team played the Slovenian cup final at Stožice Stadium and lost to Domžale, 4–3.{{cite news | url = https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/super-finale-in-prvi-pokal-pripadla-domzalam-16582 | title = Super finale in prvi pokal pripadla Domžalam | first = Dario | last = Dotto | date = 25 May 2011 | publisher = Siol | language = sl | access-date = 25 July 2016 | archive-date = 22 August 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160822125009/http://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/super-finale-in-prvi-pokal-pripadla-domzalam-16582 | url-status = live }} Marcos Tavares was crowned as the top league goalscorer of the 2010–11 season, with 16 goals.{{cite web |title=Lestvica strelcev – 2010/2011 |url=https://www.prvaliga.si/tekmovanja/default.asp?action=strelci&id_menu=221&id_sezone=2011 |publisher=Slovenian PrvaLiga |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl}}
At the beginning of the 2011–12 season, Maribor lost their second consecutive Supercup match, to Domžale.{{cite news | url = https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/tudi-domzalcani-v-mariboru-do-superpokala-193264 | title = Tudi Domžalčani v Mariboru do superpokala | author = Sportal | date = 8 July 2011 | publisher = Siol | language = sl | access-date = 25 July 2016 | archive-date = 22 August 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160822162807/http://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/tudi-domzalcani-v-mariboru-do-superpokala-193264 | url-status = live }} In European competitions, Maribor qualified for the group stages for the first time since 1999. After being eliminated from the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League by Maccabi Haifa, Maribor caused one of the biggest upsets in the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League play-offs by eliminating Rangers and thus qualifying for the group stage.{{Cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/video-maribor-junasko-zdrzal-pritisk-ibrox-parka/264829 | date = 25 August 2011 | author = T. O. | title = Video: Maribor junaško zdržal pritisk Ibrox Parka | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | access-date = 9 July 2012 | archive-date = 4 October 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215540/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/video-maribor-junasko-zdrzal-pritisk-ibrox-parka/264829 | url-status = live }} Maribor were drawn against the title holders Braga, Club Brugge and Birmingham City. The club lost five out of six matches and scored its only point at home against Braga (1–1), and eventually finished dead last in the group.{{cite web |title=Europa League 2011/2012 – Group H |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/europa-league-2011-2012-gruppe-h/0/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122044/https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/europa-league-2011-2012-gruppe-h/0/ |url-status=live }} In this season, Maribor won its tenth league title with a record numbers of points (85) and finished 20 points above second-placed Olimpija.{{cite web |last1=Jerič |first1=Slavko |title=Maribor mojster pomladanskih prvenstev |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/sportni-sos/maribor-mojster-pomladanskih-prvenstev/353057 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=8 December 2014 |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209105145/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/sportni-sos/maribor-mojster-pomladanskih-prvenstev/353057 |url-status=live }} Furthermore, they won the 2012 Slovenian Cup Final by defeating their Styrian rivals Celje on penalties, securing their seventh cup title and the first double since 1998–99.{{Cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/foto-video-vijolicasti-dobili-loterijo-za-sedmo-pokalno-lovoriko/283723 | title = Foto/video: Vijoličasti dobili loterijo za sedmo pokalno lovoriko | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | access-date = 9 July 2012 | date = 23 May 2012 | author = A. V. | archive-date = 25 June 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120625204827/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/foto-video-vijolicasti-dobili-loterijo-za-sedmo-pokalno-lovoriko/283723 | url-status = live }} They repeated this feat the following season by winning all three domestic trophies (league, cup and supercup).{{Cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/video-beric-zadel-za-noro-noc-v-stajerski-prestolnici/308592 | author = A. V. | title = Video: Berić zadel za noro noč v štajerski prestolnici | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | date = 11 May 2013 | access-date = 13 May 2013 | archive-date = 19 June 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130619212907/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/video-beric-zadel-za-noro-noc-v-stajerski-prestolnici/308592 | url-status = live }}{{Cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/maribor-na-kratke-pocitnice-z-dvojno-krono/309853 | title = Maribor na (kratke) počitnice z dvojno krono | author = A. V. | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | date = 29 May 2013 | access-date = 30 May 2013 | archive-date = 8 June 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130608010542/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/maribor-na-kratke-pocitnice-z-dvojno-krono/309853 | url-status = live }} Maribor also played in the group stages of the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League, where they won four points.{{cite web |title=Europa League 2012/2013 – Group J |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/europa-league-2012-2013-gruppe-j/0/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=10 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910142857/https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/europa-league-2012-2013-gruppe-j/0/ |url-status=live }} In June 2013, Milanič resigned.{{Cite news | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=4993 | title = Darko Milanič zapušča Ljudski vrt | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | date = 3 June 2013 | access-date = 5 June 2013 | archive-date = 8 June 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130608055447/http://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=4993 | url-status = live }} Under his leadership, Maribor won nine trophies in five seasons.
Champions League and Zahovič's departure (2013–2020)
File:Chelsea 6 Maribor 0 Champions League (15413958040).jpg in October 2014.]]
Under the leadership of the newly appointed manager Ante Čačić, Maribor won another Supercup title in July 2013 after beating Olimpija.{{cite news | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=5039 | title = Ostajamo zbiralci trofej | publisher = NK Maribor | date = 7 July 2013 | access-date = 7 May 2014 | language = sl | archive-date = 14 May 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140514060103/http://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=5039 | url-status = live }} Shortly afterwards, Čačić left the club and was replaced by Ante Šimundža.{{cite news | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=5187 | title = Ante Čačić zapušča Ljudski vrt | publisher = NK Maribor| date = 29 September 2013 | access-date = 3 October 2013 | language = sl }}{{cite news | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=5188 | title = Novi trener je Ante Šimundža | publisher = NK Maribor | date = 30 September 2013 | access-date = 3 October 2013 | language = sl | archive-date = 3 December 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131203064804/http://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=5188 | url-status = live }} In 2013–14, Maribor qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League for the third consecutive season. This time, they made a breakthrough and advanced to the knockout stages for the first time after finishing second, behind Rubin Kazan and above Zulte Waregem and Wigan Athletic.{{cite web |title=Europa League 2013/2014 – Group D |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/europa-league-2013-2014-gruppe-d/0/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122046/https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/europa-league-2013-2014-gruppe-d/0/ |url-status=live }} In the round of 32, they were eliminated by Sevilla with an aggregate score of 4–3.{{cite web |title=Slovo Maribora po veliki napaki Handanovića |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/novice/slovo-maribora-po-veliki-napaki-handanovica/330857 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=27 February 2014}} The club confirmed its fourth consecutive league title by defeating Triglav Kranj 2–1 on 13 May 2014.{{cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/maribor-in-stajerska-se-veselita-12-zvezdice/336736 | title = Maribor (in Štajerska) se veselita 12. zvezdice | author1 = T. G. | author2 = A. V. | publisher = RTV Slovenija | date = 13 May 2014 | access-date = 13 May 2014 | language = sl | archive-date = 14 May 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140514103258/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/maribor-in-stajerska-se-veselita-12-zvezdice/336736 | url-status = live }} However, they failed to win their third consecutive double as they lost 2–0 in the cup final against Gorica.{{cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/video-ne-maribor-gorica-je-pokalni-prvak/337423 | title = Video: Ne Maribor, Gorica je pokalni prvak | author = A. V. | publisher = RTV Slovenija | date = 21 May 2014 | access-date = 21 May 2014 | language = sl | archive-date = 22 May 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140522001412/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/video-ne-maribor-gorica-je-pokalni-prvak/337423 | url-status = live }}
In the 2014–15 season, Maribor reached the group stages of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1999 after eliminating Zrinjski Mostar, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Celtic in the qualifying rounds.{{cite web |title=Evropske tekme – 2014/2015 |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/tekmovanja/ostala/default.asp?t=1&id_sezone=2015 |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl}} They were drawn in Group G with Chelsea, Schalke 04 and Sporting CP.{{cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/chelsea-znova-v-sloveniji-a-tokrat-bo-slo-zares/345086 | title = Chelsea znova v Sloveniji, a tokrat bo šlo zares | author = A. G. | publisher = RTV Slovenija | date = 28 August 2014 | access-date = 25 July 2016 | language = sl | archive-date = 30 June 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160630042039/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/chelsea-znova-v-sloveniji-a-tokrat-bo-slo-zares/345086 | url-status = live }} Maribor managed to score three points in six games after drawing with Sporting CP and Chelsea at home and with Schalke 04 in Gelsenkirchen. All three matches ended 1–1.{{cite web |title=Champions League 2014/2015 – Group G |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/champions-league-2014-2015-gruppe-g/0/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122045/https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/champions-league-2014-2015-gruppe-g/0/ |url-status=live }} Other results include a heavy defeat at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, where Maribor lost 6–0, and defeats against Sporting CP and Schalke 04 (3–1 and 1–0, respectively). During the next season, Maribor sacked two managers, Šimundža and Krunoslav Jurčić,{{cite news|url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Uradno-Simundza-odhaja|title=Uradno: Šimundža odhaja|date=17 August 2015|access-date=25 July 2016|language=sl|publisher=Nogomania|first=Jaša|last=Lorenčič|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207143225/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Uradno-Simundza-odhaja|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/po-kriznem-sestanku-jurcic-odstavljen-vraca-se-milanic/387062|title=Po kriznem sestanku Jurčić odstavljen, vrača se Milanič|author=A. G.|date=29 February 2016|access-date=25 July 2016|language=sl|publisher=RTV Slovenija|archive-date=9 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609105430/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/po-kriznem-sestanku-jurcic-odstavljen-vraca-se-milanic/387062|url-status=live}} and failed to win the domestic title for the first time since 2009–10 after finishing second behind their rivals Olimpija.{{cite news|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/video-foto-vse-koncano-je-olimpija-prekinila-vladavino-maribora/393026|title=Video/foto: Vse končano je! Olimpija prekinila vladavino Maribora.|date=14 May 2016|access-date=25 July 2016|language=sl|publisher=RTV Slovenija|author=R. K.|archive-date=20 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720185201/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/video-foto-vse-koncano-je-olimpija-prekinila-vladavino-maribora/393026|url-status=live}} They did, however, win their ninth cup title after defeating Celje in the final.{{cite news|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/foto-video-mertelj-v-8-seriji-mariboru-prinesel-deveti-pokalni-naslov/393899|title=Foto/video: Mertelj v 8. seriji Mariboru prinesel deveti pokalni naslov|date=25 May 2016|access-date=25 July 2016|language=sl|publisher=RTV Slovenija|author1=R. K.|author2=M. L.|archive-date=5 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805155915/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/foto-video-mertelj-v-8-seriji-mariboru-prinesel-deveti-pokalni-naslov/393899|url-status=live}}
Maribor bounced back and reclaimed the title the following season.{{cite news|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/cas-za-cago-v-stajerski-prestolnici-maribor-je-spet-prvak/421583|title=Čas za "čago" v štajerski prestolnici: Maribor je spet prvak|first=Aleš|last=Vozel|date=6 May 2017|access-date=7 May 2017|publisher=RTV Slovenija|language=sl|archive-date=12 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512081204/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/cas-za-cago-v-stajerski-prestolnici-maribor-je-spet-prvak/421583|url-status=live}} As champions, they earned a place in the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League and repeated the feat from 2014, qualifying for the group stages of the competition for the third time in the history of the club.{{cite news|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/caroben-vecer-v-ljudskem-vrtu-maribor-sampion-v-ligi-prvakov/430598|title=Čaroben večer v Ljudskem vrtu: Maribor šampion v Ligi prvakov!|first1=Aleš|last1=Vozel|first2=Dolores|last2=Subotić|date=22 August 2017|access-date=22 August 2017|publisher=RTV Slovenija|language=sl|archive-date=24 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824212953/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/caroben-vecer-v-ljudskem-vrtu-maribor-sampion-v-ligi-prvakov/430598|url-status=live}} They again won three points in six games, drawing twice with Spartak Moscow and once with Sevilla.{{cite web |title=Champions League 2017/2018 – Group E |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/champions-league-2017-2018-gruppe-e/0/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122047/https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/champions-league-2017-2018-gruppe-e/0/ |url-status=live }} Their 7–0 defeat to Liverpool in the third matchday was the club's heaviest home defeat in European competitions, and their second highest European defeat overall.{{cite news|url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/maribor-tretji-na-vecni-evropski-lestvici-451546|title=Maribor tretji na večni evropski lestvici|publisher=Siol|first=Rok|last=Plestenjak|date=18 October 2017|access-date=7 December 2017|language=sl|archive-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018191937/https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/maribor-tretji-na-vecni-evropski-lestvici-451546|url-status=live}} During the same season, Maribor failed to win a trophy for the first time since 2007–08.{{cite news|url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Maribor-prvic-po-letu-2008-brez-lovorike|title=Maribor prvič po letu 2008 brez lovorike|publisher=Nogomania|author=Uredništvo|date=28 May 2018|access-date=6 June 2018|language=sl|archive-date=4 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804193656/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Maribor-prvic-po-letu-2008-brez-lovorike|url-status=live}} In the national league, Maribor was already ten points behind Olimpija by mid-March with twelve games remaining,{{cite news|url=https://maribor24.si/sport/olimpija-pobegnila-mariboru-na-deset-tock-prednosti/|title=Olimpija pobegnila Mariboru na deset točk prednosti|access-date=6 June 2018|date=18 March 2018|language=sl|website=maribor24.si|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207134614/https://maribor24.si/sport/olimpija-pobegnila-mariboru-na-deset-tock-prednosti/|url-status=live}} however, the club won the next eight out of nine games and took one point lead over Olimpija before the head-to-head match in the 34th round.{{cite news|url=https://www.24ur.com/sport/nogomet/prva-liga-telekom-slovenije/kanal-a-zmaji-v-lovu-na-vodilni-maribor-nujno-potrebujejo-tocke-proti-ankaranu.html|title=Šok v Stožicah: Olimpija ni strla Ankarana, nogometaši poslušali jezne navijače|website=24ur.com|date=13 May 2018|access-date=6 June 2018|language=sl|author1=J. K.|author2=A. V.|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512024604/https://www.24ur.com/sport/nogomet/prva-liga-telekom-slovenije/kanal-a-zmaji-v-lovu-na-vodilni-maribor-nujno-potrebujejo-tocke-proti-ankaranu.html|url-status=live}} In the title deciding match, Olimpija won 3–2 with a goal by Andrés Vombergar in the last minute.{{cite news|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/milanic-s-stirimi-napadalci-lovil-zmago-ostal-pa-brez-vsega/455469|title=Milanič s štirimi napadalci lovil zmago, ostal pa brez vsega|publisher=RTV Slovenija|date=20 May 2018|access-date=6 June 2018|author=A. G.|language=sl|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524093104/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/milanic-s-stirimi-napadalci-lovil-zmago-ostal-pa-brez-vsega/455469|url-status=live}} Maribor have won two remaining games, but lost the league title to Olimpija on head-to-head record after finishing with the same number of points.{{cite news|url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/prrva-liga-telekom-slovenije-36-krog-olimpija-prvak-468492|title=Konec kaotičnega zadnjega kroga. Olimpija je državni prvak!|access-date=6 June 2018|date=27 May 2018|language=sl|publisher=Siol|author=Sportal|archive-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620124835/https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/prrva-liga-telekom-slovenije-36-krog-olimpija-prvak-468492|url-status=live}} Olimpija also eliminated Maribor in the quarter-finals of the national cup with an aggregate score of 4–1, meaning that Maribor failed to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 2002–03.{{cite news|url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/dvojni-udarec-za-maribor-454502|title=Dvojni udarec za Maribor|access-date=6 June 2018|date=30 November 2017|language=sl|publisher=Siol|first=Rok|last=Plestenjak|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042706/https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/dvojni-udarec-za-maribor-454502|url-status=live}}
In 2018–19, Maribor won its 15th national title under the guidance of Milanič, who won his sixth league title with the club.{{cite web |author1=To. G. |title=Vijol'čna sreda v Mariboru, kjer proslavljajo 15. državni naslov |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/vijol-cna-sreda-v-mariboru-kjer-proslavljajo-15-drzavni-naslov/488706 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=21 May 2019 |archive-date=27 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727125118/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/vijol-cna-sreda-v-mariboru-kjer-proslavljajo-15-drzavni-naslov/488706 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Uredništvo |title=Milanič: Tega nam nihče ne more vzeti |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Milanic-Tega-nam-nihce-ne-more-vzeti |publisher=Nogomania |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122212744/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Milanic-Tega-nam-nihce-ne-more-vzeti |url-status=live }} In 2019–20, Maribor were eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2019–20 Slovenian Cup by the second division side Koper. They were never before eliminated from the cup by a team outside the top division; it was also the first time since 1995–96 that Maribor got eliminated so early in the competition.{{cite web |author=Uredništvo |title=Fiasko Maribora: Izpad proti drugoligašu je najnižja točka Maribora v zgodovini pokala |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Fiasko-Maribora-Izpad-proti-drugoligasu-je-najnizja-tocka-Maribora-v-zgodovini-pokala |publisher=Nogomania |access-date=9 December 2021 |date=18 September 2019 |language=sl |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209141428/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Fiasko-Maribora-Izpad-proti-drugoligasu-je-najnizja-tocka-Maribora-v-zgodovini-pokala |url-status=live }}
In March 2020, Milanič and Zahovič resigned after a series of poor results.{{cite web|author=M. P.|url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/marbor-ne-b-vec-kar-je-bil-odhaja-se-zahovic-520634|title=Maribor ne bo več, kar je bil: odhaja še Zahović|publisher=Siol|language=sl|date=12 March 2020|access-date=9 December 2021|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207125442/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/marbor-ne-b-vec-kar-je-bil-odhaja-se-zahovic-520634|url-status=live}} During Zahovič's era, Maribor won eight league titles and reached the UEFA Champions League group stages twice.{{cite web|url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/zapuscina-zlatka-zahovica-ki-vas-utegne-presenetiti-528750|title=Zapuščina Zlatka Zahovića, ki vas utegne presenetiti|publisher=Siol|first=Rok|last=Viškovič|language=sl|date=28 June 2020|access-date=9 December 2021|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207125446/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/zapuscina-zlatka-zahovica-ki-vas-utegne-presenetiti-528750|url-status=live}}
Decline and Tavares' departure (2020–present)
After the departure of Zahovič and Milanič, a turbulent period began for the club. Zahovič was replaced by Oliver Bogatinov as sports director, who was previously the head of the youth academy.{{cite web |title=Zahovića je nasledil Oliver Bogatinov |url=https://www.dnevnik.si/1042925755 |website=Dnevnik |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209173314/https://www.dnevnik.si/1042925755 |url-status=live }} Maribor lost the 2019–20 Slovenian PrvaLiga title to Celje and barely ranked second, with the same number of points as Olimpija.{{cite web |title=Najlepši dan v zgodovini NK Celje in hud udarec za Olimpijo |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/porocilo-celje-olimpija-530518 |publisher=Siol |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=23 July 2020}} In the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League, the team was eliminated in the first qualifying round by the semi-professional Northern Irish club Coleraine, which was described as one of the most humiliating defeats in the history of the club.{{cite web |last1=Mitrović |first1=Dejan |title=Za Maribor že KONEC EVROPSKE SEZONE: Heeej, to je bilo SRAMOTNO! |url=https://ekipa.svet24.si/clanek/nogomet/mednarodni-nogomet/5f48297891659/za-maribor-ze-konec-evropske-sezone-heeej-to-je-bilo-sramotno |website=Ekipa24.si |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=27 August 2020}}{{cite web |author1=Uredništvo |title=Evropska sramota Maribora brez primere: Po enajstmetrovkah izpad proti amaterjem! |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Slovenski-Nogomet/Ekipa/NK-Maribor/Novica/Evropska-sramota-Maribora-brez-primere-Po-enajstmetrovkah-izpad-proti-amaterjem |publisher=Nogomania |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=27 August 2020}} In early 2021, Bogatinov left the club due to alleged disputes with former Maribor player Marko Šuler, who became the new sports director.{{cite web |last1=Viškovič |first1=Rok |title=Oliver Bogatinov predstavil svojo resnico in odprl Pandorino skrinjico |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/oliver-bogatinov-predstavil-svojo-plat-resnice-546595 |publisher=Siol |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=24 February 2021 |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209173316/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/oliver-bogatinov-predstavil-svojo-plat-resnice-546595 |url-status=live }} In 2020–21, Maribor once again failed to win the championship after losing the title-deciding home match against Mura in the last round. Maribor needed a draw for the title, but lost 3–1 and Mura won its first title.{{cite web |title=Ste videli, kako je Mura prišla do zgodovinskega uspeha? #video |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/porocilo-maribor-mura-552861 |publisher=Siol |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209173317/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/porocilo-maribor-mura-552861 |url-status=live }} Within two years after Zahovič's departure, Maribor sacked three managers (Sergej Jakirović, Mauro Camoranesi and Simon Rožman{{cite web |author1=To. G. |title=Anketa: Kdo naj vodi NK Maribor? |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/anketa-kdo-naj-vodi-nk-maribor/594702 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=sl |date=21 September 2021 |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209173314/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/anketa-kdo-naj-vodi-nk-maribor/594702 |url-status=live }}) and went on a record run of nine consecutive winless matches against their biggest rivals Olimpija.{{cite web |last1=Plestenjak |first1=Rok |title=Olimpija zadala Mariboru boleč udarec, neverjetnega niza kar ne more biti konec |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/porocilo-s-tekme-olimpija-maribor-572855 |publisher=Siol |access-date=21 February 2022 |language=sl |date=13 February 2022 |archive-date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221111206/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/porocilo-s-tekme-olimpija-maribor-572855 |url-status=live }}
In 2021–22, Maribor won its 16th national title on the final day of the season after beating Mura 3–1, ending a three-year trophyless drought.{{cite web |title=Naslov prvaka se po treh letih vrača v Maribor! V Fazaneriji je naslov priigrala stara garda, Koper je bil brez najmanjših možnosti |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Slovenski-Nogomet/Ekipa/NK-Maribor/Novica/Naslov-prvaka-se-po-treh-letih-vraca-v-Maribor-V-Fazaneriji-je-naslov-priigrala-stara-garda-Koper-je-bil-brez-najmanjsih-moznosti |publisher=Nogomania |access-date=26 May 2022 |language=sl |date=22 May 2022 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624200452/https://www.nogomania.com/Slovenski-Nogomet/Ekipa/NK-Maribor/Novica/Naslov-prvaka-se-po-treh-letih-vraca-v-Maribor-V-Fazaneriji-je-naslov-priigrala-stara-garda-Koper-je-bil-brez-najmanjsih-moznosti |url-status=live }} Ognjen Mudrinski was one of the key members of the team; he was voted as the PrvaLiga player of the year, and also finished as the league's top scorer with 17 goals.{{cite web |last1=Rijavec |first1=Matej |title=Mudrinski: Enako pomembni kot moji zadetki so dobre podaje in ljudje iz ozadja |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/mudrinski-enako-pomembni-kot-moji-zadetki-so-dobre-podaje-in-ljudje-iz-ozadja/628411 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=26 May 2022 |language=sl |date=24 May 2022 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524124116/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/mudrinski-enako-pomembni-kot-moji-zadetki-so-dobre-podaje-in-ljudje-iz-ozadja/628411 |url-status=live }} After the season, a longtime captain and the club's all-time most capped player and top goalscorer, Marcos Tavares, retired from professional football after spending 15 seasons with Maribor.{{cite web |title=Vijoličasti strli Aluminij; Tavares: Nikoli si nisem mislil, da bom postal legenda |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/tavares-nikoli-si-nisem-mislil-da-bom-postal-legenda/627368 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=26 May 2022 |language=sl |date=14 May 2022 |author=A. G. |archive-date=15 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515114358/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/tavares-nikoli-si-nisem-mislil-da-bom-postal-legenda/627368 |url-status=live }} In his honour, Maribor retired his number 9 jersey, and also renamed the West Stand of Ljudski vrt to Marcos Tavares Stand.
The success from the previous season was short-lived, as the start of the 2022–23 season was the worst for the club since Slovenia's independence in 1991. Maribor were sitting in last place after five rounds with just three points,{{cite web |author1=T. J. |title=Domžale še poglobile krizo zadnjeuvrščenega Maribora |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/domzale-se-poglobile-krizo-zadnjeuvrscenega-maribora/637197 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=3 June 2023 |language=sl |date=14 August 2022 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603154636/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/domzale-se-poglobile-krizo-zadnjeuvrscenega-maribora/637197 |url-status=live }} failed to score in six consecutive European games,{{cite web |author1=R. K. |author2=S. J. |title=Cvek zabil zadnji žebelj v mariborsko jesen v Evropi |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/cvek-zabil-zadnji-zebelj-v-mariborsko-jesen-v-evropi/638251 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=3 June 2023 |language=sl |date=25 August 2022 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603154637/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/cvek-zabil-zadnji-zebelj-v-mariborsko-jesen-v-evropi/638251 |url-status=live }} lost a record six games in a row,{{cite web |title=Vijol'čna katastrofa! Rekord, ki ga je Maribor postavil ob novem porazu, je šokanten! Poglejte ... |url=https://ekipa.svet24.si/clanek/nogomet/prva-liga/62f9e26ec1620/vijolcna-katastrofa-rekord-ki-ga-je-maribor-postavil-ob-novem-porazu-je-sokanten-poglejte |website=Ekipa24 |access-date=3 June 2023 |language=sl |date=15 August 2022 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603154635/https://ekipa.svet24.si/clanek/nogomet/prva-liga/62f9e26ec1620/vijolcna-katastrofa-rekord-ki-ga-je-maribor-postavil-ob-novem-porazu-je-sokanten-poglejte |url-status=live }} and went on a nine-game winless streak in all competitions, also a record.{{cite web |title=Neverjetna kriza NK Maribor, kakršne v tem stoletju še ni bilo |url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/najdaljsi-niz-nk-maribor-brez-zmage-586373 |publisher=Siol |access-date=3 June 2023 |language=sl |date=23 August 2022}} Despite still managing to finish third in the league, it was nonetheless the club's worst season in 15 years, as the last time Maribor finished lower than second was in 2007–08.{{cite web |last1=Dajčman |first1=Miha |title=(FOTO) Maribor remiziral z Bravom in po 15 letih prvenstvo končal nižje od drugega mesta |url=https://vecer.com/sport/foto-maribor-remiziral-z-bravom-in-po-15-letih-prvenstvo-koncal-nizje-od-drugega-mesta-10333203 |website=Večer |access-date=3 June 2023 |language=sl |date=20 May 2023}} The club managed to reach the cup final, but failed to win the trophy after losing to Olimpija 2–1 after extra time with a last minute penalty kick.{{cite web |title=Dvojna krona je osvojena! Olimpija je spet kaznovala Maribor, nočne more bo imel predvsem Marko Tolić |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Dvojna-krona-je-osvojena-Olimpija-je-spet-kaznovala-Maribor-nocne-more-bo-imel-predvsem-Marko-Tolic |publisher=Nogomania |access-date=3 June 2023 |language=sl |date=6 May 2023 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603154635/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Dvojna-krona-je-osvojena-Olimpija-je-spet-kaznovala-Maribor-nocne-more-bo-imel-predvsem-Marko-Tolic |url-status=live }}