NK Maribor
{{Short description|Association football club in Slovenia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox football club
| clubname = Maribor
| image = NK Maribor.svg
| image_size = 220px
| fullname = Nogometni klub Maribor Branik{{cite web|url=https://www.bizi.si/NOGOMETNI-KLUB-MARIBOR-BRANIK/|title=Nogometni klub Maribor Branik|work=bizi.si|language=sl|access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208135426/https://www.bizi.si/NOGOMETNI-KLUB-MARIBOR-BRANIK/|url-status=live}}
| nickname = Vijoličasti (The Purples)
Vijolice (The Violets)
Štajerski ponos (The pride of Styria)
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1960|12|12}}
| ground = Ljudski vrt
| capacity = 11,709
| chrtitle = President
| chairman = Drago Cotar
| mgrtitle = Head coach
| manager = Boštjan Cesar
| league = Slovenian PrvaLiga
| season = 2023–24
| position = Slovenian PrvaLiga, 2nd of 10
| pattern_la1 =_maribor2425h
| pattern_b1 = _maribor2425h
| pattern_ra1 =_maribor2425h
| pattern_sh1 = _maribor2425h
| pattern_so1 = _maribor2425hl
| leftarm1 = 712098
| body1 =712098
| rightarm1 = 712098
| shorts1 =712098
| socks1 = 712098
| pattern_la2 = _maribor2425a
| pattern_b2 = _maribor2425a
| pattern_ra2 = _maribor2425a
| pattern_sh2 =_maribor2425a
| pattern_so2 =_maribor2425al
| leftarm2 =FFFFFF
| body2 =FFFFFF
| rightarm2 =FFFFFF
| shorts2 = FFFFFF
| socks2 = FFFFFF
| current = 2024–25 NK Maribor season
| website = {{URL|https://www.nkmaribor.com/}}
}}
Nogometni klub Maribor ({{langx|en|Maribor Football Club}}) is a Slovenian professional football club based in Maribor, Slovenia. It competes in the Slovenian PrvaLiga, the top tier of the Slovenian football league system. Nicknamed "The Purples" ({{lang|sl|Vijoličasti}}), the club was founded on 12 December 1960. They are regarded as a symbol of Slovenian football, particularly in their home region of Styria in northeastern Slovenia.
Maribor have won a record 16 Slovenian PrvaLiga titles, 9 Slovenian Cups and 4 Slovenian Supercups. The club won seven consecutive league titles between 1997 and 2003, and five consecutive titles between 2011 and 2015. Prior to Slovenia's independence in 1991, Maribor played in the Yugoslav football system. They won the Yugoslav second division in 1967 and were therefore promoted to the top-level Yugoslav First League, where they stayed until 1972. They are one of three Slovenian teams that participated in the Yugoslavia's highest division between the end of World War II in 1945 and the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991.
Maribor is the only Slovenian club that reached the group stages of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. In addition, the club is one of the two founding members of the Slovenian PrvaLiga (along with Celje) which have never been relegated from the league since the inaugural 1991–92 season.
The club have a long-standing rivalry with Olimpija from the capital Ljubljana, with whom they contest the Eternal derby. Other rivalries include those with Celje, dubbed as the Styrian derby, and the Prekmurje–Styria derby, contested between Maribor and Mura. Maribor's home ground is the Ljudski vrt stadium, which has a capacity of 11,709 seats. The traditional colours of the club are purple, yellow and white.
History
{{Main|History of NK Maribor}}
{{About||a statistical breakdown by season|List of NK Maribor seasons|the club's record in Europe|NK Maribor in European football}}
=Founding and early years (1960–1967)=
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=6 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 }}{{cite web |last1=Planinšič |first1=Borut |title=60 let NK Maribor: Večerovo darilo bralcem in navijačem – vse najboljše, vijoličasti! |url=https://www.vecer.com/sport/nogomet/60-let-nk-maribor-vecerovo-darilo-bralcem-in-navijacem-10229475 |website=Večer |access-date=6 December 2021 |language=sl-si |date=9 December 2020 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206194509/https://www.vecer.com/sport/nogomet/60-let-nk-maribor-vecerovo-darilo-bralcem-in-navijacem-10229475 |url-status=live }} Srečko Koren was appointed the first president of the club, and Andrija Pflander the first head coach. The club played their first friendly match on 5 February 1961 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=6 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 }}{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/Zgodovina/1961-1970#9839 | title = Zgodovina: 1961–1970 | trans-title = History: 1961–1970 | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 1 January 2011 | archive-date = 19 December 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101219114221/http://www.nkmaribor.com/Zgodovina/1961-1970#9839 | url-status = live }} In their first season, Maribor won the Slovenian Republic League (third tier in Yugoslavia) and qualified for the 1961–62 Yugoslav Second League through the play-offs. In 1961, the club also moved to a newly built Ljudski vrt stadium. After six seasons in the second division, Maribor won the league and was promoted to the top flight Yugoslav First League in the 1966–67 season.{{cite web |author1=To. G. |title=NK Maribor v soboto praznuje 60 let |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/nk-maribor-v-soboto-praznuje-60-let/545309 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=6 December 2021 |language=sl |date=11 December 2020 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206194511/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/nk-maribor-v-soboto-praznuje-60-let/545309 |url-status=live }}
=Yugoslav top division (1967–1972)=
Maribor played their first match in the Yugoslav top tier against Vardar in Skopje; Maras scored the only goal for Maribor in a 1–1 draw.{{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=6 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 }} Their first win came in August 1967, when Maribor defeated Proleter Zrenjanin 3–0 at home. During the season, the first ever match in the Yugoslav top flight involving two clubs from Slovenia was held, when Maribor hosted a goalless match against their rivals Olimpija from Ljubljana in front of 13,000 spectators.{{cite web | url =https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1967%2F68&t=2&kolo=13 | title =Maribor – Olimpija 0:0 | publisher =NK Maribor | language =sl | access-date =6 April 2011 | archive-date =12 June 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120612075300/http://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1967%2F68&t=2&kolo=13 | url-status =live }} Each match between the two sides during this period attracted large crowds, with attendance sometimes as high as 20,000.{{cite web | url = http://www.nkolimpija.com/?page=club&id=13 | title = Večni derbiji z Mariborom | 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 }} Maribor finished their inaugural top division season in 12th place out of 16 teams.{{cite web |title=Yugoslavia championship 1967/68 |url=https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=4031 |website=eu-football.info |access-date=6 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 }}
File:Tekma NK Maribor-Partizan 1969.jpg in 1969.]]
In the 1969–70 season, Maribor finished 10th out of 18 clubs, their highest ever ranking in Yugoslav football.{{cite web |title=Yugoslavia championship 1969/70 |url=https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=4033 |website=eu-football.info |access-date=6 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 }} Their last season in the top division was 1971–72, when the team finished dead last with just 20 points in 34 matches.{{cite web |title=Yugoslavia championship 1971/72 |url=https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=4035 |website=eu-football.info |access-date=6 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206194509/https://eu-football.info/_tournament.php?id=4035 |url-status=live }} Mladen Kranjc was Maribor's top scorer in each of the five Yugoslav top division seasons, scoring a total of 54 league goals, which eventually led to his transfer to one of the top Yugoslav clubs, Dinamo Zagreb.{{cite news|url=http://web.vecer.com/portali/vecer/v1/default.asp?kaj=3&id=2008102205372397 |title=Mariborski črni biser |first=Zmago|last=Gomzi |date=22 October 2008 |newspaper=Večer |language=sl |access-date=4 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008094945/http://web.vecer.com/portali/vecer/v1/default.asp?kaj=3&id=2008102205372397 |archive-date=8 October 2011 }} During their five-year stay in Yugoslav's top division, the club played a total of 166 league matches and achieved 40 wins, 57 draws and 69 defeats.
=Dark years and bribery scandal (1972–1991)=
In the 1972–73 season, Maribor were competing in the second tier. They finished the season in second place, only behind Zagreb,{{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=6 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 }} which meant that they qualified for the Yugoslav first division promotion play-offs.{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/Zgodovina/1971-1980#9995 | title = Zgodovina: 1971–1980 | trans-title = History: 1971–1980 | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 1 January 2011 | archive-date = 19 December 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101219114226/http://www.nkmaribor.com/Zgodovina/1971-1980#9995 | url-status = live }} In the first qualifying round against Montenegrin side Budućnost, Maribor won on penalties and qualified for the decisive round against Proleter. The first leg was played at home on 8 July 1973, and is acknowledged as one of the most memorable matches in the history of Maribor, as it still holds the club's home attendance record. There were 20,000 spectators, 15,000 of whom were already present in the stands almost three hours before the start, eventually helping Maribor to win the game 3–1.{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/dokument.asp?id=48 | title = Prva finalna kvalifikacijska tekma za vstop v 1. Ligo | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 20 December 2010 | archive-date = 16 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110616201458/http://www.nkmaribor.com/dokument.asp?id=48 | url-status = live }} However, the two-goal advantage proved to be insufficient as Proleter won the second leg 3–0 and was promoted. When the score was 1–0 for Proleter, Josip Ražić equalised in the 23rd minute, but the goal was not awarded by the referee. Later, the television replay showed that the ball had actually crossed the goal line and that the goal should have stood.
The period between 1973 and 1991 is one of the darkest in the club's history. In the following 1973–74 season, the club failed to stay near the top of the second division and finished the season in 13th place.{{cite web |title=Yugoslavia 1973/74 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesj/joeg74.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=6 December 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625093042/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesj/joeg74.html#zap |url-status=live }} In the 1974–75 season, Maribor were relegated to the third-tier Slovenian Republic League for the first time in 14 years, but the club immediately returned to the second division by being 15 points clear at the top of the Republic League table at the end of the 1975–76 season.{{cite web |title=Slovenska republiška liga – 1975/76 |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1975%2F76&sezonaD=1975%2F76 |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=6 December 2021 |language=sl |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206204412/https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1975%2F76&sezonaD=1975%2F76 |url-status=live }} The club nearly returned to the top tier in 1978–79 when they finished as runners-up of the second division, six points behind Bosnian side Čelik Zenica,{{cite web |title=Yugoslavia 1978/79 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesj/joeg79.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=6 December 2021 |archive-date=21 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721044309/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesj/joeg79.html#zap |url-status=live }} but failed to win the promotion play-offs.
At the end of the 1980–81 season, after Maribor managed to avoid relegation from the second Yugoslav division, a bribery scandal emerged and caused the club to be relegated by the decision of the Football Association of Yugoslavia disciplinary committee.{{cite news|url=https://novice.svet24.si/clanek/sport/nogomet/52693d0d86f87/maribor-kot-zrtveno-jagnje|title=Maribor kot žrtveno jagnje|website=svet24.si|language=sl|date=15 November 2012|access-date=12 April 2016|first=Robert|last=Balantič|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424162635/http://svet24.si/clanek/sport/nogomet/52693d0d86f87/maribor-kot-zrtveno-jagnje|archive-date=24 April 2016}}{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/Zgodovina/1981-1990#9902 | title = Zgodovina: 1981–1990 | trans-title = History: 1981–1990 | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 20 December 2010 | archive-date = 19 December 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101219114231/http://www.nkmaribor.com/Zgodovina/1981-1990#9902 | url-status = live }} The club allegedly had a secret fund that served to bribe officials and opponents. The fund was abolished in 1968 after the club's promotion to the first division, but was later established again in 1976. After the scandal and the subsequent relegation, Maribor spent the following years bouncing between the second and third Yugoslav divisions until Slovenia's independence in 1991.
=Domestic domination after independence (1991–2004)=
{{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 }}
}}
Following Slovenia's independence in June 1991, Maribor were one of the founding members of the newly formed Slovenian First League for the inaugural 1991–92 season.{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/Zgodovina/1991-2000#10017 | title = Zgodovina: 1991–2000 | trans-title = History: 1991–2000 | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 1 January 2011 | archive-date = 12 February 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210212020152/https://www.nkmaribor.com/Zgodovina/1991-2000#10017 | url-status = live }} In the first few seasons, Maribor's rivals Olimpija from Ljubljana dominated the league.{{cite web |title=Slovenia – List of Champions |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/slovchamp.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=6 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 }} Nevertheless, Maribor managed to win the first edition of the Slovenian Cup in 1992 after beating Olimpija 4–3 on penalties in the final.{{cite web |title=Slovenia 1991/92 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/slov92.html |access-date=6 December 2021 |website=RSSSF |archive-date=14 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514114335/http://rsssf.com/tabless/slov92.html |url-status=live }} In the next season, Maribor made their debut in international UEFA competitions, appearing in UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. They played their first international match on 19 August 1992, when they hosted Ħamrun Spartans of Malta and won 4–0.{{cite web|title=European Competitions 1992–93|website=RSSSF|url=https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec199293.html|access-date=6 December 2021|archive-date=17 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017001151/http://www.rsssf.com/ec/ec199293.html#cwc|url-status=live}} Ante Šimundža scored the first European goal for the club. Maribor were Slovenian League runners-up in 1991–92, 1992–93 and 1994–95, before finishing fourth in the 1995–96 season. During this period Maribor won another cup title in 1993–94, defeating Mura 3–2 on aggregate over two legs in the final.{{cite web|website=RSSSF|title=Slovenia – List of Cup Finals|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/slovcuphist.html|access-date=6 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}}
The 1996–97 season proved to be a turning point in the history of Maribor. The club won the league and became champions for the first time in their history. During the season, the average home attendance was 5,289 spectators, which is still a record {{as of|{{CURRENTYEAR}}|lc=y}}.{{cite web | url = https://old.delo.si/sport/nogomet/po-mandaricu-in-jankovicu-se-naveza-eleke-velikonja.html | title = Po Mandariću in Jankoviću še naveza Eleke-Velikonja | newspaper = Delo | language = sl | access-date = 21 May 2019 | date = 12 August 2016 | last = Suhadolnik | first = Jernej | archive-date = 25 July 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210725215541/https://old.delo.si/sport/nogomet/po-mandaricu-in-jankovicu-se-naveza-eleke-velikonja.html | url-status = live }} The final match of the season was played on 1 June 1997 against Beltinci in front of 14,000 spectators,{{cite web | url = https://www.prvaliga.si/tekmovanja/default.asp?action=tekma&id_tekme=6362 | title = Maribor Branik 5–1 Potrošnik Beltinci | date = 1 June 1997 | publisher = Slovenian PrvaLiga | language = sl | access-date = 21 May 2019 | archive-date = 2 August 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210802033334/https://www.prvaliga.si/tekmovanja/default.asp?action=tekma&id_tekme=6362 | url-status = live }} which is also a joint-record of the Slovenian top division.{{cite web |author1=R. Š. |title=Stožice ujele Ljudski vrt |url=https://snportal.si/drugo/stozice-ujele-ljudski-vrt/ |website=Slovenski nogometni portal |access-date=6 December 2021 |language=sl-SI |date=8 May 2016 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206225128/https://snportal.si/drugo/stozice-ujele-ljudski-vrt/ |url-status=live }} In that season Maribor also won the 1996–97 Slovenian Cup, thus winning the domestic double, a feat they repeated in the 1998–99 season. After their first title in 1996–97, Maribor went on to win six more titles, bringing their total number to seven consecutive titles by 2003.{{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=6 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 }} In the 1999–2000 season, the club, led by head coach Bojan Prašnikar, defeated Genk and Lyon in the qualifying rounds of the 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League and thus qualified for the group stage of the competition for the first time.{{cite web |author1=T. G. |author2=M. R. |title=20 let od zadetkov Šimundže in Balajića za Mariborovo prvo Ligo prvakov |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/20-let-od-zadetkov-simundze-in-balajica-za-mariborovo-prvo-ligo-prvakov/497788 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=6 December 2021 |language=sl |date=25 August 2019 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206225128/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/20-let-od-zadetkov-simundze-in-balajica-za-mariborovo-prvo-ligo-prvakov/497788 |url-status=live }} Maribor were drawn into the group with Dynamo Kyiv, Bayer Leverkusen, and Lazio. They finished in last place with four points out of six games.{{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=6 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 }}
=Financial difficulties (2004–2008)=
The 2003–04 Slovenian Cup was the last trophy won by Maribor before the club declined for several years. Between 2004 and 2007, the club was plagued by major financial difficulties, and even came close to being disbanded at one point.{{cite news | url = https://www.24ur.com/sport/nogomet/nk-maribor-dolgovi-so-preteklost.html | title = NK Maribor: Dolgovi so preteklost | author = M. J./STA | 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 their large debts, which at one point amounted to over €3 million, the club could not afford to buy new players. As a result, the first team at the time consisted mostly of youth players mixed with a couple of foreign players brought to the club on free transfers. In the autumn of 2006, the leadership of the club changed, and it was not until January 2011 that the club announced that the debt had been paid in full.{{cite news |url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/v-mariboru-se-postarjev-ne-bojijo-vec-383296 |title=V Mariboru se poštarjev ne bojijo več |author=R. V. |date=13 January 2011 |publisher=Siol |language=sl |access-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 }} During this period, Maribor never finished higher than third in the league, and were runners-up of the Slovenian Cup twice, in 2007 and 2008. They were, however, one of the eleven winners of the 2006 UEFA Intertoto Cup, in which they defeated Spanish side Villarreal 3–2 on aggregate in the final round, only a couple of months after Villareal had played in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League.{{cite web |title=Maribor hear echoes of glory years |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01b7-0e6d942ea8cf-62ba1862cb71-1000--maribor-hear-echoes-of-glory-years/ |publisher=UEFA |access-date=6 December 2021 |language=en |date=25 July 2006 |first=Martin |last=Pavčnik |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206225128/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01b7-0e6d942ea8cf-62ba1862cb71-1000--maribor-hear-echoes-of-glory-years/ |url-status=live }}
=Zlatko Zahovič's golden era (2008–2020)=
In July 2007, Maribor appointed former Slovenian international Zlatko Zahovič as the club's sporting director, 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=7 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 May 2008, Maribor played their first match at the renovated stadium in front of over 12,000 spectators.{{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 | 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 }} In the same month, Darko Milanič, who later became the most successful manager in the club's history, was appointed as manager.{{cite web |title=Milanič novi trener Maribora |url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/milanic-novi-trener-maribora-341909 |publisher=Siol |access-date=13 April 2022 |language=sl |date=29 May 2008 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126164915/https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/milanic-novi-trener-maribora-341909 |url-status=live }} Under his leadership, Maribor won the league in the 2008–09 season, their first title in six years.{{cite web |title=Foto: Volaš Mariboru prinesel osmi naslov |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/foto-volas-mariboru-prinesel-osmi-naslov/128575 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=9 May 2009 |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 }} The following season, they failed to retain the league title, finishing second behind Koper.{{cite web |title=Slovenia 2009/10 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/slov2010.html |website=RSSSF |access-date=7 December 2021 |archive-date=24 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424035921/http://www.rsssf.com/tabless/slov2010.html |url-status=live }} However, they won the cup title after beating Domžale 3–2 in the final, as well as their first ever Slovenian Supercup title after beating Interblock.{{cite web |author1=M. R. |title=Bunderla po superpokalu v vitrino Maribora prinesel še en pokal |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/bunderla-po-superpokalu-v-vitrino-maribora-prinesel-se-en-pokal/229704 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=8 May 2010 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122044/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/bunderla-po-superpokalu-v-vitrino-maribora-prinesel-se-en-pokal/229704 |url-status=live }}
At the end of 2010, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary,{{cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/vijolicasta-zgodba-je-stara-50-let/246182 | title = Vijoličasta zgodba je stara 50 let | author = T. O. | date = 13 December 2010 | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | access-date = 7 December 2021 | archive-date = 7 December 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122052/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/vijolicasta-zgodba-je-stara-50-let/246182 | url-status = live }} and also secured its ninth Slovenian league title during the course of the season.{{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 }} In the following years, Maribor won four more consecutive titles, bringing the total championship tally to 13,{{cite web |title=VIDEO in FOTO: Maribor dva kroga pred koncem potrdil peti zaporedni naslov prvaka |url=https://www.24ur.com/sport/nogomet/maribor-se-ni-prvak-celjani-slavili-v-stozicah.html |website=24ur.com |access-date=13 April 2022 |language=sl |date=16 May 2015 |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413172338/https://www.24ur.com/sport/nogomet/maribor-se-ni-prvak-celjani-slavili-v-stozicah.html |url-status=live }} before finally losing the title in 2016 to their biggest rivals Olimpija Ljubljana.{{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}} In 2012, Maribor also obtained a record number of points (85).{{cite web |title=Mariborčani rekordno sezono končali z remijem |url=https://www.24ur.com/sport/nogomet/mariborcani-rekordno-sezono-koncali-z-remijem.html |website=24ur.com |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=20 May 2012 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122046/https://www.24ur.com/sport/nogomet/mariborcani-rekordno-sezono-koncali-z-remijem.html |url-status=live }} Furthermore, Maribor also won two back-to-back doubles in this period, beating Celje on both occasions in the 2012 and 2013 Slovenian cup finals.{{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 }}{{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 | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | date = 29 May 2013 | access-date = 30 May 2013 | author = A. V. | 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 }}
In 2011, Maribor made a breakthrough in international competitions. They eliminated Rangers in the UEFA Europa League play-offs and qualified for the group stage, their first group stage appearance in European competitions in more than a decade.{{Cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/video-maribor-junasko-zdrzal-pritisk-ibrox-parka/264829 | title = Video: Maribor junaško zdržal pritisk Ibrox Parka | date = 25 August 2011 | author = T. O. | 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 }} They obtained one point in six matches, holding Braga to a 1–1 draw at home.{{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=7 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 the next season, they again qualified for the group stage, and managed to win four points after defeating Panathinaikos and drawing with Tottenham Hotspur, both at home.{{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=7 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 }}
File:Spartak Moscow VS. Maribor 2017-11-22 (7500).jpg in the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League.]]
In their third consecutive appearance in the group stage, in 2013–14, Maribor advanced to the knockout phase of the 2013–14 UEFA Europa League for the first time.{{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=7 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 the eventual winners of the competition, Sevilla, 4–3 on aggregate.{{cite web |title=Europa League 2013/2014 – Round of 32 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/europa-league-2013-2014-sechzehntelfinale/0/ |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=7 December 2021 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122044/https://www.worldfootball.net/schedule/europa-league-2013-2014-sechzehntelfinale/0/ |url-status=live }} Their successful European run was upgraded in the 2014–15 season, when Maribor finally qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stage for the second time in their history, after eliminating Celtic in the play-offs.{{cite web | url = https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0218-0e8bdfd45411-2e1a2fab427c-1000/#simundza+revels+maribors+phenomenal+feeling | title = 'Phenomenal feeling' for Šimundža and Maribor | publisher = UEFA | date = 26 August 2014 | access-date = 27 August 2014 | archive-date = 10 September 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220910142901/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0218-0e8bdfd45411-2e1a2fab427c-1000/#simundza+revels+maribors+phenomenal+feeling | url-status = live }} They were drawn into Group G with Chelsea, Schalke 04, and Sporting CP. After a draw and a defeat against each team, Maribor won three points in six matches.{{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=7 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 }}
In 2015–16, Maribor failed to win the league title for the first time in six years, but reclaimed the throne the following season, winning their 14th national title.{{cite web |last1=Vozel |first1=Aleš |title=Čas za "čago" v štajerski prestolnici: Maribor je spet prvak |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/cas-za-cago-v-stajerski-prestolnici-maribor-je-spet-prvak/421583 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=6 May 2017 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207122057/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/cas-za-cago-v-stajerski-prestolnici-maribor-je-spet-prvak/421583 |url-status=live }} As Slovenian champions, Maribor represented Slovenia in the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League, and for the third time in the club's history reached the group stage.{{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=24 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}} Maribor competed in Group E, along with Spartak Moscow, Sevilla, and Liverpool. The club again obtained three points in six matches, the same as in 2014, after drawing with Sevilla at home and twice against Spartak.{{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=7 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 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}} In the same season, Maribor failed to win a trophy for the first time since 2007–08, losing the league title to Olimpija on head-to-head record after finishing with the same number of points.{{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}} Olimpija also eliminated Maribor in the quarter-finals of the national cup, and therefore 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 and became the most successful manager in the Slovenian top division.{{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=1 December 2019 |location=Maribor |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=1 December 2019 |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 }} However, Milanič and Zahovič left the club in March 2020 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=7 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=7 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}}
Club identity
=Colours, kits and nicknames=
Throughout the entire history of NK Maribor, the main colour of the club has been purple.{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/symbols/colors | title = Barva in slogani | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date =28 November 2024}} For this reason, the team is nicknamed "The Purples" ({{lang|sl|Vijoličasti}}){{cite news | url = https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Vijolicasti-v-elitni-druscini | title = Vijoličasti v elitni druščini | author = Nogomania | date = 16 July 2010 | publisher = Nogomania | language = sl | access-date = 6 April 2011 | archive-date = 22 June 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200622190931/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Vijolicasti-v-elitni-druscini | url-status = live }}{{cite news | url = http://www.rts.si/vijolicasti-se-drugic-porazeni.html | title = Vijoličasti še drugič poraženi | trans-title = Second defeat for The Purples | first= Andrej|last=Prebil | date = 17 March 2011 | publisher = RTS | language = sl | access-date = 6 April 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120322093525/http://www.rts.si/vijolicasti-se-drugic-porazeni.html | archive-date = 22 March 2012 }} and "The Violets" ({{lang|sl|Vijolice}}).{{cite news | url = https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/nacional-uspesnejsi-od-vijolic-120720 | title = Nacional uspešnejši od "vijolic" | trans-title = Nacional more successful than "The Violets" | first = Tina | last = Pertoci | date = 7 August 2010 | publisher = Siol | language = sl | access-date = 9 September 2017 | archive-date = 9 September 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170909233943/http://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/nacional-uspesnejsi-od-vijolic-120720 | url-status = live }}{{cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/rumeni-pajkl/vijolice-bodo-se-bolj-vzcvetele/227603 | title = Vijolice bodo še bolj vzcvetele | trans-title = The Violets will blossom even more | author = T. O. | date = 8 April 2010 | publisher = RTV Slovenija | language = sl | access-date = 6 April 2011 | archive-date = 14 April 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100414074805/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/rumeni-pajkl/vijolice-bodo-se-bolj-vzcvetele/227603 | url-status = live }} The club is also referred to as the "Viole", predominantly in the region of the former Yugoslavia.{{cite news | url = https://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/Raketa-sletjela-u-Maribor-Najskuplji-igrac-Seville-asistencijama-pokvario-povijesno-proljece-Viola-u-Europi!/729830.aspx | title = Raketa sjetjela u Maribor: Najskuplji igrač Seville asistencijama pokvario povijesno proljeće Viola u Europi! | author = Z. A. | date = 20 February 2014 | website = Index.hr | language = hr | access-date = 6 November 2014 | archive-date = 22 June 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200622162847/https://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/Raketa-sletjela-u-Maribor-Najskuplji-igrac-Seville-asistencijama-pokvario-povijesno-proljece-Viola-u-Europi!/729830.aspx | url-status = live }}{{cite news | url = https://www.klix.ba/sport/nogomet/drugo-pretkolo-lige-prvaka-zrinjski-spremno-docekuje-favorizovani-maribor/140715002 | title = Drugo pretkolo Lige prvaka: Zrinjski spremno dočekuje favorizovani Maribor | trans-title = Champions League second qualifying round: Zrinjski is ready and awaits Maribor | first = Edin | last = Isanović | date = 15 July 2014 | website = Klix.ba | language = bs | access-date = 6 November 2014 | archive-date = 6 November 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141106070713/http://www.klix.ba/sport/nogomet/drugo-pretkolo-lige-prvaka-zrinjski-spremno-docekuje-favorizovani-maribor/140715002 | url-status = live }}
When NK Maribor was established, some of the club officials were in favour of red and white colours, inspired by the coat of arms of the city of Maribor.{{cite web |last1=Gomzi |first1=Zmago |title=Zakaj je Maribor vijoličen? Odločilna je bila revija |url=https://www.vecer.com/sport/nogomet/zakaj-je-maribor-vijolicen-odlocilna-je-bila-revija-10226002 |website=Večer |access-date=19 July 2021 |language=sl-si |date=28 September 2020 |archive-date=19 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719204429/https://www.vecer.com/sport/nogomet/zakaj-je-maribor-vijolicen-odlocilna-je-bila-revija-10226002 |url-status=live }}{{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=19 July 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, because many football teams in Yugoslavia already wore red and white jerseys, Maribor officials decided for a new and fresh combination. They decided to follow the example of Fiorentina and their purple and white combination. Oto Blaznik, the first captain of the club, was the one who suggested the combination after seeing the Italian team in La Gazzetta dello Sport. Since it was almost impossible to get purple kits in Yugoslavia in 1961, the players painted them themselves. The club's secondary colours are yellow and white.{{cite web |title=FOTO: NK Maribor predstavil nove drese |url=https://maribor24.si/lokalno/maribor/nk-maribor-predstavil-nove-drese |website=maribor24.si |access-date=19 July 2021 |language=sl-SI |date=15 August 2020 |archive-date=19 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719221002/https://maribor24.si/lokalno/maribor/nk-maribor-predstavil-nove-drese |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Maribor povezan s tremi črtami |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Maribor-povezan-s-tremi-crtami |publisher=Nogomania |access-date=19 July 2021 |language=sl |date=16 July 2015 |archive-date=19 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719221002/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Maribor-povezan-s-tremi-crtami |url-status=live }}
In March 1973, the name of the sponsor first appeared on Maribor kits.{{cite web |last1=Pungerčar |first1=Sašo |title=Vzponi in padci NK Maribor do osamosvojitve Slovenije |url=https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?id=88521 |website=dk.um.si |publisher=University of Maribor |access-date=21 July 2021 |language=sl |date=2016 |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721100750/https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?id=88521 |url-status=live }} Since Slovenia's independence in 1991, the main kit sponsors have been Pivovarna Laško, OTP banka (Nova KBM prior 2024) and Zavarovalnica Sava (Zavarovalnica Maribor prior 2016).{{cite web |title=V prodaji koledarja članskega moštva in nogometne šole |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=51 |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=16 December 2021 |language=sl |date=14 December 2000 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216130940/https://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=51 |url-status=live }}
{{col-begin|width=auto}}
{{col-break}}
{{Football kit box
| align = right
| pattern_la =
| pattern_b =
| pattern_ra =
| pattern_so = _whitetop
| leftarm = 653A97
| body = 653A97
| rightarm = 653A97
| shorts = FFFFFF
| socks = 653A97
| title = Maribor's first kit in the 1960s had white shorts.
}}
{{col-break}}
{{Football kit box
| align = right
| pattern_la =
| pattern_b =
| pattern_ra =
| pattern_sh = _yellowbottom
| pattern_so =
| leftarm = FCF75E
| body = 4C288C
| rightarm = FCF75E
| shorts = 4C288C
| socks = 4C288C
| title = 1997 home kit variation with yellow sleeves, when Maribor won its first league title.
}}
{{col-break}}
{{Football kit box
| align = right
| pattern_la =
| pattern_b =
| pattern_ra =
| pattern_so =
| leftarm = FFED54
| body = FFED54
| rightarm = FFED54
| shorts = FFED54
| socks = FFED54
| title = In the first part of the 2000s, Maribor occasionally played its home matches in yellow kits.
}}
{{col-break}}
{{Football kit box
| align = right
| pattern_la =
| pattern_b =
| pattern_ra =
| leftarm = 342588
| body = 342588
| rightarm = 342588
| shorts = 342588
| socks = 342588
| title = Current all-purple home kit, predominantly in use with only minor modifications.
}}
{{col-end}}
==Kit manufacturers==
=Crest=
The current crest of the club is based on the official coat of arms of the city of Maribor, which is in turn based on a 14th-century seal with minor differences.{{cite web |title=Prenova simbolov Mestne občine Maribor |url=http://www.grboslovje.si/novice/2020_10_18_0004.php |website=grboslovje.si |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115164613/http://www.grboslovje.si/novice/2020_10_18_0004.php |archive-date=15 January 2021 |language=sl |date=18 October 2020}} The badge is formed in a shape of a shield, and shows the former Piramida Castle that used to stand on top of the Pyramid Hill before it was demolished at the end of the 18th century. A violet blossom forms the backdrop. Unlike the coat of arms of the city of Maribor, the club's current badge does not represent a white dove facing down towards the castle, but a minimalist portrayal of a person.{{cite web |title=Grb |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/symbols/emblem |publisher=NK Maribor|trans-title=Crest|access-date=28 November 2024 |language=sl}} At the top of the shield the name of the club and the year of its foundation is inscribed. The entire badge uses only two colours, purple and yellow. Previous versions of the crest included white, one of the club's traditional colours, in the form of a white castle in the centre and a white ball that was on top of the shield. Since May 2012, the crest includes a yellow star at the top, indicating the first ten domestic titles won.{{cite news | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=4365 | title = Za navijače, za praznik na tribunah | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 19 July 2021 | archive-date = 31 July 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210731053707/https://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=4365 | url-status = live }}
File:NK Maribor old.png|{{center|1960s–1970s}}
File:NK Maribor old2.png|{{center|1970s–1980s}}
File:NK Maribor old1.png|{{center|Late 1980s}}
File:NK Maribor early 1990s.png|{{center|Early 1990s}}
File:NK Maribor old3.png|{{center|1990s–2000s}}
=Anthem=
Since 1992, the club's official anthem has been the song "Heja, hej Viole", which was written and composed by the band Čudežna polja.{{cite web |last1=Vogrin |first1=Nina |title=Glasbenika, ki sta napisala klubski himni Olimpije in Maribora |url=https://siol.net/trendi/glasba/glasbenika-ki-sta-napisala-klubski-himni-olimpije-in-maribora-416541 |publisher=Siol |access-date=20 July 2022 |language=sl |date=5 May 2016 |archive-date=20 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720155027/https://siol.net/trendi/glasba/glasbenika-ki-sta-napisala-klubski-himni-olimpije-in-maribora-416541 |url-status=live }} 80 members of the Viole Maribor fan group also participated in the recording as backing vocalists. The premiere performance of the song took place on 16 September 1992, at the European Cup Winners' Cup match between Maribor and Atlético Madrid.{{cite web |last1=Elvič |first1=Gorazd |title=Dan za spektakel: Maribor gostil Atletico in dobil svojo himno |url=https://www.vecer.com/sport/nogomet/spektakularni-dan-ko-je-nk-maribor-dobil-svojo-himno-10226197 |website=Večer |access-date=20 July 2022 |language=sl-si |date=28 September 2020 |archive-date=20 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720155027/https://www.vecer.com/sport/nogomet/spektakularni-dan-ko-je-nk-maribor-dobil-svojo-himno-10226197 |url-status=live }}
Stadium
{{main|Ljudski vrt}}
{{wide image|Ljudski vrt - panoramio (1).jpg|900px|align-cap=center|A panorama of Ljudski vrt before the renovation of the West Stand.}}
Maribor have played their home games at Ljudski vrt since June 1961.{{cite web |title=Prva tekma v Ljudskem vrtu|url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/stadium/legendaryMatches/b5039333-27fe-4053-ab5c-be804a58dc14|publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=28 November 2024|language=sl}} Previously, the club played a very short period of its early history at Stadion ob Tržaški cesti. Prior World War II, the ground consisted of just a pitch with a small stand, which was destroyed during the war.{{cite web |title=Zgodovina: Predvojni stadioni in igrišča na Slovenskem |url=https://snportal.si/zgodovina/zgodovina-predvojni-stadioni-in-igrisca-na-slovenskem/ |website=Slovenski nogometni portal |access-date=10 December 2021 |language=sl-SI |date=1 November 2016 |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210214746/https://snportal.si/zgodovina/zgodovina-predvojni-stadioni-in-igrisca-na-slovenskem/ |url-status=live }} The site has been used for football since at least the early 20th century; between 1910 and 1960, it was the home ground of many teams based in Maribor, including Marburger Sportvereinigung, SV Rapid Marburg, SK Hertha, SK Rote Elf, I. SSK Maribor and NK Branik Maribor.{{cite web |last1=Mudražija |first1=Tin |title=Pionirska vloga Nemcev pri organiziranem igranju nogometa v Mariboru in mariborsko-nemški nogometni klubi |url=https://www.dlib.si/details/URN:NBN:SI:DOC-0Y5JIBA3 |website=dlib.si |access-date=10 December 2021 |language=sl |date=2016 |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210190041/https://www.dlib.si/details/URN:NBN:SI:DOC-0Y5JIBA3 |url-status=live }}{{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 = 10 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 }}
After the war, the ground was renovated and opened in 1952,{{cite web |author1=Uredništvo |title=Legendarni Ljudski vrt je spregovoril |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Legendarni-Ljudski-vrt-je-spregovoril |publisher=Nogomania |access-date=10 December 2021 |language=sl |date=12 June 2018 |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210193359/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Legendarni-Ljudski-vrt-je-spregovoril |url-status=live }} but the main grandstand was not built until the early 1960s.{{cite web |title=Stadion Ljudski vrt |url=https://www.nzs.si/Reprezentanca/Moske_reprezentance/A_reprezentanca/Prizorisca_tekem/Stadion_Ljudski_vrt |publisher=Football Association of Slovenia |access-date=10 December 2021 |language=sl |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210190041/https://www.nzs.si/Reprezentanca/Moske_reprezentance/A_reprezentanca/Prizorisca_tekem/Stadion_Ljudski_vrt |url-status=live }} On 25 June 1961, Maribor played its first match at the stadium, against Mladost Zabok, when the grandstand was still under construction.
Ljudski vrt is the only stadium in Maribor that is located on the left bank of the river Drava. It is considered a natural, cultural, architectural and sports landmark of the city and is named after a public park previously located in the area.{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/stadium/stadiumHistory | title = Ljudski vrt: Zgodovina | trans-title = Ljudski vrt: History | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 28 November 2024}} A prominent feature of the grandstand is the 129.8 metres long and 18.4 m high concrete arch. In 1994, floodlights were installed and the stadium hosted its first match at night. Since then, the stadium went through several renovations.{{cite web | url = https://int.soccerway.com/teams/slovenia/nk-maribor/venue/ | title = Ljudski vrt, Maribor | publisher = Soccerway | access-date = 5 April 2011 | archive-date = 9 February 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130209074855/http://int.soccerway.com/teams/slovenia/nk-maribor/venue/ | url-status = live }} The most notable was the one between 2006 and 2008, when three of the four stands (South, East and North) were demolished and completely rebuilt.{{cite web |title=Redko viden spektakel |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/dokument.asp?id=60 |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=10 December 2021 |language=sl |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206213314/https://www.nkmaribor.com/dokument.asp?id=60 |url-status=live }} The West Stand was completely renovated in 2021,{{cite web |author1=To. G. |title=Ljudski vrt s prenovljenim zahodom dokončno prenovljen v celoti |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/ljudski-vrt-s-prenovljenim-zahodom-dokoncno-prenovljen-v-celoti/597633 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=2 December 2021 |language=sl |date=15 October 2021 |archive-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202191833/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/ljudski-vrt-s-prenovljenim-zahodom-dokoncno-prenovljen-v-celoti/597633 |url-status=live }} bringing the stadium's current capacity to 11,709 seats.{{cite web |title=Ljudski vrt – Info |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/stadium/info |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=28 November 2024 |language=sl}}
In addition to being the home ground of Maribor, the stadium also occasionally hosts matches of the Slovenia national football team.{{cite web |title=Stadion Ljudski Vrt, Maribor, football venue |url=https://eu-football.info/_venue.php?id=535 |website=eu-football.info |access-date=10 December 2021 |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210193357/https://eu-football.info/_venue.php?id=535 |url-status=live }} The record attendance of the stadium is 20,000 spectators, achieved in 1973 when Maribor played against Proleter Zrenjanin in the Yugoslav Second League promotion play-offs, while the record for a Slovenian League match is 14,000 spectators, achieved in the last round of the 1996–97 Slovenian PrvaLiga season.
Supporters and rivalries
=Supporters=
File:Viole - Maribor 089.jpg in the South Stand of Ljudski vrt]]
NK Maribor is known for having a loyal and passionate supporters.{{cite web |title=Sladek zadetek Liverpoola proti Haribo... oprostite Mariboru |url=https://www.24ur.com/novice/slovenija/navijaci.html |website=24ur.com |access-date=16 November 2019 |language=sl |date=18 October 2017 |archive-date=15 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115235631/https://www.24ur.com/novice/slovenija/navijaci.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=FOTO in VIDEO: Viole z veličastno bakljado razsvetlite Maribor |url=https://maribor24.si/lokalno/maribor/foto-in-video-viole-z-velicastno-bakljado-razsvetliti-maribor |website=maribor24.si |access-date=16 November 2019 |language=sl-SI |date=10 August 2019 |archive-date=15 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115235630/https://maribor24.si/lokalno/maribor/foto-in-video-viole-z-velicastno-bakljado-razsvetliti-maribor |url-status=live }} In addition to the city of Maribor and its surroundings, the club also has a large fan base in Styria and Carinthia, with smaller groups of supporters also present in other parts of Slovenia.{{cite thesis|last=Jurišič|first=Uroš|year=2016|title=Trženje navijaških artiklov kot način utrjevanja športne blagovne znamke – primer NK Maribor|publisher=University of Ljubljana|access-date=22 May 2019|url=http://dk.fdv.uni-lj.si/dela/jurisic-uros.PDF|archive-date=20 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320213333/http://dk.fdv.uni-lj.si/dela/jurisic-uros.PDF|url-status=live}}{{cite web |trans-title=History of Viole|title=Zgodovina Viol |url=http://www.violemaribor.com/viole/zgodovina-viol.html |website=violemaribor.com |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119063412/http://www.violemaribor.com/viole/zgodovina-viol.html |archive-date=19 November 2017}} After its founding, Maribor was marked as a citizens' club, and their city rivals Železničar Maribor as a working class club.{{cite news|url=http://snportal.si/zgodovina/nekoc-so-bili-mestni-derbiji-1-del/|title=Nekoč so bili mestni derbiji (1. del)|language=sl|access-date=26 August 2017|website=Slovenski nogometni portal|date=25 December 2014|author=T. D. L.|archive-date=19 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719060223/https://snportal.si/zgodovina/nekoc-so-bili-mestni-derbiji-1-del/|url-status=live}}
The club has an ultras group called Viole Maribor, established in 1989.{{cite web |title=Viole praznovale 31 let |url=https://snportal.si/slovenska-tekmovanja/prva-liga/viole-praznovale-31-let/ |website=Slovenski nogometni portal |access-date=15 December 2021 |language=sl-SI |date=3 August 2020 |archive-date=15 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215165152/https://snportal.si/slovenska-tekmovanja/prva-liga/viole-praznovale-31-let/ |url-status=live }} An apolitical group,{{cite news | url = https://www.dnevnik.si/1042565335/slovenija/viole-zanikajo-domnevno-odgovornost-za-izgrede-v-mariboru | title = Viole zanikajo domnevno odgovornost za izgrede v Mariboru | date = 27 November 2012 | newspaper = Dnevnik | language = sl | access-date = 15 August 2014 | archive-date = 5 August 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170805100604/https://www.dnevnik.si/1042565335/slovenija/viole-zanikajo-domnevno-odgovornost-za-izgrede-v-mariboru | url-status = live }}{{cite news | url = https://siol.net/novice/slovenija/viole-maribor-nismo-zanetili-nasilja-proti-zupanu-kanglerju-25203 | title = Viole Maribor: Nismo zanetili nasilja proti županu Kanglerju! | date = 28 November 2012 | publisher = Siol | language = sl | access-date = 15 August 2014 | archive-date = 2 June 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160602080232/http://siol.net/novice/slovenija/viole-maribor-nismo-zanetili-nasilja-proti-zupanu-kanglerju-25203 | url-status = live }} they are located on the South Stand of the stadium. The record for the most travelling fans in domestic competitions was in 2001, when 3,000 Maribor supporters gathered in Ljubljana,{{cite web | url = http://www.nkmaribor.com/Zgodovina/2001-2010#9916 | title = Zgodovina: 2001–2010 | trans-title = History: 2001–2010 | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 20 December 2010 | archive-date = 19 December 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101219114241/http://www.nkmaribor.com/Zgodovina/2001-2010#9916 | url-status = live }} while the most fans gathered abroad was in 2017 during the club's UEFA Champions League campaign, when over 2,400 supporters travelled to Liverpool.{{cite web |title=Mariborčani na Otok z veliko zamudo |url=https://www.dnevnik.si/1042789736 |website=Dnevnik |access-date=15 December 2021 |language=sl |date=31 October 2017 |archive-date=15 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215165138/https://www.dnevnik.si/1042789736 |url-status=live }}
Since the establishment of the Slovenian First League in 1991, Maribor has had the highest average home attendance in 27 out of 33 seasons.{{cite web | url = https://www.prvaliga.si/tekmovanja/default.asp?action=statistika&id_menu=220&id_sezone=-1 | title = Statistika – Vse sezone | trans-title = Statistics – All seasons | publisher = Slovenian PrvaLiga | language = sl | access-date = 16 May 2019 | archive-date = 26 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190526165131/https://www.prvaliga.si/tekmovanja/default.asp%3Faction%3Dstatistika%26id_menu%3D220%26id_sezone%3D-1 | url-status = live }} The highest average league attendance was in the 1996–97 season, when on average 5,289 people attended Maribor's home matches, which is a record in Slovenian club football. In addition, Maribor is the first team to gather more than two million people at Slovenian First League matches.
=Rivalries=
Maribor's biggest rivalry is with Olimpija from the capital Ljubljana, against whom they contest the Eternal derby ({{lang|sl|Večni derbi}}).{{cite web |author1=M. R. |title=Kako se je izoblikoval slovenski nogometni derbi? |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/kako-se-je-izoblikoval-slovenski-nogometni-derbi/536266 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=15 December 2021 |language=sl |date=16 September 2020 |archive-date=15 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215172617/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/kako-se-je-izoblikoval-slovenski-nogometni-derbi/536266 |url-status=live }} The rivalry dates back to the early 1960s, when both clubs used to play in the Yugoslav Second League.{{cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/statisticni-pregled-derbijev-med-olimpijo-in-mariborom/252850 | first1 = Matej | last1 = Rijavec | first2 = Toni | last2 = Gruden | first3 = Slavko | last3 = Jerič | title = Statistični pregled derbijev med Olimpijo in Mariborom | publisher = RTV Slovenija | date = 11 March 2011 | language = sl | access-date = 14 March 2011 | archive-date = 14 March 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110314010045/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/statisticni-pregled-derbijev-med-olimpijo-in-mariborom/252850 | url-status = live }} The first official match between the two clubs was played on 2 September 1962 at the Bežigrad Stadium in Ljubljana, and was watched by around 10,000 spectators.{{cite web |title=Olimpija – NK Maribor 1:1 (0:0) |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1962%2F63&t=2&kolo=3 |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=15 November 2019 |language=sl |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814132225/https://nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/?sezona=1962%2F63&t=2&kolo=3 |url-status=live }}
In 2005, the old Olimpija was dissolved due to financial difficulties.{{cite news | url = https://www.zurnal24.si/sport/nogomet/simic-stefanovic-posilja-groznje-101403 | title = Simič: "Stefanović pošilja grožnje!" | author = J. K. | website = Žurnal24 | language = sl | date = 11 November 2010 | access-date = 9 September 2017 | archive-date = 6 July 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190706174515/https://www.zurnal24.si/sport/nogomet/simic-stefanovic-posilja-groznje-101403 | url-status = live }} In the same year, a phoenix club was established under the name NK Bežigrad, and was later renamed as NK Olimpija Ljubljana.{{cite web | url = http://www.nkolimpija.com/?page=club&id=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217223147/http://www.nkolimpija.com/?page=club&id=3|archive-date=17 February 2012| title = Zgodovina kluba | website= nkolimpija.com | language =sl | access-date =9 July 2016}} The first derby between Maribor and the newly formed club was played on 24 October 2007 in the quarter-finals of the Slovenian Cup.{{cite web |title=Delite vtise z oživelega derbija |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/delite-vtise-z-ozivelega-derbija/120338 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=15 November 2019 |language=sl |date=23 October 2007 |archive-date=16 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116060259/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/delite-vtise-z-ozivelega-derbija/120338 |url-status=live }} When Olimpija was promoted to the Slovenian First League in 2009, the rivalry came back to life.{{cite web |first=Andraž |last=Rožman |title=Večni derbi: Navijači razgrajali, Cime jih je pogrešal |url=https://www.dnevnik.si/1042289851 |newspaper=Dnevnik |access-date=15 November 2019 |language=sl |date=10 August 2009 |archive-date=15 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115231640/https://www.dnevnik.si/1042289851 |url-status=live }}
Maribor also developed a rivalry with another Styrian club, Celje, dubbed the Styrian derby ({{lang|sl|Štajerski derbi}}).{{cite web |title=Mudrinski odločil 106. štajerski derbi |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/porocilo-celje-maribor-567588 |publisher=Siol |access-date=15 December 2021 |language=sl |date=4 December 2021 |archive-date=15 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215172616/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/porocilo-celje-maribor-567588 |url-status=live }} Maribor and Celje contested in three Slovenian Cup finals, all of which were won by Maribor, and also competed for the national title in the 2002–03 season, when Maribor defeated Celje 2–1 in the decisive match with two late-game goals, clinching their seventh consecutive title.{{cite web |last1=Okorn |first1=Tomaž |title=Pušnik: Če bi Hadžić ostal, bi bila Olimpija prvak |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/pusnik-ce-bi-hadzic-ostal-bi-bila-olimpija-prvak/531347 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=6 February 2023 |language=sl |date=22 July 2020}}
Another rival of Maribor is Mura from Prekmurje, with whom they contest the Prekmurje–Styria derby ({{lang|sl|Štajersko-prekmurski derbi}}).{{cite web |title=Štajersko-prekmurski derbi brez zadetkov |url=https://snportal.si/prva-liga/stajersko-prekmurski-derbi-brez-zadetkov/ |website=Slovenski nogometni portal |access-date=15 November 2019 |language=sl-SI |date=5 October 2019 |archive-date=15 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115155734/https://snportal.si/prva-liga/stajersko-prekmurski-derbi-brez-zadetkov/ |url-status=live }} In the 2020–21 season, Maribor and Mura contested the title-deciding match on the final day of the season. A draw was enough for Maribor, but Mura won 3–1 and clinched their first-ever title.{{cite web |title=Prekmurci osvojili Ljudski vrt: Mura prvič državni prvak! |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/prekmurci-osvojili-ljudski-vrt-mura-prvic-drzavni-prvak/581189 |publisher=RTV Slovenija |access-date=15 December 2021 |language=sl |date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122222139/https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/prva-liga/prekmurci-osvojili-ljudski-vrt-mura-prvic-drzavni-prvak/581189 |url-status=live }}
Players
{{further|List of NK Maribor players}}
=Current squad=
{{Updated|18 February 2025}}{{cite web |trans-title=First Team Squad |title=Igralski kader|url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/team/players |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=9 December 2024|language=sl}}
{{Fs start}}
{{Fs player|no=1|nat=SLO|pos=GK|name=Ažbe Jug}}
{{Fs player|no=2|nat=ALG|pos=FW|name=Hillal Soudani}}
{{Fs player|no=3|nat=IRQ|pos=DF|name=Adam Rasheed}}
{{Fs player|no=4|nat=SLO|pos=MF|name=Blaž Vrhovec}}
{{Fs player|no=5|nat=LTU|pos=DF|name=Pijus Širvys}}
{{Fs player|no=6|nat=FRA|pos=DF|name=Bradley M'bondo}}
{{Fs player|no=7|nat=HUN|pos=MF|name=György Komáromi}}
{{Fs player|no=8|nat=AUT|pos=MF|name=Marko Božić}}
{{Fs player|no=11|nat=IRL|pos=FW|name=Ali Reghba}}
{{Fs player|no=14|nat=POR|pos=DF|name=André Sousa}}
{{Fs player|no=15|nat=SLO|pos=MF|name=Jan Repas}}
{{Fs player|no=16|nat=SLO|pos=MF|name=Niko Grlić}}
{{Fs player|no=17|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Sheyi Ojo}}
{{Fs player|no=20|nat=SVN|pos=MF|name=Žiga Repas}}
{{Fs player|no=21|nat=POL|pos=MF|name=Karol Borys|other=on loan from Westerlo}}
{{Fs mid}}
{{Fs player|no=22|nat=SLO|pos=DF|name=Martin Milec|other=captain}}
{{Fs player|no=23|nat=SVN|pos=MF|name=Nejc Viher}}
{{Fs player|no=24|nat=SLO|pos=DF|name=Žan Meško}}
{{Fs player|no=25|nat=SVN|pos=MF|name=Nik Belovič}}
{{Fs player|no=30|nat=GHA|pos=FW|name=Benjamin Tetteh|other=on loan from Metz}}
{{Fs player|no=31|nat=SLO|pos=MF|name=Tian Varmaz Plava}}
{{Fs player|no=32|nat=SVN|pos=DF|name=Luka Krajnc}}
{{Fs player|no=34|nat=SVN|pos=DF|name=Anej Lorbek}}
{{Fs player|no=42|nat=FIN|pos=FW|name=Kai Meriluoto|other=on loan from HJK Helsinki}}
{{Fs player|no=44|nat=TUN|pos=DF|name=Omar Rekik}}
{{Fs player|no=70|nat=TUR|pos=MF|name=Bartuğ Elmaz|other=on loan from Fenerbahçe}}
{{Fs player|no=72|nat=SLO|pos=MF|name=Josip Iličić}}
{{Fs player|no=81|nat=NED|pos=GK|name=Menno Bergsen}}
{{Fs player|no=97|nat=SVN|pos=MF|name=Tine Čuk}}
{{Fs end}}
=Out on loan=
{{Fs start}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=SLO|pos=DF|name=Gregor Sikošek|other=at Gorica until June 2025}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=SLO|pos=DF|name=Lan Vidmar|other=at Koper until January 2026}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=MKD|pos=MF|name=Behar Feta|other=at Domžale until June 2025}}
{{Fs mid}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=SLO|pos=MF|name=Niko Osterc|other=at Beltinci until June 2025}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=GAB|pos=FW|name=Orphé Mbina|other=at União de Leiria until June 2025}}
{{Fs end}}
=Retired numbers=
{{see also|Retired numbers in association football}}
Since 2005, Maribor have not issued the squad number 19.{{cite web |title=Viole spet poskrbele za pretep |url=https://old.delo.si/sport/viole-spet-poskrbele-za-pretep.html |website=Dnevnik |access-date=16 December 2021 |language=sl-si |date=8 July 2005 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216135536/https://old.delo.si/sport/viole-spet-poskrbele-za-pretep.html |url-status=live }} It was retired in honour of Stipe Balajić, who played for the club for eight seasons between 1997–98 and 2004–05.{{cite web |title=Balajić Stipe – nastopi |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/default.asp?tip=&t=1&sezona=&igralec=Balaji%E6_Stipe |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=16 December 2021 |language=sl |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216135531/https://www.nkmaribor.com/zgodovina/statistika/default.asp?tip=&t=1&sezona=&igralec=Balaji%E6_Stipe |url-status=live }} He played his last game for the club on 7 July 2005, a friendly match against his former club Hajduk Split, where he was substituted after 19 minutes of play in a symbolic gesture.{{cite news | url = http://web.vecer.com/portali/vecer/v1/default.asp?kaj=3&id=2005070702732305 | title = Dalmatinska fešta pod Kalvarijo | first= Borut|last=Planinšič| date = 7 July 2005 | newspaper= Večer | language = sl | access-date = 6 April 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120924173241/http://web.vecer.com/portali/vecer/v1/default.asp?kaj=3&id=2005070702732305 | archive-date = 24 September 2012 }} In May 2021, the club retired another squad number, 33, in honour of goalkeeper Jasmin Handanović, who made over 350 appearances for Maribor between 2011 and 2021.{{cite web |title=Novopečeni trener vratarjev Jasmin Handanović: Morate verjeti v klub |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Novopeceni-trener-vratarjev-Jasmin-Handanovic-Morate-verjeti-v-klub |publisher=Nogomania |access-date=16 December 2021 |date=26 May 2021 |language=sl |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216135530/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Novopeceni-trener-vratarjev-Jasmin-Handanovic-Morate-verjeti-v-klub |url-status=live }} In May 2022, the number 9 was retired in honour of Marcos Tavares, a longtime captain and the club's all-time most capped player and top goalscorer.{{cite web |author=A. G. |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=16 May 2022 |language=sl |date=14 May 2022 |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 }}
Maribor have also temporarily retired two squad numbers: 26, in honour of Aleksander Rajčević, and 28, in honour of Mitja Viler. Both numbers were retired in 2020 and will remain unassigned until 2030.{{cite web |last1=Plestenjak |first1=Rok |last2=Pakiž |first2=Sara |title=Ganljivo slovo legende NK Maribor: Preplavile so me emocije #video |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/aleksandar-rajcevic-maribor-530511 |publisher=Siol |access-date=16 December 2021 |language=sl |date=22 July 2020 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216135529/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/aleksandar-rajcevic-maribor-530511 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author1=R. P. |title=Predsednik Kopra obdaril navijače, Maribor upokojil št. 28 |url=https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/mitja-viler-koper-maribor-28-542456 |publisher=Siol |language=sl |date=30 December 2020 |access-date=16 December 2021 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216135530/https://siol.net/sportal/prva-liga/mitja-viler-koper-maribor-28-542456 |url-status=live }}
{{Fs start|hidenote=yes}}
{{Fs player|no=9|nat=BRA|pos=FW|name=Marcos Tavares|other=2008–2022}}
{{Fs player|no=19|nat=CRO|pos=MF|name=Stipe Balajić|other=1998–2005}}
{{Fs mid}}
{{Fs player|no=33|nat=SLO|pos=GK|name=Jasmin Handanović|other=2011–2021}}
{{Fs end}}
=Youth Academy=
The academy is responsible for the development of young players in the club. It is composed of ten youth selections, ranging from under-8 to under-19, with over 210 youth players in the system.{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/footballSchool/basic/school | title = Nogometna šola NK Maribor | publisher = NK Maribor | access-date = 28 November 2024| language = sl}} The club has also spread the activities of the football school to primary schools in the city of Maribor, where around 850 of the youngest footballers train as part of the Children's Football School ({{lang|sl|Otroška nogometna šola}}).{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/dokument.asp?id=13 | title = Otroška nogometna šola | publisher = NK Maribor | access-date = 18 July 2016 | language = sl | archive-date = 11 July 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160711073345/http://www.nkmaribor.com/dokument.asp?id=13 | url-status = live }}
Since the establishment of Maribor's youth system in its present form in 1990, the academy has been one of the most successful in the country in terms of titles won. The under-19 team holds the national record for most titles, having won the under-19 league eight times.{{cite web | url = https://www.nzs.si/dokument.asp?id=335 | title = 1. slovenska mladinska liga – Dosedanji zmagovalci | publisher = Football Association of Slovenia | access-date = 18 July 2016 | language = sl | archive-date = 16 August 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160816142409/http://nzs.si/dokument.asp?id=335 | url-status = live }} The same team has also won five Youth Cups.{{cite web | url = https://www.nzs.si/dokument.asp?id=576 | title = Mladinski pokal – Dosedanji zmagovalci | publisher = Football Association of Slovenia | access-date = 18 July 2016 | language = sl | archive-date = 16 August 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160816142412/http://nzs.si/dokument.asp?id=576 | url-status = live }} Other teams are equally successful as both the under-17 and under-15 teams holds the record for the most titles in their category.{{cite web | url = https://www.nzs.si/dokument.asp?id=358 | title = 1. slovenska kadetska liga – Dosedanji zmagovalci | publisher = Football Association of Slovenia | access-date = 18 July 2016 | language = sl | archive-date = 9 August 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160809164645/http://www.nzs.si/dokument.asp?id=358 | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.nzs.si/dokument.asp?id=580 | title = Liga U15 – Dosedanji zmagovalci | publisher = Football Association of Slovenia | access-date = 18 July 2016 | language = sl | archive-date = 20 June 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180620180642/http://www.nzs.si/dokument.asp?id=580 | url-status = live }} In addition, Maribor's youth selections were the first in the country to win championship titles in the four highest youth classes (under-13, under-15, under-17 and under-19) during the same season. In 2012, a record eight Maribor players were called to the Slovenian under-17 national team for the 2012 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship.{{cite news | url = https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Ostalo-jih-je-se-20 | title = Ostalo jih je še 20 | author = Uredništvo | publisher = Nogomania | date = 27 April 2012 | access-date = 29 April 2012 | language = sl | archive-date = 25 July 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210725205929/https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Ostalo-jih-je-se-20 | url-status = live }}{{cite news | url = https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/kostic-bo-spisek-20-imen-skrajsal-se-za-dve/281996 | title = Kostić bo spisek 20 imen skrajšal še za dve | author = A. V. | publisher = RTV Slovenija | date = 27 April 2012 | access-date = 29 April 2012 | language = sl | archive-date = 30 April 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120430184740/http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/nogomet/kostic-bo-spisek-20-imen-skrajsal-se-za-dve/281996 | url-status = live }}
In 2016, the youth team of Maribor participated in the fourth edition of the international children's social programme Football for Friendship, the final events of which took place in Milan.{{Cite web|date=31 May 2016|title=Football for Friendship: Syrian youth team make tournament debut in Milan|url=https://www.euronews.com/2016/05/31/football-for-friendship-syrian-youth-team-make-tournament-debut-in-milan|access-date=15 November 2020|website=euronews.com|archive-date=27 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627005241/http://www.euronews.com/2016/05/31/football-for-friendship-syrian-youth-team-make-tournament-debut-in-milan|url-status=live}} The team won the tournament by defeating Debreceni VSC 1–0 in the final.{{cite web |title=Vijol'čno slavje v Milanu |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=6882 |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=20 July 2021 |language=sl |date=28 May 2016 |archive-date=20 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720215643/https://www.nkmaribor.com/novice/?id=6882 |url-status=live }}
=Purple Warrior=
File:SM-Maribor (17).jpg has won the Purple Warrior award six times.|alt=An Afro-Brazilian man in a white and purple football kit.]]
The Purple Warrior ({{lang|sl|Vijol'čni bojevnik}}) is a trophy awarded to the most distinguished player of the year with the best attitude towards the fans and the club.{{cite web | url = https://www.nkmaribor.com/club/history/warriors | title = Vijol'čni bojevnik | publisher = NK Maribor | language = sl | access-date = 28 November 2024}} The winner of the trophy is decided by a vote on the club's official website and also on the club's official Facebook page. To be eligible to participate in a poll, a player must appear for the club in at least 10 league matches.
| valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" | |
| Year
! Winner | |
|---|---|
| 2008 | {{flagicon|CZE}} Lubomir Kubica |
| 2009 | {{flagicon|CRO}} Dejan Mezga |
| 2010 | {{flagicon|SVN}} Elvedin Džinić |
| 2011 | {{flagicon|BRA}} Marcos Tavares |
| 2012 | {{flagicon|BRA}} Marcos Tavares |
| 2013 | {{flagicon|BRA}} Marcos Tavares |
| 2014 | {{flagicon|BRA}} Marcos Tavares |
| 2015 | {{flagicon|BRA}} Marcos Tavares |
| 2016 | {{flagicon|SVN}} Jasmin Handanović |
|width="1"|
|valign="top"|
| class="wikitable" | |
| Year
! Winner | |
|---|---|
| 2017 | {{flagicon|BRA}} Marcos Tavares |
| 2018 | {{flagicon|SRB}} Saša Ivković |
| 2019 | {{flagicon|SVN}} Rok Kronaveter |
| 2020 | {{flagicon|SVN}} Aljoša Matko |
| 2021 | {{flagicon|SRB}} Ognjen Mudrinski |
| 2022 | {{flagicon|SVN}} Martin Milec |
| 2023 | {{flagicon|SVN}} Ažbe Jug |
| 2024 | {{flagicon|ALG}} Hillal Soudani |
|}
Management
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Organisation=
:Updated 10 January 2025{{cite web |title=Osebna izkaznica |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/more/about |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=10 January 2025|language=sl}}{{cite web |title=Nogometna šola – Strokovni štab |url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/footballSchool/staff |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=20 February 2025|language=sl}}
| valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" |
| Position
!Name |
|---|
| President
|Drago Cotar |
| Vice presidents
|Matjaž Kirbiš |
| Management board
|Rok Moljk |
| Head of football operations
|Cem Başgül |
| Director of football |
| Assistant director of football |
| Director
|Bojan Ban |
| Academy director
|Sebastijan Harc |
| Academy sporting director
|Boštjan Kreft |
| Secretary
|Uroš Jurišič |
| Assistant secretary
|Tadej Zajmi |
| Public relations
|Željko Latin |
|}
{{col-2}}
=Technical staff=
:Updated 6 February 2025{{cite web |trans-title=Staff |title=Strokovni štab|url=https://www.nkmaribor.com/team/staff |publisher=NK Maribor |access-date=28 November 2024|language=sl}}
| valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" |
| Position
!Name |
|---|
| Head coach |
| Assistant coaches |
| Goalkeeping coaches
|Jasmin Handanović |
| Fitness coaches
|Srđan Prodanović |
| Performance analyst
|Tadej Pirtovšek |
| Doctors
|Matjaž Vogrin |
| Physiotherapists
|Mirzet Sprečo |
| Equipment managers
|Janko Veselič |
|}
{{col-end}}
=Notable managers=
The following managers have won at least one trophy when in charge of Maribor since Slovenia's independence in 1991:
File:Darko Milanič 2017.jpg is Maribor's most successful manager|alt=A white man in a black suit, watching a football match and giving orders to the players.]]
Honours
With 16 Slovenian First League titles and 9 Slovenian Cup titles, Maribor is the most successful club in Slovenia in terms of trophies won,{{cite web| url =https://www.prvaliga.si/Klubska_tekmovanja/Prva_liga/Zgodovina/Lovorike| title =Državni prvaki| publisher =Slovenian PrvaLiga| language =sl| access-date =6 June 2018| archive-date =12 June 2018| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141223/http://www.prvaliga.si/Klubska_tekmovanja/Prva_liga/Zgodovina/Lovorike| url-status =live}}{{cite web| url = https://www.nzs.si/Klubska_tekmovanja/Pokal_Slovenije/Zgodovina/Lovorike| title = Lovorike| publisher = Football Association of Slovenia| language = sl| access-date = 6 June 2018| archive-date = 12 June 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143429/http://www.nzs.si/Klubska_tekmovanja/Pokal_Slovenije/Zgodovina/Lovorike| url-status = live}} and is the record holder for the most consecutive championship titles, with seven. They have also achieved the Slovenian Championship and the Slovenian Cup double on four occasions. In addition, they are the only club which has won the Slovenian version of the treble, having won the league, cup and supercup during the 2012–13 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.zurnal24.si/sport/nogomet/trojcek-maribora-tri-krone-za-vijolicne-prvake-195091|title="Trojček" Maribora: tri krone za vijolične prvake|date=29 May 2013|access-date=6 June 2018|website=Žurnal24|language=sl|author1=Da. B.|author2=Ig. K.|author3=J. K.|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622165354/https://www.zurnal24.si/sport/nogomet/trojcek-maribora-tri-krone-za-vijolicne-prvake-195091|url-status=live}} On their official website, UEFA states that Maribor have won one international cup, as the club were one of the eleven co-winners of the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2006.{{cite web |title=Club facts: Maribor |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/023b-0e9746a45c75-ca62f8fe6bba-1000--club-facts-maribor/ |publisher=UEFA |access-date=7 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 to Newcastle United.{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/6185511.stm | title = Newcastle to lift Intertoto Cup | date = 16 December 2006 | publisher = BBC Sport | access-date = 4 April 2011 | 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 }} Maribor have the best top-flight record in history, having finished below fourth place only once.{{cite web | url = https://www.prvaliga.si/tekmovanja/?action=klub&id_menu=217&id_kluba=21&prikaz=6 | title = Maribor: Osnovne statistike | publisher = Slovenian PrvaLiga | language = sl | access-date = 24 June 2020 | archive-date = 2 August 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210802020548/https://www.prvaliga.si/tekmovanja/?action=klub&id_menu=217&id_kluba=21&prikaz=6 | url-status = live }} In 2008, they became the first team to win over 1,000 points in the Slovenian top flight.{{cite web |author1=R. P. |title=Mariborčani edini presegli tisoč točk |url=https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/mariborcani-edini-presegli-tisoc-tock-366611 |publisher=Siol |access-date=7 December 2021 |language=sl |date=26 December 2008 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207123626/https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/mariborcani-edini-presegli-tisoc-tock-366611 |url-status=live }}
The club's most recent trophy came in May 2022, when they won their 16th Slovenian First League title.
=Domestic=
;League
- Slovenian First League
- Winners (16): 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2018–19, 2021–22
- Runners-up (9): 1991–92, 1992–93, 1994–95, 2009–10, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2023–24
- Yugoslav Second League (second tier in Yugoslavia)
- Winners (1): 1966–67
- Runners-up (3): 1963–64, 1972–73, 1978–79
- Slovenian Republic League (third tier in Yugoslavia)
- Winners (5): 1960–61, 1975–76, 1981–82, 1983–84, 1985–86
- Runners-up (1): 1987–88
;Cup
- Slovenian Cup (since 1991)
- Winners (9): 1991–92, 1993–94, 1996–97, 1998–99, 2003–04, 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2015–16
- Runners-up (6): 2006–07, 2007–08, 2010–11, 2013–14, 2018–19, 2022–23
- Slovenian Republic Cup (prior 1991)
- Winners (13): 1961, 1966, 1967, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1980–81, 1982–83, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1987–88, 1988–89
- Runners-up (8): 1963, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1983–84, 1986–87
- Slovenian Supercup
- Winners (4): 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Runners-up (3): 2010, 2011, 2015
- MNZ Maribor Cup
- Winners (1): 1991–92{{cite news|title=Pokalni nogometni finale na območju NZ Maribor |work=Večer |date=23 April 1992 |page=14 |language=sl}}
= International =
- UEFA Intertoto Cup
- Winners (1): 2006 (joint winners)
=Doubles=
- League and Cup: 4
- 1996–97, 1998–99, 2011–12, 2012–13
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|NK Maribor}}
- {{official website|https://www.nkmaribor.com/}} {{in lang|sl|en}}
- [https://www.violemaribor.com/ Official supporters' website] {{in lang|sl}}
- [https://www.prvaliga.si/tekmovanja/?action=klub&id_kluba=21&id_menu=217 PrvaLiga profile] {{in lang|sl}}
{{NK Maribor}}
{{Navboxes|titlestyle=background:#441e73; color:#fac606;{{box-shadow border|a|#fac606|1px}}|list1=
{{NK Maribor squad}}
{{NK Maribor managers}}
{{Slovenian First League}}
{{Slovenian Republic League}}
{{Yugoslav First League}}
}}
{{Good article}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Maribor, NK}}
Category:Association football clubs established in 1960
Category:Football clubs in Slovenia
Category:Football clubs in Yugoslavia
Category:1960 establishments in Slovenia