Floriana
Floriana Football Club is a Maltese professional football club based in the town of Floriana, founded in 1894. The club currently competes in the Maltese Premier League and plays their home matches at a stadium inaugurated by Queen Alexandra. Considered one of Malta's most supported and successful clubs, Floriana has achieved remarkable domestic success with 26 national league titles and 21 FA trophies. The club holds the unique distinction of being the only Maltese team to qualify from the qualifying rounds to the first round proper of the UEFA Champions League during the 1993-94 season.
History
Overview
General information about the club
Floriana Football Club was established in 1894 when football was introduced to Malta by British servicemen stationed on the island during the colonial period. The club is affiliated with the Malta Football Association, which is a member of both UEFA and FIFA. Originally wearing green and red colors, the team changed to their distinctive green and white stripes in 1905 following friendly matches against the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. This change led to their nickname "Tal-Irish," reflecting the strong ties with the Irish regiment.
Most recent season and achievements
In the 2019-20 season, Floriana FC achieved a historic milestone by winning their 26th league title, their first championship in 27 years. The season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Malta Football Association declaring all teams at the top of their respective divisions as champions. The celebrations in Floriana's Fosos area sparked national controversy when supporters violated social distancing regulations.
History
Early years
Football was introduced to Malta in the late 19th century by British troops stationed across the island. The sport quickly gained popularity among local residents, particularly in Floriana where British forces were based. Together with St. George's FC, Floriana is one of Malta's two oldest football clubs. The club's first confirmed victory came on April 13, 1910, coinciding with the feast of their patron saint, St. Publius.
Successful period
Floriana established themselves as a dominant force in Maltese football, winning their first league championship in 1909-10. The club enjoyed sustained success throughout the early to mid-20th century, capturing multiple league titles and FA trophies. Their most successful periods included four consecutive league championships and ten doubles (league and cup victories in the same season).
Crisis and recovery
The club experienced a significant drought in league success, going 27 years without a championship title between 1993 and 2020. During this period, they remained competitive in cup competitions, winning FA trophies in 2010-11, 2016-17, and 2021-22. The 2016-17 FA Trophy victory against Sliema Wanderers was particularly significant as it reignited their historic rivalry.
Current period
Floriana's recent resurgence culminated in their 2019-20 league championship victory. The club continues to compete at the highest level of Maltese football while maintaining their strong youth development program through the Floriana FC Nursery, established in 1987.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
Floriana Football Club has won the Maltese Premier League 26 times, with championships spanning from 1909-10 to 2019-20. The club has also claimed the Maltese FA Trophy 21 times, with victories from 1937-38 to 2021-22. Additional domestic honors include two Maltese Super Cup victories in 1993 and 2017, and one Maltese First Division championship in 1985-86. The club has achieved ten doubles and once won a league title with maximum points.
Continental and global competitions
Floriana became the first Maltese club to participate in UEFA competitions when they faced Hungarian side Ujpest Dozsa in the 1962 Cup Winners' Cup. The club has competed in various European tournaments including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, Fairs Cities' Cup, UEFA Europa League, and Intertoto Cup. Notable European opponents have included Ipswich Town, Inter Milan, Sparta Rotterdam, Panathinaikos, FC Porto, and Borussia Dortmund. The club successfully progressed to subsequent rounds on two occasions: the 1993-94 Champions Cup and the 1999-2000 Intertoto Cup.
Symbols and Colors
Current logo and logo history
The club's badge has featured a lion prominently since 1936, accompanied by the Latin motto "Ex Ludis Virtus" meaning "virtue out of the game." The lion symbolizes both fierceness and sporting virtue. The mascot's selection reflects Floriana's historical connections: first, to Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena's coat of arms, as he constructed the fortified suburb of Floriana, and second, to the statue of patron saint St. Publius, who is depicted with a lion representing his martyrdom for Christian preaching.
Traditional home and away kits colors
Between 1894 and 1905, Floriana wore green and red quartered shirts with black shorts and green and red socks. The current official colors were adopted in 1905: green and white vertical striped shirts, white shorts, and green and white horizontal striped socks. This change occurred after friendly matches with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, when both teams exchanged shirts and Floriana adopted the regiment's green and white color scheme.
Traditional Rivals
St. George's FC
The rivalry with St. George's FC dates back to the beginnings of football in Malta around 1890, making it one of the oldest football rivalries on the island. As the two oldest clubs in Malta, their competition has deep historical roots in the early development of the sport.
Sliema Wanderers
The rivalry with Sliema Wanderers developed into what became known as the "old firm rivalry." This intense competition peaked from 1922 onwards and lasted until the late 1970s, during which both clubs dominated Maltese football. The rivalry was marked by football hooliganism and direct conflicts between supporters. The 2016-17 FA Trophy final victory against Sliema reignited this historic rivalry, with Floriana having won nine finals against the Blues in this competition.
Valletta
The rivalry with Valletta remains the most significant contemporary fixture in Maltese football. This derby stems from the close proximity of the two localities and the domestic success of both clubs. Matches between these sides consistently attract large crowds and are treated by fans as cup finals, making it one of the most classic derbies in Maltese football.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Nicknames
The club is known by two primary nicknames: "Tal-Irish" and "Greens." The "Tal-Irish" nickname originated from the strong ties with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers regiment, whose influence led to the adoption of the current green and white colors. The connection was so significant that residents of Floriana became known by this Irish-inspired moniker.
Traditions and culture
Floriana Football Club maintains strong connections to its patron saint, St. Publius, with their first confirmed victory occurring on his feast day in 1910. The club's motto "Ex Ludis Virtus" reflects their commitment to sporting virtue and fair play. The lion mascot represents both the historical significance of the area and the fierce competitive spirit of the club.
Stadium
The club's football ground was inaugurated in 1894 by Queen Alexandra, converting what had previously been a cricket ground since 1890. The stadium has served as Floriana's home venue throughout their history, hosting both domestic matches and European competition fixtures.
Floriana
Club Information
Official Name
Floriana
Founding Year
1894
Tactical Formation
4-3-3
Key Personnel
Captain
Dunstan Vella
Captain's Stats
180cm, 67kg
Head Coach
Augusto Daniel Portela da Silva
Head Coach Age
58 Age
Coach Nationality
PT
Coach Contract
01/07/2025 - 30/06/2027
Recent Honours
| Season | Competition | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | VĐQG Malta | 🏆 2 |
| 2021-2022 | VĐQG Malta | 🏆 2 |
| 2023-2024 | Fa Trophy | 🏆 2 |
| 2022-2023 | Super Cup | 🏆 2 |
| 2021-2022 | Fa Trophy | 🏆 2 |
Current Season Stats
| Competition | Rank | Matches | W-D-L | Points |
|---|
Goal Statistics
Premier League (MLT)
8 Scored - 5 Conceded
Premier League (MLT)
6 Scored - 4 Conceded
Premier League (MLT)
14 Scored - 10 Conceded
Premier League (MLT)
27 Scored - 10 Conceded
Premier League (MLT)
15 Scored - 9 Conceded