During the 2002–03 in Spanish football season, Málaga competed in La Liga.

Málaga slipped to 13th in the final table, but won the Intertoto Cup and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.

Manager Joaquín Peiró left at the end of the season.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.