Sergi Darder


Sergi Darder Moll is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for RCD Espanyol as a central midfielder.

Club career

Espanyol / Málaga

Born in Artà, Balearic Islands, Darder played for two local clubs before joining RCD Espanyol in the summer of 2007, aged 13. He played his first season as a senior in 2011–12, competing with the reserves in Tercera División.
In July 2012, Darder signed with Málaga CF, being assigned to the B-side also in the fourth level. The following year he impressed first-team manager Bernd Schuster who called him for the preseason, where he scored two goals, including one in a 2–3 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park on 10 August.
On 14 August 2013, it was announced that Darder was officially promoted to the main squad, along with Fabrice Olinga and Samuel. He made his La Liga debut three days later, starting in a 0–1 away loss against Valencia CF.
On 4 November 2013, Darder signed a professional contract with Málaga running until 2017. He scored his first goal for the Andalusians on 31 March of the following year, netting the winner in a 2–1 win over Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.

Lyon

On 30 August 2015, Darder joined Olympique Lyonnais on a five-year contract, for €12 million. His Ligue 1 debut arrived on 20 September, as he was replaced midway through the second half of a 1–1 draw at Olympique de Marseille.
On 28 February 2016, Darder scored his second league goal of the season – third overall – netting after a fine individual effort to help impose Paris Saint-Germain F.C. their first loss in 36 games.

Return to Espanyol

On 1 September 2017, Darder returned to Espanyol after agreeing to a one-year loan with an €8 million buyout clause. The move was made permanent on 5 March 2018 after the player made a required number of appearances, and he signed a five-year deal which was rendered effective on 1 July.

International career

All youth levels comprised, Darder earned 12 caps for Spain. His debut for the under-21 team arrived on 14 November 2013, as he played the last 35 minutes of a 6–1 away routing of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 2015 UEFA European Championship qualifiers.