Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, S.A.D., commonly known as Rayo Vallecano, is a Spanish professional football club based in the Villa de Vallecas district of Madrid. Founded on May 29, 1924.
Rayo Vallecano 2024–25 squad list
| # | Player | Team | Position | Date of Birth | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Óscar Valentín | Rayo Vallecano | Defender, Midfielder | August 20, 1994 | 30 | |
| 1 | Dani Cárdenas | Rayo Vallecano | Goalkeeper | March 28, 1997 | 28 |
| 2 | Andrei Rațiu | Rayo Vallecano | Defender | June 20, 1998 | 26 |
| 3 | Pep Chavarría | Rayo Vallecano | Defender | April 10, 1998 | 27 |
| 4 | Pedro Díaz | Rayo Vallecano | Midfielder | June 5, 1998 | 27 |
| 5 | Aridane Hernández | Rayo Vallecano | Defender | March 23, 1989 | 36 |
| 7 | Isi Palazón | Rayo Vallecano | Winger | December 27, 1994 | 30 |
| 8 | Pathé Ciss | Rayo Vallecano | Midfielder | March 16, 1994 | 31 |
| 8 | Óscar Trejo | Rayo Vallecano | Forward, Midfielder | April 26, 1988 | 37 |
| 9 | Raúl de Tomás | Rayo Vallecano | Forward | October 17, 1994 | 30 |
| 11 | Randy Nteka | Rayo Vallecano | Forward, Midfielder | December 6, 1997 | 27 |
| 12 | Sergi Guardiola | Rayo Vallecano | Forward | May 29, 1991 | 34 |
| 13 | Augusto Batalla | Rayo Vallecano | Goalkeeper | April 30, 1996 | 29 |
| 14 | Sergio Camello | Rayo Vallecano | Forward | February 10, 2001 | 24 |
| 15 | Gerard Gumbau | Rayo Vallecano | Defender, Midfielder | December 18, 1994 | 30 |
| 16 | Abdul Mumin | Rayo Vallecano | Defender | June 6, 1998 | 27 |
| 17 | Unai López | Rayo Vallecano | Midfielder | October 30, 1995 | 29 |
| 18 | Álvaro García | Rayo Vallecano | Midfielder | October 27, 1992 | 32 |
| 19 | Jorge de Frutos | Rayo Vallecano | Winger | February 20, 1997 | 28 |
| 20 | Iván Balliu | Rayo Vallecano | Defender | January 1, 1992 | 33 |
| 21 | Adri Embarba | Rayo Vallecano | Winger | May 7, 1992 | 33 |
| 22 | Alfonso Espino | Rayo Vallecano | Defender | January 5, 1992 | 33 |
| 24 | Florian Lejeune | Rayo Vallecano | Defender | May 20, 1991 | 34 |
| 25 | Joni Montiel | Rayo Vallecano | Midfielder | September 3, 1998 | 26 |
| 27 | Pelayo Fernández | Rayo Vallecano | Defender | April 29, 2003 | 22 |
- Leagues
- La Liga
- Seasons
- 2024-25
- Home
- Estadio de Vallecas
Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, S.A.D., commonly known as Rayo Vallecano or simply Rayo, is a Spanish professional football club based in the Villa de Vallecas district of Madrid. Founded on May 29, 1924, Rayo has built a strong reputation for its passionate fanbase, attacking football, and underdog spirit. The club competes in La Liga, where it continues to challenge Spain’s biggest teams.
Major Achievements
- La Liga Best Finish: 8th place (2012-13)
- Copa del Rey Semi-finalists: 2021-22
- Segunda División Champions: Multiple promotions, most recently in 2020-21
- UEFA Cup Appearance: 2000-01 (Quarter-finals)
One of Rayo’s most historic achievements came in the 2000-01 UEFA Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals in their first-ever European campaign.
Home Stadium: Estadio de Vallecas
Rayo plays its home matches at Estadio de Vallecas, a 14,500-seat stadium that creates one of Spain’s most intense football atmospheres. Despite its small capacity, the stadium is famous for its passionate supporters and the club’s strong community ties.
Club Identity & Playing Style
Rayo Vallecano is known for:
- An aggressive, high-pressing style of play
- Fast attacking transitions and creative football
- A strong working-class identity and community-driven values
Nicknamed Los Franjirrojos (The Red Sashes) due to their red diagonal stripe, Rayo embodies the fighting spirit of Vallecas, making them a fan-favorite underdog in Spanish football.
Iconic Eras
- UEFA Cup Run (2000-01): Rayo shocked Europe by reaching the quarter-finals in their only European campaign.
- Top-Flight Stability (2011-2019): The club enjoyed multiple seasons in La Liga, peaking with an 8th-place finish in 2012-13.
- Return to La Liga (2020-21): Rayo won the promotion play-offs, marking a new era in Spain’s top division.
Rivalries
- Madrid Derbies: Fierce clashes with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid as the city’s underdog club.
- Historic Rivalry with Getafe: A regional battle between two working-class Madrid clubs.
Legendary Players
- Raúl Tamudo: A key striker during Rayo’s La Liga years.
- Piti: A club legend and captain who led Rayo during its golden years.
- Michu: A standout forward before making an impact in the Premier League.
- Óscar Trejo: A modern-day club icon and midfield leader.
The Future of Rayo Vallecano
With a committed fanbase, an exciting playing style, and strong leadership, Rayo Vallecano continues to grow as a competitive La Liga side. The club remains dedicated to its underdog mentality, fighting for success against Spain’s biggest teams while staying true to its working-class roots.
