History of Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, SAD are one of the clubs that were promoted to La Liga following the 2020-21 season, their 19th season in the league overall. They are considered the third best football squad in Madrid following Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. 

Dating back to its origins in 1924, the team was known as Agrupación Deportiva El Rayo until 1947 and Agrupación Deportiva Rayo Vallecano until 1995 before sticking with Rayo Vallecano de Madrid.  

Rayo Vallecano have been to a European tournament only once, making it to the quarterfinals of the 2000-01 UEFA Cup, losing to fellow Spanish side Alavés, 2-4, in aggregate. Although they lack top flight silverware, they have garnered a second division title (2017-18), as well as four third division championships and a number of regional trophies. 

Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, and Radamel Falcao are two of the prominent players in the 2021-22 roster for Rayo. Former footballers who suited up for Los Franjirrojos include Laurie Cunningham and Hugo Sánchez.