Club History: Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, often simply referred to as Rayo, is situated in the vibrant city of Madrid, specifically in the Vallecas neighborhood. Established on May 29, 1924, the club boasts a rich sociocultural heritage, celebrated for embodying the local community’s spirit and its blue-collar identity. Originating in a workers league, Rayo emerged from the heart of Vallecas, a quintessential working-class district in Madrid. The moniker “Rayo,” meaning “stripe” in Spanish, pays homage to the club’s iconic red diagonal stripe emblazoned on their jersey, purportedly inspired by the colors of the Argentinian powerhouse River Plate. In a historic agreement with Atlético Madrid in 1950, Rayo incorporated this distinctive red diagonal stripe into their previously all-white kit, distinguishing themselves from the white of Real Madrid. Since 1976, Rayo has called the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas stadium home, accommodating up to 14,708 fervent fans. As the third pillar of Madrid’s football scene, Rayo has enjoyed numerous seasons competing in the top flight of Spanish football.
