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| Full name | Deportivo Rayo Zuliano | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Azul Amarillo | ||
| Founded | 2005; 20 years ago (2005) | ||
| Ground | Estadio José Pachencho Romero | ||
| Capacity | 40,800 | ||
| Chairman | Javier Portillo[1] | ||
| Manager | Javier Villafráz | ||
| League | Primera División | ||
| 2024 | Primera División, 11th of 14 | ||
Deportivo Rayo Zuliano is a Venezuelan professionalfootball club based inMaracaibo. Founded in 2005, the club play in theVenezuelan Primera División, hosting their home matches at theEstadio José Pachencho Romero.
Founded in 2005, Deportivo Rayo Zuliano played in the 2005–06 edition of theTorneo Aspirantes [es], the third division in the country, before spending a year inactive. The club later entered the inaugural season of theVenezuelan Tercera División, narrowly missing out on promotion toSegunda División B in 2007–08 and then achieving mid-table campaigns in 2008–09 and 2009–10.[2]
In 2010, Rayo Zuliano ceased to play in the Tercera División, and only returned to a professional status in 2021, after merging withAtlético Furrial [es] and being admitted in the year'sSegunda División.[3] After an eighth position finish in their group in 2021, the club led their group in 2022, but were knocked out in the promotion phase.
On 12 December 2022, it was announced that Rayo Zuliano would merge withPrimera División sideZulia, taking their place in the top tier.[4] The merger was officially confirmed on 28 January 2023.[5] Rayo Zuliano were able to place eighth in their first Primera División campaign, which allowed them to qualify for the2024 Copa Sudamericana.[6]
As of 9 February, 2025Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Alex García King (2021–22)
Elvis Martínez (2023–present)[7]
