Goalkeepers
1. Stole Dimitrievski
Nationality: North Macedonian
Former Clubs: Rabotnički, Granada (loan), Racing Santander (loan), Rayo Vallecano
Transfer Fee: £1 million (2021)
Stole Dimitrievski has become one of La Liga’s most consistent and underrated goalkeepers, entering his fifth season at Vallecas and providing North Macedonian international heroics (Euro 2020 qualifiers) between the sticks. The 32-year-old’s reflexes (74% save percentage in 2024/25, 73% in 2025/26 to date) and shot-stopping have been instrumental in Rayo’s successive mid-table finishes. Dimitrievski’s command of the penalty area, claiming crosses (86% success) and organising set-piece defences, provides defensive security that Rayo’s high-risk, high-press system requires. His distribution (87% pass completion) remains functional, with quick throws to initiate counters being his speciality. Having started 34 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 12 clean sheets, he remains remarkably durable. Dimitrievski’s relationship with Spanish-speaking teammates provides comfort; his Balkan toughness embodies Rayo’s fighting spirit. Dimitrievski’s contract runs through 2028, with Rayo rejecting January 2026 approaches from Real Betis. Dimitrievski’s performance against Barcelona in November 2025—making 12 saves, including a penalty stop from Robert Lewandowski—cemented his cult hero status.
2. Miguel Morro
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Miguel Morro has graduated from Rayo’s academy to backup goalkeeper following promising development and a loan at Fuenlabrada (2024/25, 30 Primera Federación appearances). The 24-year-old’s shot-stopping (72% save percentage on loan) and distribution (86% pass completion) provide functional cover. Morro’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. Morro’s contract runs through 2028.
3. Dani Cárdenas
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Levante, Levante B
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Dani Cárdenas has provided emergency third-choice cover following his free transfer from Levante, offering experienced La Liga depth. The 29-year-old’s contract runs through 2027.
Defenders
1. Florian Lejeune
Nationality: French
Former Clubs:
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Florian Lejeune has become Rayo’s defensive leader and ball-playing centre-back, providing French international pedigree (youth level), passing range, and tactical intelligence. The 34-year-old’s left-footed passing (5.3 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion), particularly his raking diagonals and line-breaking verticals, initiates attacks from deep. His reading of the game (2.4 interceptions per 90) and positioning—anticipating danger before it materialises—compensate for declining recovery pace. Lejeune’s aerial duel success (79%) and tackling (2.3 per 90) provide defensive security. His partnership with Aridane Hernández (and later his successor) has conceded only 1.12 goals per 90 minutes over two seasons. Lejeune’s experience—including Premier League football with Newcastle—provides dressing room wisdom. Lejeune’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter. Lejeune’s performance against Real Madrid in October 2025—playing out of pressure, organising the defensive line—demonstrated enduring influence.
2. Aridane Hernández
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Elche, Cádiz, Osasuna
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Aridane Hernández has become Lejeune’s long-term partner in defence, providing Spanish physicality, aerial dominance, and no-nonsense defending. The 36-year-old’s aerial duel success (84%) leads Rayo’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. His blocks (1.4 per 90) and clearances (6.0 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. Aridane’s passing (85% completion) remains basic; his role involves clearing danger and recycling possession to Lejeune. His partnership with Lejeune has developed understanding; their complementary styles (Lejeune’s composure, Aridane’s physicality) create defensive synergy. Aridane’s contract expires in 2027, with retirement or a Segunda move likely.
3. Andrei Rațiu
Nationality: Romanian
Former Clubs: Villarreal B, Huesca
Transfer Fee: £2.5 million (2024)
Andrei Rațiu has established himself as Rayo’s first-choice right-back, providing Romanian international pace, crossing, and defensive improvement. The 27-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.8 per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 5 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (1.9 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide balance. Rațiu’s recovery pace (35.1 km/h) prevents dangerous transitions. Rațiu’s relationship with Romanian teammates (none currently) provides comfort; his Villarreal B education provided technical foundations. Rațiu’s contract runs through 2029, with Rayo rejecting January 2026 approaches from Cagliari.
4. Pep Chavarría
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Andorra (loan), Córdoba (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Pep Chavarría has emerged as Rayo’s first-choice left-back following patient integration, providing Spanish work rate, crossing, and defensive diligence. The 27-year-old’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 4 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (2.0 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide security. Chavarría’s relationship with the club—academy since childhood—provides emotional connection. Chavarría’s contract runs through 2029, with Rayo viewing him as long-term left-back solution.
5. Abdul Mumin
Nationality: Ghanaian
Former Clubs:
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2024)
Abdul Mumin has provided centre-back depth following his arrival from Vitória Guimarães, offering Ghanaian physicality, aerial dominance, and recovery pace. The 27-year-old’s aerial duel success (81%) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide functional cover. Mumin’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Iván Balliu
Nationality: Spanish (Albanian descent)
Former Clubs: Metz, Almería
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
Iván Balliu has accepted a rotational role following Rațiu’s emergence, providing Albanian international experience (he switched allegiance), work rate, and right-back cover. The 33-year-old’s crossing (36% accuracy) and defensive positioning remain reliable. Balliu’s contract expires in 2027, with a return to Almería likely.
7. Sergio Akieme
Nationality: Spanish (Equatorial Guinean descent)
Former Clubs: Barcelona B, Almería
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Sergio Akieme has provided left-back depth following his free transfer from Almería, offering pace and crossing as Chavarría’s backup. The 28-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
8. Kike Pérez
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate, Valladolid (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Kike Pérez has graduated from loan spells to emergency defensive depth, providing centre-back cover following development at Valladolid (2024/25, 25 La Liga appearances). The 24-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Midfielders
1. Unai López (Captain)
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Athletic Bilbao, Leganés (loan), Rayo Vallecano (first spell)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024, return)
Unai López’s return to Rayo in summer 2024, following a successful first spell, added Spanish passing quality, tactical intelligence, and captaincy leadership to the midfield. The 30-year-old’s passing (5.1 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) and composure under pressure enable Rayo to build play through midfield. His work rate (11.3 kilometres per match) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide midfield security. Unai’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (6 assists) provide balanced output from central midfield. His partnership with Pathé Ciss provides midfield balance (Unai’s creativity, Ciss’s destruction). Unai’s relationship with the club—over 150 appearances across two spells—provides emotional connection. Unai’s contract runs through 2029, with Rayo viewing him as long-term midfield leader.
2. Pathé Ciss (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: Diambars, Rayo Vallecano
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate (nominal fee)
Pathé Ciss has become Rayo’s midfield destroyer and vice-captain, providing Senegalese physicality, tackling, and tactical discipline across six seasons at the club. The 31-year-old’s tackling (3.6 per 90) and interceptions (2.7 per 90) lead Rayo’s midfield. His work rate (11.8 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.9 pressures per 90) set Rayo’s standards. Ciss’s tactical fouling—strategic, disruptive—breaks opposition transitions. His passing (86% completion) remains basic; his role involves disruption rather than creation. Ciss’s partnership with Unai López has developed understanding; their complementary styles (Ciss’s destruction, Unai’s composure) create midfield balance. Ciss’s contract runs through 2029, with Rayo viewing him as long-term midfield anchor.
3. Isi Palazón
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Murcia (loan), Ponferradina (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Isi Palazón has become Rayo’s most creative attacking midfielder, providing Spanish dribbling, close control, and goal threat from the right channel. The 31-year-old’s dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (8 goals in 2025/26) provide elite production from attacking midfield. His creativity (7 assists) and set-piece delivery (3 assists from corners) add value. Isi’s work rate (11.0 pressures per 90) and defensive tracking (1.8 tackles per 90) exceed expectations for a creative player. Isi’s relationship with the club—over 200 appearances—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Isi’s contract runs through 2028, with Rayo rejecting January 2026 approaches.
4. Jorge de Frutos
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Valladolid (loan), Rayo Vallecano, Getafe, Rayo Vallecano (return)
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2025, return)
Jorge de Frutos’s return to Rayo in summer 2025, following a disappointing spell at Getafe, added Spanish pace, work rate, and right-wing quality to the attack. The 28-year-old’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.6 seconds) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 6 assists in 2025/26. His finishing (5 goals) and defensive work rate (2.0 tackles per 90) provide balanced output. De Frutos’s relationship with the club—where he previously flourished (2021-2023)—provides emotional connection. De Frutos’s contract runs through 2029, with Rayo hoping he recovers his best form.
5. Óscar Valentín
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Rayo Majadahonda, Alcorcón
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
Óscar Valentín has accepted a rotational midfield role following Unai López’s return, providing Spanish tactical discipline, work rate, and defensive cover. The 31-year-old’s tackling (2.6 per 90) and pressing (11.0 pressures per 90) provide functional depth. Valentín’s contract expires in 2027.
6. Mario Marín
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Mario Marín has graduated from Rayo’s academy to midfield rotation following promising development. The 23-year-old’s passing and work rate provide functional depth. Marín’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Álvaro García
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Albacete, Cádiz
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2022)
Álvaro García has seen his role reduced in 2025/26 following the emergence of younger wingers, yet the 33-year-old’s pace, direct running, and experience provide emergency depth. García’s contract expires in 2027.
Forwards
1. Randy Nteka
Nationality: French (Angolan descent)
Former Clubs: Fuente Cantos, Villarreal B
Transfer Fee: £1 million (2021)
Randy Nteka has become Rayo’s cult hero and central striker, providing French physicality, hold-up play, and surprising goal-scoring instincts. The 28-year-old’s finishing (11 goals in 2025/26) and aerial duel success (76%) provide consistent scoring threat. His hold-up play (71% success receiving back to goal) occupies defenders, creating space for Isi and De Frutos. Nteka’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.8 pressures per 90) sets Rayo’s defensive tone from the front. Nteka’s relationship with French-speaking teammates (Lejeune) provides comfort. Nteka’s contract runs through 2029, with Rayo rejecting January 2026 approaches from Celta Vigo. Nteka’s performance against Barcelona in 2025—scoring a 89th-minute equaliser, winning 8 duels—demonstrated his value.
2. Sergio Camello
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs:
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2025)
Sergio Camello’s permanent return to Rayo in summer 2025, following a successful loan from Atlético Madrid, added Spanish movement, finishing, and academy pedigree to the attack. The 25-year-old’s finishing (9 goals in 2025/26) and movement off the shoulder (2.8 shots per 90) provide consistent threat. Camello’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.5 pressures per 90) suits Rayo’s system. Camello’s contract runs through 2029, with Rayo viewing him as long-term striking solution.
3. Radamel Falcao
Nationality: Colombian
Former Clubs: River Plate, Porto, Atlético Madrid, Monaco, Manchester United, Chelsea, Galatasaray, Rayo Vallecano
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021, re-signed 2024)
Radamel Falcao, now 39, has entered his fifth season at Rayo as a veteran super-sub, his legendary finishing instincts undiminished even as his mobility has declined. The Colombian’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes, 600 total) and penalty-box movement remain clinical. Falcao’s experience—including Europa League winner with Porto (2011) and Atlético Madrid (2012)—provides dressing room leadership and big-game composure. Falcao’s contract expires in 2027, with retirement likely. Falcao’s performance against Real Betis in 2025—entering at 0-0, scoring a 87th-minute winner—demonstrated enduring quality.
4. Raúl de Tomás
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla, Córdoba (loan), Valladolid (loan), Rayo Vallecano (first spell), Benfica, Espanyol
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Raúl de Tomás’s return to Rayo in summer 2025, following a disappointing spell at Espanyol, added Spanish finishing, penalty-box presence, and controversy to the attack. The 31-year-old’s finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) and aerial duel success (77%) provide functional depth. De Tomás’s temperament (3 yellow cards in limited minutes) remains a concern, but his quality when focused is undeniable. De Tomás’s contract runs through 2029, with Rayo hoping he recovers his Espanyol form (17 goals in 2021/22).
5. Álvaro García
Nationality: Spanish (covered in midfield)
6. Theo Zidane
Nationality: Spanish (French descent)
Former Clubs: Real Madrid Castilla
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Theo Zidane’s summer 2025 arrival from Real Madrid Castilla added name recognition and youth potential to Rayo’s attack. The 23-year-old’s dribbling (2.9 successful take-ons per 90 in limited minutes) and finishing (1 goal) suggest potential. Zidane’s contract runs through 2029, with Rayo expecting gradual integration.
7. Hugo Sotelo
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Hugo Sotelo has provided emergency forward depth following development with Rayo B. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Conclusion
Rayo Vallecano’s 2025/26 squad represents the most resilient and tactically coherent group assembled since the club’s return to La Liga, a testament to Francisco Rodríguez’s coaching, the recruitment team’s intelligence, and the passionate support of La Banda del Rayo. The defence, anchored by Florian Lejeune’s French composure and Aridane Hernández’s Spanish physicality, provides platform for Rayo’s high-pressing, vertical system. The midfield, dominated by Unai López’s creativity and Pathé Ciss’s Senegalese destruction, controls matches through pressing, disruption, and transition. The attack, headlined by Randy Nteka’s cult hero status and Sergio Camello’s movement, carries sufficient goal threat to secure mid-table finishes. Crucially, Rayo has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Rațiu, Camello, and Nteka represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining La Liga status despite the club’s budget being among the division’s smallest and the Vallecas pitch being among its most controversial. Yet the Estadio de Vallecas’s legendary, hostile atmosphere—amplified by supporters who remember the club’s years in Segunda B and the 2000 promotion to La Liga—provides emotional fuel. Rayo does not hope merely to survive; they compete with genuine ambition to remain La Liga’s most beloved underdogs, playing fearless football and never betraying their working-class roots. This squad appears equipped to deliver another season of top-flight football, continuing the club’s remarkable transformation from Madrid’s fourth team into a genuine La Liga nuisance. ¡Vamos Rayo!
