Raúl Martín Presa, president of Rayo Vallecano, continues to push for relocating the stadium outside Vallecas or at least to another site. He emphasizes that this is a matter of survival and, despite his deep affection for the current stadium, finding a new location is necessary for the club’s growth.

Rayo president dreams of a brand-new stadium in a different location

Estadio de Vallecas is a unique stadium; we have a deep attachment to it. There is no other place in Spain where football is experienced like here, but unfortunately, we will not be able to compete with other clubs because our stadium does not generate the same revenue as our rivals' venues. Moving the stadium is not a whim; it’s a matter of survival, said Martín Presa in an interview with Radio Marca.

The issue of Rayo’s stadium has been controversial for years. While most LaLiga clubs have used CVC funds to modernize their facilities, only minor renovations have been carried out at Estadio de Vallecas. According to the president, the current stadium is too small—holding just under 15,000 spectators—and cannot be expanded at the same location due to limited space.

© Stephan Hoogerwaard

Community of madrid announces upcoming renovation

The stadium issue has also become a political debate. In September, the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, announced that renovations would begin in 2025. On February 12, the regional government, through Deputy Minister José Antonio Sánchez, confirmed via social media that the first phase of Estadio de Vallecas' renovation would soon begin.

The first phase, with a budget of €2 million, will include a comprehensive refurbishment of the stadium. Planned improvements involve removing rust, restoring structural beams, repairing the lower section of the south stand wall, replacing suspended ceilings, fixing cracks, and replacing one of the stand roofs. More complex work will take place after the LaLiga season ends on May 25, preventing the closure of stadium sections during the season and ensuring fans can access their seats.

© Stephan Hoogerwaard

Rayo community opposes the president’s plans

Despite these announcements, the Rayo president remains firm in his stance on relocation. However, fans strongly oppose his plans, demanding that the club stay in Vallecas and undergo a major stadium renovation without leaving the neighborhood. They believe the stadium is special, a sentiment echoed by Juan Foyth, World Cup winner with Argentina. During the inauguration of new facilities in La Torre, he stated that Rayo’s stadium is a tough ground that reminds him of those in Argentina—small pitches where players press hard and fans create intense pressure.