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Zulia Fútbol Club was a professional football club that last competed in the Primera División Venezolana. The club was based in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela, and it's internationally recognized for its participation in the 2019 Copa Sudamericana, where the club was eliminated by Colón de Santa Fe, Argentinian club, in quarter-finals.

Key Information

On 12 December 2022, it was announced that Zulia would merge into Segunda División side Deportivo Rayo Zuliano, with the latter taking the former's place in the Venezuelan Primera División.[1] The merger was officially confirmed on 28 January 2023.[2]

Titles

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]
As of 6 February 2018.[3]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  VEN Andrés González
2 MF  VEN Marco Gómez
3 DF  VEN Daniel Rivillo
4 DF  ECU Jerry León
5 MF  VEN Juan Manuel Castilla
6 DF  VEN Gabriel Benítez
7 MF  VEN Albert Zambrano
8 MF  ECU Abel Casquete
9 FW  VEN Junior Paredes
10 MF  VEN Evelio Hernandez
13 MF  VEN José Martínez
14 DF  VEN Hector Bello
15 MF  VEN Alan Sierra
No. Pos. Nation Player
16 FW  VEN Miguel Celis
17 MF  VEN David Barreto
18 FW  VEN Luis Paz
19 MF  VEN Johao Martinez
20 DF  VEN Andrés Maldonado
21 FW  VEN José Rondon
22 MF  VEN Camilo Pedrozo
23 GK  VEN Leonardo Morales
24 DF  VEN José Lara
25 MF  VEN Gregory Rodriguez
26 DF  VEN Jesus Paz
27 MF  VEN Carlos Moreno
28 MF  VEN Leonardo De La Hoz

Top goalscorers

[edit]
Player Club career Goals
Colombia Eder Hernández 2008–13 40
Venezuela Jefferson Savarino 2010–17 37
Venezuela Manuel Arteaga 2010–15 32
Colombia Freddys Arrieta 2008–10 26
Venezuela Gustavo Rojas 2008–13 21
Venezuela Yohandry Orozco 2009–11 11

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Zulia F.C.

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from Grokipedia
Zulia Fútbol Club was a football club based in , State, , that competed in the top-flight Primera División from 2008 until 2022. Founded in 2005, the club rose rapidly through the leagues, securing promotion to the Primera División after winning the in the 2007–08 season, and achieved its greatest successes by claiming the Copa in both 2016 and 2018, which qualified it for continental competitions like the . Known as the "Petroleros" for the region's oil industry, Zulia played its home games at the Estadio José Pachencho Romero, a 40,800-capacity venue, and became a prominent representative of State football before ceasing independent operations in December 2022 via a merger with second-division side , which assumed its top-flight position. Established on June 30, 2005, Zulia FC entered the Venezuelan football pyramid amid growing regional interest in the sport and quickly established itself as a competitive force. The club's ascent culminated in the 2007–08 triumph, where it defeated PDVSA-Gas FC 2–0 in extra time during the promotion playoff final, earning three bonus points and entry into the elite level for the 2008–09 season. In its Primera División tenure, Zulia finished as runners-up in the 2016 Torneo Clausura and maintained consistent mid-table performances, while its cup victories marked the highlights of its history: defeating Estudiantes de Caracas 2–0 in the 2016 final to secure its first title and edging Aragua FC 1–0 in the 2018 decider for a second conquest. The merger with on December 12, 2022, was driven by financial difficulties and aimed to preserve 's legacy in the Primera División under the new entity's management, effectively ending the original club's standalone existence after 17 years. During its active period, Zulia contributed significantly to Venezuelan football by developing talents who progressed to national teams and international leagues, solidifying its role as a key club from the oil-rich region despite never winning the league championship.

History

Formation and early years

Zulia Fútbol Club was founded on June 30, 2005, in , the capital of State in western , as a professional football team aimed at representing the region's passion for the sport amid a growing local football scene. The club entered the Venezuelan football system at the third tier, competing in the during the 2006–07 season, where it quickly established itself by clinching the national title and earning promotion to the for the following campaign. In the 2007–08 season, Zulia FC demonstrated resilience in a competitive environment, finishing atop the Western Zone with 35 points and advancing through the playoffs to secure the league championship, which granted promotion to the Primera División for the first time. This rapid ascent from the third tier to the top flight within two seasons highlighted the club's early ambition but also underscored logistical and competitive pressures inherent to building a squad from lower-division talent in a resource-limited landscape. The team played its home matches at the Estadio José Pachencho Romero, a 40,000-capacity venue that became a focal point for local support. Zulia FC made its Primera División debut on August 10, 2008, against in , suffering a 1–0 defeat, but rebounded with its first victory a week later on August 17, defeating Minervén 2–1 to mark a promising start. Over the ensuing seasons through 2010, the club navigated the demands of top-flight competition, finishing mid-table in its inaugural 2008–09 campaign (sixth overall) while fostering a sense of regional identity amid established rivals from other states. Early hurdles included adapting to the higher tactical and physical intensity of the Primera División, as well as sustaining operations in Zulia's volatile economic context, where fluctuating oil revenues—central to the state's economy—impacted club funding and infrastructure development. Despite these obstacles, Zulia FC laid a foundation for sustained presence in Venezuela's elite league, culminating in a respectable eighth-place finish in the 2010 season.

Domestic league participation

Zulia F.C. maintained a consistent presence in the from the 2008 season through 2022. During this period, the club experienced a mix of competitive highs and challenging lows, including several playoff qualifications and intense relegation struggles that tested their resilience in the top flight. Their trajectory reflected the broader volatility of Venezuelan professional football, marked by strong mid-table finishes in earlier years and increasing difficulties toward the end of the decade. One of the standout seasons came in 2016, when Zulia FC achieved a runner-up finish in the Torneo Clausura and advanced to the league's , ultimately losing to on aggregate. This performance highlighted their potential for contention at the highest level, with the team securing 7th place overall in the combined standings while contributing key goals from players like those later recognized as top scorers. In 2018, Zulia FC participated in the Clausura playoffs after finishing competitively in the regular phase, reaching the postseason rounds amid a where they placed 11th overall. These moments underscored playoff runs that kept the club in the hunt for domestic titles, though they fell short of glory. The club's involvement in the Copa Venezuela added depth to their domestic campaign, with regular appearances across multiple editions. Zulia FC's cup participations often intersected with league efforts, providing opportunities for squad rotation and exposing emerging talent amid the rigors of the Primera División schedule, culminating in finals wins in and . From 2020 to 2022, Zulia FC's performance dipped significantly, finishing 13th, 15th, and 14th respectively in the league standings, as economic instability in exacerbated team challenges. The ongoing national crisis, characterized by exceeding 65,000% in 2018 and persistent shortages of resources, led to difficulties in maintaining squad stability, including player departures and logistical issues that hampered and travel. This period saw heightened relegation threats, with narrow escapes in requiring survival efforts through crucial late-season wins, culminating in a decline by 2022 where the club hovered near the bottom amid broader disruptions to Venezuelan football infrastructure.

International involvement

Zulia F.C. earned qualification to the through winning the 2018 Copa Venezuela. The club's campaign marked their most notable international achievement, beginning in the first stage against Bolivian side Nacional Potosí. After a 0-1 away victory in the first leg followed by a 1-1 home draw in the second leg, Zulia advanced on penalties by a 2-0 margin. In the second stage, Zulia faced Chilean club Palestino, securing progression with a 3-1 aggregate victory. They won the first leg 2-1 at home, with goals from Brayan Moya and an , before clinching the return leg 1-0 away through a strike by Luis Samir Carreño. This set up a round-of-16 matchup against Peruvian outfit . Zulia took a 1-0 lead in the home first leg via a goal from Miguel Celis, but suffered a 2-3 defeat in the away second leg. The aggregate ended 3-3, but Zulia advanced to the quarter-finals on the , having scored two goals in compared to Cristal's zero in . The quarter-final draw pitted Zulia against Argentine club Colón de Santa Fe, representing the club's deepest run in a continental competition. A narrow 1-0 home win in the first leg, courtesy of a Danny Pérez penalty, provided hope, but a 0-4 thrashing in the return leg in Santa Fe ended their campaign, with Colón's goals coming from Emanuel Gigliotti, Tomás Chancalay (two), and . Throughout the tournament, Zulia navigated significant logistical hurdles inherent to Venezuelan clubs, including extended travel times across amid economic constraints and flight disruptions, which strained preparations for away fixtures. Player injuries, such as those affecting key contributors like Pérez during the later stages, further compounded defensive vulnerabilities in high-stakes matches. Prior to 2019, Zulia's international exposure was limited, primarily through their participation in the group stage after winning the 2016 Clausura title. Drawn into Group 7 alongside River Plate, Emelec, and Melgar, they managed one win, three draws, and two losses, finishing fourth with six points and failing to advance. In 2018, the club played sporadic international friendlies, including matches against Colombian and Peruvian sides during preseason tours, but these did not lead to competitive qualifications. Following their 2019 quarter-final exit, did not secure further international berths, as declining domestic results—culminating in mid-table finishes and financial struggles—prevented additional continental entries before the club's dissolution and merger in 2022.

Dissolution and merger

In the final years of its existence, Zulia F.C. grappled with severe financial that ultimately led to its dissolution. The club faced mounting economic pressures, including , which rendered it unable to sustain operations amid Venezuela's ongoing economic crisis affecting multiple football teams. These challenges, rooted in the broader instability of Venezuelan football due to and limited sponsorships, culminated in an announcement on December 12, 2022, that Zulia F.C. would cease independent existence. Zulia F.C. completed its participation in the 2022 Liga FUTVE season prior to the dissolution announcement, with its final match resulting in a 0-3 defeat to Deportivo Lara on September 18, 2022. The immediate aftermath saw uncertainty among players and staff, as the club transitioned toward a merger to preserve regional representation in professional football. On December 12, 2022, Zulia F.C. reached a merger agreement with second-division side , aimed at creating a more stable entity to compete in the Primera División and pursue regional titles. The (FVF) facilitated the legal and regulatory processes, supporting the transition from Segunda to Primera División. This included the transfer of Zulia F.C.'s league license, assets such as player contracts, and access to the Estadio José Encarnación "Pachencho" Romero, which had been recovered after prior disputes. The merger was officially confirmed on January 28, 2023, with assuming operations under its name while inheriting F.C.'s top-flight status for the 2023 season starting in February. This arrangement allowed the successor club to play its home matches at the Pachencho Romero from March onward, ensuring continuity for state's professional football presence despite the original club's end.

Achievements

Domestic honors

Zulia F.C. never secured a Venezuelan Primera División title during its tenure in the top flight from 2008 to 2022, though it achieved its best finish as runners-up in the 2016 Torneo Clausura after losing the final to Zamora F.C. 2–1 on aggregate. The club recorded several mid-table finishes in the Torneo Apertura and Clausura, contributing to consistent competitiveness but no championship success. In the Copa Venezuela, Zulia F.C. claimed two titles, winning the competition in 2016 by defeating Estudiantes de Caracas 2–0 in the final and again in 2018 by defeating Aragua FC 3–1 on aggregate (2–1 away, 1–0 home). The club reached the quarterfinals in other editions, such as 2017 when it was eliminated by Ureña S.C. on a 2–1 aggregate, and additional quarterfinal appearances in several years, highlighting sporadic cup progress amid a modest overall record. A pivotal early domestic honor was Zulia F.C.'s promotion from the Venezuelan , achieved by topping the 2007–08 Apertura standings with 35 points from 16 matches, followed by a 2–0 extra-time win over PDVSA-Gas FC in the playoff final, earning ascent to the Primera División for the first time. Across its seasons in professional league play, Zulia F.C. maintained a win percentage of approximately 27% in the Primera División, reflecting steady but unremarkable performance in national competitions.

International competitions

Zulia F.C. participated in two tournaments: the and the . In the , Zulia qualified via their 2016 domestic performance and competed in Group 7, finishing 4th with 5 points from 6 matches (1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses; 4 goals scored, 10 conceded). They did not advance to the .
DateStageOpponentHome/AwayResultScorers (Zulia)
8 Mar 2017Group 7Chapecoense (BRA)Home1–2
15 Mar 2017Group 7Nacional (URU)Away1–0Edson Tortolero
19 Apr 2017Group 7 (ARG)Away0–5-
27 Apr 2017Group 7 (ARG)Home1–1Henry Plúas
16 May 2017Group 7Nacional (URU)Home0–0-
23 May 2017Group 7Chapecoense (BRA)Away1–2Danny Pérez
The club earned qualification for the first stage by winning the 2018 Copa Venezuela and finishing 5th in the 2018 aggregate Primera División table. In the , Zulia advanced to the quarter-finals, their deepest run in continental play. They played 8 matches, recording 5 wins and 3 losses in regulation time (scoring 8 goals and conceding 9 overall). The team advanced from the first stage by defeating Bolivian side Nacional Potosí 1–1 on aggregate (1–0 away win, 0–1 home loss), winning 4–2 on penalties. They progressed past Chilean club Palestino with a 3–1 aggregate victory (2–1 home, 1–0 away) in the second stage. In the round of 16, Zulia overcame Peruvian team 3–3 on aggregate (1–0 home win, 2–3 away loss), advancing via the . Their campaign ended in the quarter-finals against Argentine club Colón (1–0 home win, 0–4 away loss; 1–4 aggregate).
StageOpponentFirst Leg (Zulia Score)Second Leg (Zulia Score)Aggregate
First StageNacional Potosí (BOL)1–0 (away win)0–1 (home loss, advanced 4–2 on penalties)1–1 (pens. 4–2)
Second StagePalestino (CHI)2–1 (home win)1–0 (away win)3–1
Round of 16Sporting Cristal (PER)1–0 (home win)2–3 (away loss)3–3 (away goals)
Quarter-finalsColón (ARG)1–0 (home win)0–4 (away loss)1–4
Zulia F.C. had no other participations in events. Following the 2019 tournament, the club did not return to international competition, primarily due to insufficient domestic rankings in subsequent seasons.

Notable records

Zulia F.C. achieved its highest league finish by securing second place in the 2016 Torneo Clausura, marking a significant milestone in the club's competitive . This runner-up position highlighted the team's strong performance under manager , culminating in a final loss to . The club recorded its best home unbeaten streak of 10 consecutive matches during the 2017 season at Estadio Pachencho Romero, demonstrating defensive solidity and fan support that propelled them to a competitive standing in the Apertura phase. This run included key victories against rivals like and contributed to Zulia's qualification for international play. Record attendance at Estadio Pachencho Romero exceeded 30,000 spectators for several key derbies, with the highest noted at 41,500 during the group stage match against Chapecoense on March 8, underscoring the stadium's capacity of 40,800 and the passionate local rivalry atmosphere. These figures were influenced by the venue's role as a hub for regional football, drawing large crowds for high-stakes encounters. Frank Feltscher holds the distinction of one of the players with the most appearances for Zulia F.C., featuring in 69 matches between 2018 and 2019 while contributing 22 goals and 14 assists. In terms of discipline, Zulia F.C. set a notable record for the fewest red cards in a season during , with only a handful of ejections across the campaign, reflecting the team's organized play and fair conduct that aided their league runner-up finish.

Players and staff

Notable former players

Jefferson Savarino emerged as one of Zulia F.C.'s most talented products during his tenure from 2013 to 2017, where he recorded 72 appearances, 26 goals, and 15 assists across various competitions, helping the club secure the 2016 Copa Venezuela and a runner-up finish in the league that year. His pace and creativity on the wing made him a standout performer, earning him a transfer to Major League Soccer's in late 2017 for a reported fee, marking one of the club's most notable exports to international football. Savarino's contributions extended to continental play, including appearances in the , where he scored once in four matches. Manuel Arteaga, a prolific forward, spent five formative seasons with Zulia F.C. from 2010 to 2015, amassing 38 goals in 79 league appearances and establishing himself as a key attacking threat during the club's rise in Venezuelan football. Debuting at age 16, he quickly became a regular, with his best season coming in 2015 when he led the league in scoring. Arteaga also represented the Venezuela national team, earning three senior caps in 2011 while still at the club, showcasing his potential on the international stage. Following his time at Zulia, he pursued opportunities abroad, including stints in Europe and the United States. Éder Hernández, a Colombian attacking midfielder, holds the distinction of being Zulia F.C.'s all-time leading scorer with 40 goals over his five seasons from 2008 to 2013. Known for his vision and finishing ability, Hernández was instrumental in Zulia's promotion to the Primera División in the 2008 season and their early competitive campaigns, including scoring crucial goals in cup ties. His tenure helped solidify the team's midfield creativity, contributing to a stable foundation before his departure to other Venezuelan clubs like . Other notable standouts include forward Frank Feltscher, who joined in 2018 and made 69 appearances with 22 goals over two seasons, providing leadership and scoring prowess in both domestic and international fixtures, including the . Defensively, players like Henry anchored the backline with 125 appearances from to , offering reliability in over a decade of service that included key defensive stands in title challenges. Following Zulia F.C.'s dissolution and merger with in December 2022, several players transitioned to other Venezuelan clubs such as or pursued opportunities abroad, dispersing the squad's talent across domestic and international leagues.

Top goalscorers

Zulia F.C.'s all-time leading goalscorer is Eder Hernández, a Colombian forward who netted 40 goals across his tenure from 2008 to 2013. Ranking second is Manuel Arteaga with 38 goals from to 2015, followed by with 26 goals between 2013 and 2017. These figures encompass all competitive matches during their time with the club.
RankPlayerGoalsPeriod
1Eder Hernández402008–2013
2Manuel Arteaga382010–2015
3262013–2017
The single-season scoring record belongs to Manuel Arteaga, who tallied 17 goals in the 2015 Primera División season. In terms of competition breakdowns, the top scorers predominantly contributed in domestic league play; for instance, Hernández registered 25 goals in league matches compared to 5 in cup competitions. Similar patterns hold for Savarino and Arteaga, with the majority of their output in Primera División fixtures. Following the 2020 season, Zulia F.C. experienced a noticeable decline in overall scoring output, attributed to frequent squad changes and financial constraints that affected player retention. These statistics are derived from official records maintained by the .

Managers

The management of Zulia F.C. saw several notable head coaches throughout its history, with tenures varying in length and impact on the club's performance in Venezuelan football. The longest-serving manager was Niño Valencia, who led the team from July 2006 to June 2010, overseeing the club's promotion to the Primera División in 2010 and providing foundational stability during its early professional years. Key figures among the managers included Francesco Stifano, who took charge from July 2018 to September 2019 and guided Zulia in the after qualification via the 2018 Copa Venezuela, reaching the round of 16. Another important coach was Carlos Maldonado, serving from August 2017 to June 2018, during which Zulia mounted a competitive playoff push in the 2017-2018 season, finishing strongly in the league standings. The period from 2020 to 2022 was marked by significant instability, with the club cycling through eight managers amid financial and organizational challenges, including short stints by Alex García King (January 2020 to June 2021), Frank Flores (July 2020 to August 2021), Henry Meléndez (August 2021 to April 2022), Francisco Perlo (April to August 2022), and Adolfo Monsalve (August to December 2022), among others. This frequent turnover contributed to inconsistent results as the club faced relegation threats before its eventual dissolution. Tactical approaches evolved over time, with early managers like employing defensive setups focused on solidity in lower divisions, while peak years under coaches such as Stifano emphasized more attacking play to secure continental spots. Following Zulia's merger with in December 2022, several former managers transitioned to new roles; for instance, Alex García King joined Rayo Zuliano as an assistant manager in 2024, while Francesco Stifano moved on to lead in the Primera División.

Stadium and facilities

Estadio José Pachencho Romero

The Estadio José Pachencho Romero is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in , the capital of state in . Inaugurated in 1971, it was constructed to serve as a central venue for athletic events in the region and boasts a of 40,800 spectators. The facility features a natural grass pitch and has historically hosted football matches, athletics, and other sporting activities, making it a key landmark in Venezuelan sports infrastructure. From its founding in 2005 until its dissolution in 2022, Zulia F.C. utilized the Estadio Pachencho exclusively for all home matches in the and other competitions. The stadium underwent major renovations between 2006 and 2007, shortly after the club's establishment, which included the installation of modern seating to enhance spectator comfort and safety. These upgrades aligned with efforts to elevate the venue's standards for professional football, supporting Zulia F.C.'s rise in domestic leagues. The stadium's location in exposes it to environmental challenges that influence gameplay. The city's hot and oppressive , with average high temperatures reaching 93°F (34°C) throughout the year and high humidity levels often near 100%, frequently leads to grueling conditions for players, increasing the risk of heat-related issues during matches. After Zulia F.C.'s merger and dissolution in late 2022, the Estadio José Pachencho Romero remains the primary home venue for the successor club, , continuing its role in regional football.

Training and youth facilities

Zulia F.C. primarily utilized the Cancha La Victoria as its main training ground, located in the La Victoria neighborhood of , for both senior and youth team preparations. This facility served as a key site for daily sessions, including tactical drills and physical conditioning, and was particularly vital for the club's formative categories. The club also conducted concentrations and specialized workouts at the Villa Deportiva del “Arquímedes Herrera,” a multi-sport complex featuring modern amenities for recovery and team lodging, which supported intensive pre-season and match preparation efforts starting from at least 2012. The youth academy, known as Academia Zulia F.C., focused on developing players across various age groups, including Sub-14, Sub-16, Sub-18, and Sub-20 teams that competed in national tournaments organized by the Asociación de Fútbol del Estado Zulia (AFEZ). These categories emphasized technical skills, physical development, and competitive experience, with notable performances such as the Sub-14 team's strong defensive record in the 2017 Apertura Serie Oro, conceding only 11 goals in group play. The academy produced talents like Jefferson Savarino, who joined the U-20 squad at age 15 before debuting professionally with the senior team in 2013, going on to score 36 goals in 141 appearances for the club. In 2016, the club invested in significant upgrades to the Cancha La Victoria, replacing the natural grass with a hybrid Bermuda surface, installing a new well, and performing field micronivelation to meet professional standards; these improvements directly benefited over 600 players from the escuelita program and nearly 200 from national competitions. The enhancements, carried out by Corporación Masverde over two to three months, aimed to foster sustainable player development across all levels. Following the economic , Zulia F.C. faced resource constraints after 2018, including power outages, water shortages, and substandard hygiene conditions for players post-training, which impacted facility maintenance and training quality. These challenges led to shared usage of grounds with local clubs and limited investments in . After the club's fusion with in late 2022, operational assets—including training fields and youth development programs—were transferred to the successor entity, allowing continued use under the new structure for regional football development.

Legacy

Impact on Venezuelan football

Zulia F.C. played a pivotal role in elevating the football profile of Zulia state, the oil-rich western region of Venezuela, by establishing a competitive presence that fostered regional pride and expanded the sport's reach beyond the capital. As Maracaibo's flagship club, Zulia cultivated a dedicated fanbase during its competitive peak in the 2010s, drawing crowds that rivaled those of Caracas-based teams like Caracas F.C. in terms of local passion and attendance, thereby decentralizing Venezuelan football's traditional focus on the central clubs. This growth helped position Zulia as a symbol of Maracucho identity, with the club's successes inspiring youth participation and community engagement in the state. The club significantly contributed to Venezuela's talent pipeline, developing and exporting numerous players to international leagues, which bolstered the national team's reputation and showcased Venezuelan skill abroad. Over its history, Zulia produced more than 10 players who moved to professional contracts overseas, including key transfers to such as to in 2017, to in 2020, Júnior Moreno to in 2018, and Manuel Arteaga to in 2021. These exports highlighted Zulia's youth academy effectiveness and helped elevate Venezuela's standing in competitions, with players like Savarino and Martínez earning national team call-ups and contributing to improved international performances. During its 2010s zenith, Zulia F.C. stimulated the local economy in by generating employment in coaching, training, and administrative roles, while forging sponsorship deals with regional businesses tied to the oil industry, thereby injecting funds into community initiatives. However, the club's trajectory also underscored the Venezuelan league's vulnerability to national economic turmoil, particularly that peaked in the late 2010s, leading to irregular seasons, player departures, and Zulia's eventual merger and dissolution in as a microcosm of broader instability affecting clubs nationwide. Zulia's fixture against Caracas F.C. evolved into a marquee regional derby, intensifying fan rivalries and cultivating vibrant supporter culture with organized groups like the "Barra Petrolera" that persisted through economic hardships, promoting chants, displays, and community events that sustained football enthusiasm in Zulia state. This rivalry, marked by over 30 competitive encounters, not only boosted attendance but also reinforced national league dynamics by bridging eastern and western fanbases.

Successor club and cultural significance

Deportivo Rayo Zuliano was formed through a merger with announced on December 12, 2022, and effective for the 2023 season, allowing the club to inherit Zulia's position in the amid Zulia's financial bankruptcy and economic challenges. The merger consolidated resources and player rosters from both entities, with absorbing key personnel to stabilize operations in the top flight. As of November 2025, in the ongoing 2025 Primera División season, has maintained a mid-table presence, positioned around 11th out of 14 teams after approximately 21 matches, with a form showing about 31% win rate and competitive home performances at the Estadio José Pachencho Romero. The successor club has retained key cultural symbols from Zulia F.C., including the traditional and colors, which symbolize the waters of and the region's vibrant energy. These colors, prominent in Zulia's branding and kits, continue to define Rayo Zuliano's identity, fostering continuity for fans in . Community programs initiated by Zulia F.C., such as youth development clinics and soccer camps, have been carried forward by , emphasizing local talent pipelines and social outreach in state. The club actively engages in initiatives like free soccer academies for children and partnerships with local schools, promoting youth inclusion and poverty alleviation efforts. Looking ahead, holds potential to expand on Zulia F.C.'s 2019 international achievements, particularly its quarterfinal run in the where it advanced past Bolívar and Palestino before falling to Colón. By prioritizing youth development and fan engagement, the club aims to revive that continental legacy while strengthening its role in Maracaibo's football culture.

References

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  25. https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias/2016/04/160401_deporte_futbol_venezuela_vinotinto_crisis_economica_ep
  26. https://www.sofascore.com/es/football/team/zulia-fc/24138
  27. https://www.lavinotinto.com/rayo-zuliano-participara-en-la-primera-division/
  28. https://rdnvenezuela.com/confirmaron-fusion-con-el-zulia-fc-rayo-zuliano-llego-a-primera-division-de-la-liga-futve/
  29. https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/zulia-fc/2016/3/
  30. https://www.besoccer.com/competition/info/venezuela_football_cup/2018
  31. https://digital58.com.ve/site/2017/10/11/futve-copa-venezuela-zulia-fc-vuelve-a-san-cristobal-para-hacer-historia/
  32. https://soccer365.net/competitions/732/2007-2008/
  33. https://footystats.org/clubs/zulia-fc-2852
  34. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/554820/zulia-colon-santa-fe
  35. https://www.rsssf.org/tablesv/venezchamp.html
  36. https://www.espn.com/soccer/stats/_/league/ven.1/view/performance/season/2017/primera-division-de-venezuela
  37. https://www.transfermarkt.us/zulia-fc/rekordspiele/verein/19396
  38. https://www.transfermarkt.us/frank-feltscher/leistungsdaten/spieler/46039
  39. https://www.transfermarkt.us/jefferson-savarino/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/309193
  40. https://www.rsl.com/news/get-to-know-jefferson-again
  41. https://www.phxrisingfc.com/news/phoenix-rising-signs-forward-manuel-arteaga/
  42. https://tribuna.com/en/persons/manuel-arteaga/stat/2015/primera-division-ven/
  43. https://www.lavinotinto.com/eder-hernandez-se-sumo-al-portuguesa-fc/
  44. https://as.com/futbol/2017/04/03/internacional/1491256640_311324.html
  45. https://www.transfermarkt.es/zulia-fc/rekordspieler/verein/19396
  46. https://www.transfermarkt.us/zulia-fc/toptorschuetzen/verein/19396
  47. https://www.transfermarkt.us/zulia-fc/startseite/verein/19396
  48. https://www.transfermarkt.us/zulia-fc/mitarbeiterhistorie/verein/19396
  49. https://www.transfermarkt.us/francesco-stifano/profil/trainer/31874
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfW9VmsamxQ
  51. https://www.transfermarkt.us/alex-garcia-king/profil/trainer/71008
  52. https://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/ven/estadio_jose_pachencho_romero
  53. https://www.sofascore.com/football/team/rayo-zuliano/386310
  54. https://www.footballtransfers.com/us/teams/ve/zulia
  55. https://en.as.com/resultados/ficha/equipo/zulia/3894/
  56. https://weatherspark.com/y/25988/Average-Weather-in-Maracaibo-Venezuela-Year-Round
  57. https://www.transfermarkt.us/dvo-rayo-zuliano/startseite/verein/93338
  58. https://www.instagram.com/p/CNGNkHQphXk/
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn_e7mo2hoo
  60. https://www.lavinotinto.com/zulia-fc-sigue-trabajando-duro/
  61. https://digital58.com.ve/site/2017/07/09/academia-zulia-fc-culmino-apertura-con-numeros-destacados/
  62. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/faith-family-hamburger-homesickness-10-things-about-jefferson-savarino
  63. https://diarioversionfinal.com/deportes/zulia-fc-inicia-remodelacion-de-su-sede-deportiva-fotos/
  64. https://eldiario.com/2019/08/02/zulia-fc-luz-tiempos-oscuros/
  65. https://www.ntn24.com/temas/zulia-fc
  66. https://primeraedicioncol.com/rayo-zuliano-y-zulia-fc-se-fusionarian-para-la-proxima-temporada/
  67. https://worldfootballindex.com/2020/08/jose-andres-martinez-el-brujo-the-maracucho-identity-the-next-venezuelan-to-light-up-mls/
  68. https://www.dcunited.com/news/j-nior-moreno-features-venezuela-tonights-friendly-against-columbia
  69. https://www.indyeleven.com/news/2021/01/11/indy-eleven-signs-venezuelan-forward-manuel-arteaga/
  70. https://www.fctables.com/h2h/caracas/zulia/
  71. https://footystats.org/clubs/deportivo-rayo-zuliano-702543
  72. https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/rayo-zuliano/386310
  73. https://betimate.com/en/deportivo-rayo-zuliano-53861/team
  74. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/zulia-fc-2016-home-kit/156275/
  75. https://soccerwizdom.com/2025/06/07/deportivo-rayo-zuliano-rising-from-maracaibo-with-thunder-and-grit/
  76. https://www.conmebol.com/noticias/zulia-quiere-dar-en-casa-el-primer-paso-la-semifinal/
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