Few players have experienced a streak as unfortunate as Darwin Machís, the 32-year-old Venezuelan winger who has endured relegation from Spain’s La Liga for four consecutive seasons.
From 2022 to 2025, Machís has been part of teams—Granada, Real Valladolid, Cádiz, and again Real Valladolid—that have finished in the bottom three of the Spanish top flight, each time dropping to the Segunda División.
This unprecedented run has thrust Machís into an unwanted spotlight among football fans.
The tale begins in the 2021-22 season when Machís was a key figure for Granada, a club he’d helped reach the Europa League in prior years. Known for his pace and flair on the left wing, he was expected to spark a mid-table campaign.
However, Granada’s season unraveled amid defensive lapses and inconsistent form. Machís contributed three goals and three assists in 31 appearances but it wasn’t enough.
A 0-0 draw against Espanyol on the final matchday confirmed their 18th-place finish and relegation to the Segunda División. For Machís, it was a bitter disappointment, but few could have predicted it was the start of a historic streak.
Seeking a fresh start, Machís ventured to FC Juárez in Mexico’s Liga MX in mid-2022, only to return to La Liga by January 2023, signing with Real Valladolid.
The Pucelanos, fresh off promotion, were desperate to avoid the drop. Machís, with his experience, was seen as a potential catalyst. He played 16 matches, scoring twice, but Valladolid’s lack of attacking depth and defensive errors proved too great to overcome.
A 0-0 draw against Getafe on the final day sealed their 18th-place finish. Machís’ second relegation in as many seasons sparked whispers of a curse, though it was still early in this extraordinary tale.
In 2023-24, Machís joined Cádiz on loan, hoping to break his relegation streak. Cádiz, a scrappy side known for defying odds, leaned on their defensive resilience to stay afloat. Machís, however, struggled to secure a regular starting role, appearing in 21 matches but starting only nine.
His two goals and one assist couldn’t lift the team. A 0-0 draw against Las Palmas on May 19, 2024, confirmed Cádiz’s relegation, their four-year La Liga stint ending in 18th place. For Machís, the misfortune was mounting.
Returning to Real Valladolid for the 2024-25 season, Machís faced yet another uphill battle. Valladolid, freshly promoted from the Segunda División, struggled from the outset.
A 5-1 defeat to Real Betis, followed by a 4-2 loss to Atlético Madrid, sealed their fate by April 24, 2025. Machís, who played in 28 matches but managed only three goals, couldn’t steer the team clear of the relegation zone. The club finished 18th, marking Machís’ fourth straight La Liga relegation.
Machís’ run of relegations is a curious blend of circumstance and team dynamics. Each club—Granada, Valladolid, Cádiz, and Valladolid again—faced unique challenges, from managerial changes to squad instability. Granada’s defensive woes, Valladolid’s lack of attacking depth, Cádiz’s conservative tactics, and Valladolid’s second stint of poor form all contributed to their respective demises.
Machís, often a squad player rather than a star, contributed modestly but was never the decisive factor. His stats across these seasons—10 goals and 7 assists in 96 appearances—reflect a capable winger but not a game-changer.
Off-field issues also shadowed Machís’ journey. A 2023 conviction for assault may have impacted his focus, though he continued to play regularly. The psychological toll of repeated relegations could also weigh heavily, as players in struggling teams often face intense pressure. Yet, Machís’ persistence in securing La Liga contracts suggests resilience, even if results haven’t followed.
At 32, Machís still has time to rewrite his narrative. His contract with Valladolid runs until 2026, and a strong Segunda División campaign could pave the way for another La Liga shot. Whether he can break the cycle remains uncertain.
For now, Machís holds an unenviable record. In a sport defined by glory, his tale is a reminder that even the most talented can find themselves caught in an unrelenting tide.
