FC Machida is known as the "Brazil of Tokyo" due to the popularity of football in the city; in fact, it has produced the second-largest number of J.

In 1989, in order to retain talent, Machida founded its own top team, which at that time played in the Tokyo Prefectural League.

League's requirements, average attendance did not reach 3,000, and the team's final position of 6th place did not allow for Zelvia's promotion to the J.

In 2010, Zelvia appointed Naoki Soma, a former star player who played in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, as its new head coach.

They became one of the original J3 clubs after finishing in 4th place in the 2014 JFL season and returned to J2 as 2015 runners-up by beating Oita Trinita in the promotion/relegation play-off.

The 2019 season also saw the club fell down far on the table as they finished in 18th position, three points up from relegation places occupied by Kagoshima United and FC Gifu.

Zelvia went on to have a magnificent run in the first few matches leading at the top of the J1 League table with three wins, one draw and zero lost with 10 points.

Nonetheless, an agreement with J-League officials allows for home games expecting large crowds to be held at alternative stadiums rented for such occasions.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.