Adelaide United’s Isaías and Javi López have signed one-season contract extensions with the club. They want to retire following their final season with the Reds.
Isaías has played 265 appearances for Adelaide across all competitions, falling 19 short of Eugene Galekovic’s club record. The 37-year-old’s contract renewal allows him to break Galekovic’s record in the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Isaías and López will earn coaching badges and join Adelaide’s leadership group. Club CEO Nathan Kosmina cites their experience as a key factor in the squad’s success in the upcoming season.
“We pride ourselves on providing pathways for young South Australian players, but we can only do this with leaders whose actions and behaviours set the appropriate standards and expectations within the playing group,” Kosmina stated.
“Both players embody what it means to be an Adelaide United footballer, and their depth of knowledge and experience is extremely valuable both on and off the field.
“Isaías and Javi are amongst the best foreign players to grace the A-Leagues and it is a privilege that they choose to end their playing careers at Adelaide United.”
Isaías is now in his third season with the Reds. He’s earned four Aurelio Vidmar Medals, including three consecutive ones from 2017 to 2019, which are given to the club’s most outstanding men’s player in a single season.
Isaías, who scored a famous free-kick in Adelaide’s 2016 Grand Final win over Western Sydney Wanderers, signed a one-season extension with the club. He cannot see concluding his career anywhere.
“I couldn’t allow myself to finish my career in the way we finished last season,” he stated.
“I still have the drive and hunger to help the squad finish and get to where we belong, which is participating in the finals and battling for trophies.
“I also feel I have leadership qualities which I want to embrace and guide the next generation coming through.”
López meantime has signed on for a fifth season at the Reds, having made 89 appearances for the club to date.
“For me, staying at Adelaide United is a dream come true,” Lopez said.
“I feel part of this Club because identify with its values.
“Although I am getting on in years, I feel strong and have the ability and energy to continue contributing, while helping on and off the field to the development of young people and the club.
Leave a Reply