Adelaide United have confirmed veteran duo Isaías and Javi López have signed one-season contract extensions with the club, with the shared intention of calling time on their respective playing careers after one last campaign with the Reds.
Isaías has played 265 games for Adelaide in all competitions – 19 shy of the all-time club record held by Eugene Galekovic. The 37-year-old’s contract extension presents him the opportunity to eclipse Galekovic’s record in the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Both Isaías and López will complete their coaching badges throughout the season and will feature in Adelaide’s leadership group; club CEO Nathan Kosmina says the experience held by the two Spaniards is what makes them so vital to the squad heading into the new campaign.
“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 said.
“Both players embody what it means to be an Adelaide United footballer, and their wealth of knowledge and experience holds huge value 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 three seasons into his second stint at the Reds. He’s won four Aurelio Vidmar Medals – including three straight between 2017 and 2019 – awarded to the club’s most outstanding men’s player in an individual season.
The scorer of an iconic free-kick in Adelaide’s 2016 Grand Final win over Western Sydney Wanderers, Isaías says he couldn’t envisage ending his career anywhere else as he signed a one-season extension.
“I couldn’t allow myself to finish my career in the way we finished last season,” he said.
“I still have energy and hunger to help the team to finish get to where we belong, which is competing for finals and fighting for silverware.
“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.
“Me and my family are Reds, and I cannot wait to finish my playing career where I belong.”
