Adelaide United can confirm that Lucía León and Tiarna Karambasis have departed the Club following the end of their contracts at the conclusion of the 2024/25 Ninja A-League Women season.
Dominican Republic defender Lucía León joined the Reds from Watford FC, going on to make 26 appearances and net five goals in her maiden campaign in Australia.
Lucía will be taking up a new opportunity at another A-Leagues club after respectfully declining a strong contract offer from Adelaide United. A huge personality in the dressing room and a firm fan favourite, Lucía’s smile and professionalism will be missed by all at Adelaide United.
The 27-year-old arrived in Adelaide with an impressive résumé across both the United Kingdom and Spain, including a nine-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur where she famously scored Spurs’ first-ever London Derby goal against Arsenal. She also featured for Liga F sides Madrid CFF and Real Betis, amassing a combined 56 appearances in Spain’s top flight.
Lucia said: “Thank you for welcoming me so warmly — this will go down as one of the most special years of my career! I loved every second in this city and playing in front of these incredible fans. There’s something truly special building here, and I hope it continues to grow. THANK YOU!”
Australian fullback Tiarna Karambasis also departs after an influential 2024/25 season in which she played 22 matches in Red. Tiarna made an immense contribution to the team’s success this season. She was the ultimate team mate and had a great work ethic.
Tiarna said: “I am appreciative of all the coaching staff, fans and the club for giving me a home this season. I have met some amazing people in Adelaide and am proud to be a part of their most successful season yet.”
Karambasis joined the Club from the Central Coast Mariners, where she made 11 appearances and scored a memorable goal against Adelaide United in the previous campaign. Her football journey includes a standout stint at Lions FC in Queensland, where she was instrumental in their NPL double-winning season in 2019.
Adelaide United’s Head of Football, Marius Zanin, thanked both players for their contributions:
“Lucía and Tiarna both played important roles in what was the best season in our Club’s history. They leave us with our full gratitude and appreciation, and we wish them all the best in the next chapters of their careers.”
Adelaide United thanks Lucía and Tiarna for their dedication and impact on and off the pitch and looks forward to following their continued success.
