Adelaide United legend Isaías reached a momentous career milestone on Friday night during the Reds’ emphatic 4-0 victory over Central Coast Mariners in Gosford, breaking the Club’s all-time A-League Men’s appearance record with his 239th appearance.
The Spanish midfielder, a beloved figure at the Club since his arrival in 2013, surpassed the previous record held by fellow Reds legend Eugene Galekovic.
For Isaías, the achievement is deeply personal, marking not just a testament to his consistency and longevity, but also to his emotional connection with Adelaide United.
“I feel super, super proud,” Isaías said after the match. “This is a very special moment, a very special game for me. I would have never imagined reaching or achieving this many games for Adelaide United, but I’m very proud that I made the decision to come here many years ago.”
The Reds put on a fitting display for his milestone, with goals from Archie Goodwin, Panagiotis Kikianis, Stefan Mauk, and Yaya Dukuly securing a comprehensive victory. The night was made even more special by the fact that Isaías’ teammates rallied around him, ensuring the occasion would live long in his memory.
“The boys talked a little bit before the game about how it was a special occasion for me, and they gave their very best tonight. They helped make tonight even more special for me,” Isaías said with heartfelt appreciation.
Post-match celebrations continued in the changing room, where captain Ryan Kitto and coach Carl Veart delivered intimate speeches praising the Spaniard’s dedication to the Club. What followed was a mix of Gatorade showers and jubilant celebrations.
Coach Carl Veart declared Isaías “arguably the best player to ever wear the Reds jersey.” While the Spaniard is quick to downplay individual accolades, the recognition from his coach and peers clearly means a lot.
“I’m not sure if I’m the best or not,” Isaías said modestly. “We’ve had a lot of very good and special players in the history of the club, but I’m super proud that they think I’m one of the best. I’m just glad to be here and to keep playing for this great club.”
Isaías’ remarkable journey with Adelaide United spans more than a decade, and throughout his time in South Australia, he has become a fan favorite, known for his leadership, composure, and technical brilliance in midfield.
Now holding the record for the most A-League Men’s appearances for the Reds, he remains humble, recognizing the contributions of his teammates and coaches over the years.
Despite already setting a new benchmark in the A-League, Isaías isn’t done yet. With 273 appearances under his belt, he is now closing in on Galekovic’s all-time club record of 284 total matches across all competitions. The chase for the top spot adds another layer of motivation as the former Reds captain continues to lead by example.
Looking ahead to next week’s match against Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium, Isaías is eager to celebrate the milestone with the fans who have supported him throughout his journey.
“It’s going to be a very tough game, but we know we’ll have the support of the fans. They are always there for us, helping and supporting,” he said.
“Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to stay at this club for so many years, performing at my best. They push me to my limits every game, and I’m incredibly grateful.”
