Leia Varley, a Finley-raised football star who rose through the junior ranks at Goulburn Valley Suns, has inked a deal at German First Division side 1. FC Nürnberg on deadline day.
The 24-year-old transfers from A-League Women outfit Brisbane Roar, where she has spent the past two seasons following stints at Melbourne City and Adelaide United.
With the Roar serving as her launching pad, Varley thanked the club while simultaneously voicing her ambition to have a crack at a top European league such as the Frauen-Bundesliga.
“I am really excited to go overseas and make the most of this amazing opportunity for me and my career and I want to thank the club for being so supportive in this process,” she said.
“I am so grateful for my time at Brisbane Roar where I have taken my football to the next level.
“I want to say a big thank you to the fans who have supported me from the start, I can’t wait to see how far the girls go this season.”
Varley’s elite football pathway began in Shepparton, where she played her youth football alongside the boys in junior GV Suns teams.
She then progressed to Football Victoria’s National Talent Centre program in 2016, and after a few years impressing in Melbourne, was handed her pro debut by Adelaide on New Year’s Day 2022.
However, her real talent shone through when she switched to the Sunshine State.
Varley’s 2025-26 campaign has been breakout one, featuring in all 12 of Brisbane’s matches and nabbing player of the match honours in consecutive games last month.
She has earned a reputation as a stone-wall centre back, with Roar head coach Alex Smith stating Varley’s transfer is a bittersweet moment for the club.
“Whilst we are sad to see Leia depart, I’m an extremely excited for her as she departs for the German first division,” Smith said.
“Leia was one of my first signings, so to see her earn a move overseas is pleasing.
“She has played an enormous role in the football we have played so far this season, and it is a testament to the level in which she has competed that a club like 1. FC Nürnberg has secured her.
“We wish her the very, very best for the next part of her journey.”
Varley joins a Nürnberg outfit that currently sits 10th on the Frauen-Bundesliga ladder.
The side was promoted last season, with head of women's football Osman Cankaya looking forward to Varley’s introduction with 10 games remaining in the season.
“Leia has been playing at the highest level for several years now and has been on our shortlist for quite some time,” he said.
“Her pace and physicality have made her stand out, both in the statistics and through her presence on the pitch.
“She plays with great courage when pushing forward, anticipates the distances to the opponent's line exceptionally well, and possesses high-quality heading ability both defensively and offensively.
“We are all the more delighted that Leia will now be playing for us in the Bundesliga.”
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