Leia Varley

Leia Varley ( ; born 30 January 2002) is an Australian soccer player who plays as a centre back for Frauen-Bundesliga club 1. FC Nürnberg. She previously played for National Premier Leagues Victoria Women (NPL Victoria Women) club South Melbourne and A-League Women clubs Adelaide United, Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar.

Early life Varley was born on 30 January 2002 in the town of Finley, New South Wales, and grew up in Shepparton, Victoria. In her youth years, she played for Goulburn Valley Suns, Football Victoria NTC (over two stints), Box Hill United and South Melbourne. She made her debut on 5 December 2021, coming on as a substitute in a 5–1 away Original Rivalry loss to Melbourne Victory at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in East Melbourne in the opening round. She was released by the club at the end of the season.

South Melbourne Varley signed for National Premier Leagues Victoria Women (NPL Victoria Women) club South Melbourne ahead of the 2023 season.

Melbourne City Varley signed for A-League Women club Melbourne City ahead of the 2023–24 season, signing on a one-year scholarship deal. She made her debut on 9 December 2023, starting in a 3–1 home loss to Perth Glory at B.T. Connor Reserve in Reservoir. At the end of the season, the club won the premiership (having finished first on the league table), but did not win the championship (as they lost the grand final 1–0 at home to Sydney FC). She departed the club at the end of the season following the expiration of her contract.

Brisbane Roar Varley signed for A-League Women club Brisbane Roar ahead of the 2024–25 season. She made her debut on 2 November 2024, starting in a 3–2 away loss to Canberra United at McKellar Park in McKellar, Canberra in the opening round. She scored her first goal on 29 December 2024, scoring the Roar's fourth goal in an 8–2 away win over Western United at Ironbark Fields in Tarneit, Melbourne. During the season, she extended her contract with the club until 2027.

During the 2025–26 season, Varley left Brisbane Roar midseason to move to Germany to join Frauen-Bundesliga club 1. FC Nürnberg.

1. FC Nürnberg Varley signed for Frauen-Bundesliga club 1. FC Nürnberg during the 2025–26 season as a Deadline Day signing in the winter transfer window.

Personal life Varley is known for her height, being 184 centimetres (six feet) tall, much higher than the average female height.