Cortnee Vine, the most recognisable star in the A-League Women, has dealt the competition a significant blow by leaving Sydney FC to take up a contract in the USA's National Women's Soccer League.
Sydney confirmed on Friday that 26-year-old Matildas winger Vine had played her last game for the club after leading the Sky Blues to a second-straight grand final victory earlier this year.
Centre back Charlotte McLean will also follow Vine from Sydney to the US after 74 games for the Sky Blues, with the players' future clubs yet to be announced.
The loss of Vine in particular is a bitter hit for the ALW, after her rise national prominence through her 2023 Women's World Cup heroics.
Vine had been given a one-year marquee contract after her performance at the World Cup and it paid dividends for the ALW.
Vine's star power was a major reason behind the rise in interest in the ALW, with her presence in the league proving a drawcard and leading to several clubs breaking attendance records.
"The last four years at Sydney FC have had a life-changing impact on me and I'm extremely thankful to everyone at the club," Vine said in a statement.
"Sydney FC has given me the platform to achieve my goals, enjoy a lot of success and move on to the next stage of my career.
"I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunities I've had as a Sydney FC player and one day I would love to return to Sky Blue.
"We have a fantastic squad and some unbelievably talented young players, so I'm convinced the club is in good shape to defend our title."
Vine scored 30 goals across 65 games for Sydney, becoming a star of the competition under the watch of Ante Juric after spells at Brisbane, Newcastle and Western Sydney.
"It is sad to see Charlotte and Cortnee leave the club, but I am extremely proud of them and wish them all the best in the USA," Juric said.
"They are excellent players and more importantly great people. I will miss them."
