American soccer prodigy Naomi Girma has taken a major step in her career by signing with the iconic English soccer club, Chelsea FC. Girma, a talented center-back, previously played college soccer for the Stanford Cardinal and was drafted first overall by San Diego in the 2022 NWSL draft. Her incredible skills helped her earn the titles of NWSL Rookie of the Year and NWSL Defender of the Year. Moreover, Girma played a crucial role in the United States’ gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With her latest move to Chelsea, Girma has secured her place in history by setting a world-record transfer. Read on to learn more about her groundbreaking deal and its significance.
A world-record transfer for Naomi Girma
Naomi Girma’s move to Chelsea has made waves across the soccer world, not only for her immense talent but also because she has set a new world record with a transfer fee of approximately £900,000 ($1.1 million). This fee surpasses the previous record of £685,000, set when Bay FC signed Racheal Kundananji from Zambia in 2024. What makes this deal even more monumental is that Girma has now become the first female soccer player to be valued at over $1 million, further solidifying her place in the history books.
The 24-year-old, whose contract with Chelsea runs until 2029, shared her excitement about the move: "I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real."
Girma cited several factors that made Chelsea an appealing destination for her, including the club’s culture, winning mentality, and top-tier environment that fosters growth.
"It’s a top environment to learn and grow in. Right now, that’s what I’m looking to do," she added.
Chelsea’s head of women’s football, Paul Green, also expressed his enthusiasm about the signing.
He noted, "Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career. Her composure on the ball, ability to read the game, coupled with her pace and athleticism will add top quality to an already very talented squad."
Naomi Girma’s transfer not only marks a personal milestone but also underscores Chelsea’s ambition to remain at the forefront of women’s soccer. As she joins an already impressive squad, the soccer world will be watching closely as Girma continues to rise in her career.