Naomi Girma, US Defender of Ethiopian Descent, Becomes Women’s Soccer’s First Million-Dollar Player

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In a groundbreaking transfer, United States defender Naomi Girma has become women’s soccer’s first million-dollar player. The 24-year-old made history with her move from San Diego Wave to Chelsea for a reported fee of €900,000 ($1.1 million), surpassing the previous record of €685,000 ($718,976) set by Bay FC for Racheal Kundananji in early 2024.

Girma was unveiled by Chelsea, the Women’s Super League champions, ahead of their clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Girma expressed her excitement about the move:


“I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real. There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here—the culture, the winning mentality, staff, and players. It’s a top environment to learn and grow in.”Naomi Girma, US Defender of Ethiopian Descent, Becomes Women’s Soccer’s First Million-Dollar Player

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The transfer also marks the first signing of the January transfer window for Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor. Girma was targeted to fill the void left by defender Kadeisha Buchanan, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that is likely to sideline her for the rest of the season.

Girma’s move also breaks the British transfer record in women’s soccer, which was set a year ago when Chelsea signed striker Mayra Ramirez from Levante for €384,000 ($403,046).

Girma brings an impressive resume to Stamford Bridge. She played every minute of the United States’ victorious Olympic campaign in Paris last year and was named U.S. Soccer’s Female Player of the Year in 2023.

Paul Green, Chelsea’s head of women’s football, praised the signing, saying, “Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.”

This record-breaking transfer not only reinforces Chelsea’s ambitions in women’s soccer but also underscores the growing investment and recognition in the women’s game globally.

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