Naomi Girma: The world’s first defender to earn 1$m in women’s football

In a landmark move for women’s football, 24-year-old American defender Naomi Girma has officially joined Chelsea FC for a record transfer fee estimated at around €1 million (approximately $1.1 million). This makes her the most expensive defender in women’s football history and the first player to command a transfer fee exceeding €1 million.

A Rising Star: Girma’s Path to Chelsea

Naomi Girma (born June 14, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a centre-back for the Women’s Super League club Chelsea and the United States national team. Born in San Jose, California, to Ethiopian immigrant parents, Girma makes history as the first player in women’s football to command a transfer fee exceeding €1 million. This landmark deal signifies a major milestone in the sport, setting a new benchmark for women’s football transfers.

Breaking Records: A New Standard in Women’s Transfers

This deal surpasses the previous record transfer in women’s football: the $866,000 (€825,000) fee Bay FC paid to Madrid CFF for Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji in February 2024. As women’s football continues to grow, so do transfer records.

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The 2024 January transfer window saw international spending in the women’s game reach an all-time high, according to FIFA, with clubs around the world collectively spending approximately €1.96 million ($2.1 million) in transfer fees—a 150% increase from the winter of 2023. While 2025 has seen a quieter market, Girma’s move shatters the $1 million barrier for the first time.

A Defender’s Move: Surpassing Expectations

Her transfer surpasses last summer’s record fee for Racheal Kundananji and is particularly impressive as Girma is a defender. Only one other defensive move features in the top 20 most expensive deals in women’s football history.

A Journey of Determination: From Maleda to Chelsea

Girma, regarded as one of the best defenders in the game, has made significant strides since her early days at the Maleda soccer club in San Jose. Her journey has been one of determination and passion, making her a trailblazer beyond her historic transfer to Chelsea. Having debuted for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) in 2022, she became the first player of Ethiopian descent to represent her country.

Ethiopian Heritage: A Key Influence in Girma’s Career

Her Ethiopian heritage has been a crucial part of her footballing identity. “I first started playing with the Maleda soccer club, which was a community organization where all the Ethiopians in the Bay Area came together,” Girma told Olympics.com. “I really started playing because of my dad and my brother, and their love for the game inspired me.”

Inspiration from Brazil’s Golden Era: A Childhood Dream

As a young girl, Chelsea’s new No. 16 admired Brazil’s golden era of football, with legends like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Pele influencing her. However, her love for the game was truly ignited by simply playing on the field with friends and teammates rather than just watching football on television.

From College to Professional: Girma’s Rise in Football

Her journey led her to Stanford University, one of the top collegiate programs in the United States. In 2022, she was selected as the No. 1 pick in the NWSL draft by San Diego Wave. Former Wave manager Casey Stoney, an ex-defender herself, played a key role in refining Girma’s defensive abilities, particularly emphasizing footwork and positional awareness.

Ball-Playing Defender: A New Era in Women’s Football

Girma has since developed into one of the best ball-playing defenders in women’s football, known for her composure, intelligence, and technical prowess. Her rapid rise to prominence has been fueled by the unwavering support of her family and loved ones.

Family Support: The Backbone of Girma’s Success

“When you’re competing for roster spots, it can feel really lonely. Having a support system that stands by you, regardless of success or failure, is crucial,” Girma said. “That environment allowed me to grow and fall in love with the game without external pressures.”

Next Step: Competing at the Highest Level
With an Olympic gold medal already in her collection, Girma’s move to Europe is the next logical step in her career. Competing in the Women’s Super League and the UEFA Women’s Champions League will provide her with new challenges and opportunities to further cement her place among the game’s elite.