Naomi Girma Secures Record-Breaking Transfer to Chelsea for a Million Dollars
Naomi Girma, a 24-year-old US soccer prodigy, shattered the records in the women's football realm by signing a groundbreaking deal with Women's Super League champions Chelsea FC in January 2025. This record-breaking transfer, reportedly worth over $1 million, catapulted Girma into the annals of history as the first female footballer to command such a substantial fee.
Girma graced Stamford Bridge in a star-studded unveiling, ahead of Chelsea's Women's Super League clash against Arsenal. With a glint of excitement in her eyes, Girma professed, "I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real." Her decision to join the English powerhouse was not a hasty one, as she expressed being captivated by Chelsea's culture, resolute mentality, elite staff, and talented players.
Prior to this monumental move, Girma had been tied to San Diego Wave FC in the NWSL until the end of 2026. By leaving her NWSL roots, Girma expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Wave, acknowledging the invaluable opportunities she had received and the meaningful relationships she had forged.
Chelsea's Head of Women's Football Paul Green shared his enthusiasm for their latest acquisition, praising Girma's exceptional defense skills, acute game awareness, and blistering pace. Green highlighted her achievements in the NWSL, where she collected numerous individual awards, and her exceptional performances on the international stage for the US team, culminating in a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics.
This transfer is not just a significant milestone for Girma but also a testament to the growing finance investment in women's football. Remarkably, this move came almost five decades after the first $1 million transfer in the men's game, when Pietro Anastasi joined Juventus from Varese in 1968.
Moreover, Girma is the first-ever player from both the US men's and women's teams to secure a record-breaking transfer fee, further cementing her place as a trailblazer in the sport. With a rich soccer heritage boasting top-notch achievements, Girma is ready to face new challenges in the vast landscape of English football.
Sources:[1] https://www.cbsports.com/soccer/us-national-team/news/naomi-girma-voted-us-soccer-female-player-of-the-year-breaks-four-year-drought/[2] https://www.lifetimesports.live/5-women-making-history-in-soccer/[3] https://nbcsports.com/soccer/premier-league/us-women-soccer-star-naomi-girma-signs-world-record-transfer-chelsea-sfc-sky[4] https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jan/08/naomi-girma-joins-chelsea-for-world-record-transfer-fee-in-womens-football
- Mayra Ramirez, a fellow USWNT player, congratulated Girma on her record-breaking move to Chelsea FC, expressing her pride in seeing another American breaking barriers in women's football.
- When asked about her upcoming UWCL matches, Emma Hayes, Chelsea's manager, mentioned Girma as a crucial addition to their impressive roster, hinting at the team's strong contention for the UEFA Women's Champions League title.
- Meanwhile, Naomi Girma's former NWSL team, San Diego Wave FC, announced the signing of a 23-year-old Ethiopian-American defender named Mia Feseha as a replacement for Girma, a promising talent in her own right.
- Furthermore, FIFA Women's World Cup champions USA Women's National Team confirmed that Girma would still be eligible to represent them because the transfer happened within the transfer window and did not breach any rules related to international player eligibility.
- In preparation for her debut in the Women's Super League, Girma trained alongside veteran and fellow U.S. international Samantha Mewis, who praised Girma's relentless dedication and drive, sharing their positive experiences with the San Diego Wave's former star.
