She’s blazing trails!
At just 24 years old, Naomi Girma, the Olympic champion and top-tier defender, has become the first million-dollar player in women’s soccer history, NBC News reports. Her recent four-year signing with England’s Chelsea Women football club comes with a record-shattering $1.1 million transfer fee, making her the highest-valued woman in the sport to date.
For Girma, a California native and former No. 1 overall pick in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the move was a dream in motion. She made her debut in Chelsea blue during a highly anticipated match against Arsenal Women, marking the beginning of a new chapter — one forged on excellence and shaped by a trailblazing vision.
“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,” she told reporters.
Girma’s growth has already been exponential. In just two seasons with the San Diego Wave, she helped lead the new franchise to the league’s Shield trophy, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. She rose as a team anchor and fan favorite, known for her calm demeanor, elite defensive instincts, and quiet command of the field. And while she leaves behind a team facing internal transitions and controversy, Girma’s departure is marked with mutual respect and well wishes.
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Wave general manager Camille Ashton reflected on Girma’s impact, saying, “She has set a high standard here, and we wish her nothing but success as she continues her career overseas.”
Chelsea, a global powerhouse in women’s soccer, is no stranger to excellence either. Girma’s arrival comes just after the departure of legendary coach Emma Hayes, who now leads the U.S. women’s national team — the same team Girma helped guide to Olympic gold after a 12-year drought. It’s no coincidence: Hayes saw Girma’s brilliance up close during that victorious run, and now, the defender brings that championship mindset to one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Chelsea’s current coach Paul Green called her a “world-class defender,” adding, “She is undoubtedly ready for this next step in her career and we are delighted it will be with Chelsea.”
As much as this moment is about breaking records, it’s also about building bridges — between continents, between generations, and between the promise of what could be and the power of what already is. Naomi Girma is not just crossing the million-dollar mark; she’s expanding the map for what’s possible for women in sport.
In her farewell message, Girma spoke from the heart: “I’ll forever be thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow here and for the incredible relationships I’ve built with my teammates, the sporting staff, and our amazing fans… I’m especially grateful to ownership and Cami for supporting my dream of playing in Europe.”
Her goodbye post on Instagram was equally heartfelt, paying tribute to San Diego’s electric fanbase: “Your unwavering support is what makes being a part of this club so special.”
From her first days with the Wave to her golden Olympic run to her historic Chelsea debut, Naomi Girma continues to raise the bar — not just for herself, but for every young girl who dreams of playing on the world soccer stage and getting paid what she’s worth.
Million-dollar moves. Black girl magic. And a legacy that’s just getting started.
Cover photo: Meet Naomi Girma, the First Million-Dollar Player in Women’s Soccer History/Photo credit: Naomi Girma/Instagram