Naomi Girma Becomes First $1M+ Transfer in Women’s Football

The world of women’s football continues to evolve very positively.

The sport itself has grown leaps and bounds from where it once was. The ongoing effort to stimulate the level of play through financial means — coupled with the increased visibility — has led to a more level playing field and better football across the board.

As the true dominant force within the international game, the United States Women’s National Team is the standard. It would only make sense that one of its best players becomes a pioneer regarding value.

Girma, 24, recently left NWSL club San Diego Wave in favor of English club Chelsea. Chelsea paid $1.1 million for her services — thus making Girma the first woman ever to be transferred for more than $1 million. The deal has Girma inked for at least four-and-a-half years.

The California native burst onto the scene five years ago as a teenager. Up until that point, Girma had been a dominant player at Stanford. Rising through the youth national teams, she had her first cap with the senior team in 2022.

In 2023, Girma won a starting spot with the team ahead of the 2023 World Cup. Ultimately, she was an integral cog in the U.S. allowing only one goal in four matches.

During the 2024 Olympics, Girma established herself further as a world-class defender. Girma isn’t the tallest or most physical defender. She’s immensely smart in distribution and positioning. Her skill on the ball is phenomenal, and Girma’s technical ability resembles that of an attacking player. Additionally, she’s also very poised in all facets of the game.

Not even fully yet in her prime, Girma has the look of someone who will command her position with the U.S. for at least a decade. She joins the current trend of American women’s players leaping across the pond.

Cat Macario and Mia Fishel are teammates of hers at Chelsea. 17-year-old starlet Lily Yohannes is a big player at Ajax. Korbin Albert is also significantly important for the club Paris Saint-Germain (as is Eva Gertino). Lindsey Horan is a fixture for Lyon, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce suits up for Manchester United, and Emily Fox plies her trade for Arsenal.