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Josh Morgan-usa TODAY NETWORK
united states women’s national team defender Naomi Girma is officially a member of Chelsea Football Club following what sources confirmed is the first $1 million transfer in women’s soccer history.
The English champions confirmed the acquisition of Girma from the national Women’s soccer League’s San Diego Wave FC on Sunday. Neither club disclosed the terms of the transfer, world-record-1-million/” data-type=”post” data-id=”87701″ target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>but multiple sources confirmed that it was over $1 million.
“I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real.” Girma said of the move. “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. Right now, that’s what I’m looking to do. It was an easy choice for me.”
Girma was unveiled at Stamford Bridge on Sunday prior to the Blues’ crucial Women’s Super League match against Arsenal.
Girma is widely considered one of the best defenders — and players — in the world. U.S. head coach Emma Hayes, who took up her role last year after over a decade in charge of Chelsea, called Girma “the best defender I’ve ever seen” during the Americans’ run to an Olympic gold medal last summer.
Girma turned professional in 2022. She was the No. 1 draft pick by the Wave and helped San Diego become the first NWSL expansion team to make the playoffs in its first season. Girma was named NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year in 2022. A year later, she helped the Wave win the NWSL Shield.
“Naomi has been an integral part of the Club since the day she was drafted in the inaugural season, and her impact on and off the field has been immeasurable,” said San Diego sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton. “While it’s difficult to part ways with a player of Naomi’s caliber, we are incredibly proud of all she has achieved during her time with us. She has set a high standard here, and we wish her nothing but success as she continues her career overseas.”
Her club play led to international stardom. She played every minute at the 2023 world Cup and at the 2024 Olympics. She was the only U.S. field player to achieve that status at the Olympics, where the U.S. captured a fifth Olympic gold medal.
Girma’s growing profile attracted the attention of the world’s best clubs. Lyon and Arsenal also made serious bids, sources confirmed to The Equalizer, with the final decision coming down to Chelsea and Lyon. Multiple sources told The Equalizer in recent weeks that Chelsea was the preferred destination for Girma, as EQZ previously reported.
The interest was mutual. Girma expressed her interest in exploring opportunities abroad early in 2024, sources confirmed.
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