Olympic soccer star Naomi Girma is taking her skills across the pond after signing a record-breaking deal to play four years at the Chelsea Women football club in England, becoming the first woman to cross the million-dollar threshold in the sport.
Girma, 24, is considered the best defender in the U.S. and has spent the last two years in the National Women’s Soccer League, where she was the first overall draft pick by the San Diego Wave. The California native was brought onto the pitch in Chelsea’s match against Arsenal Women on Sunday to announce that the $1.1 million transfer deal had been finalized.
Though the number may seem small when compared to deals made in men’s sports, it is groundbreaking in women’s soccer.
Girma said in the team’s press release that it was an “easy choice” and she was excited to play with the club.
“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here — the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players,” Girma said. “It’s a top environment to learn and grow in.”
Chelsea is also the former home of Emma Hayes, the new head coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Hayes worked with Girma extensively over the summer as the women’s team won its first Olympic gold medal in 12 years.
Paul Green, the current Chelsea coach, described Girma as a world-class defender who proved her athleticism on the international stage.
“She is undoubtedly ready for this next step in her career and we are delighted it will be with Chelsea,” Green said in the team release.
Girma is leaving the San Diego Wave after her fellow U.S. star Alex Morgan’s retirement and a tumultuous year for the relatively new team.
The Wave had a brilliant first year in 2022 as an NWSL expansion team. Girma was part of the squad when it won the league’s Shield trophy in 2023, given to the team with the best record during the regular season.
But in October, a group of former players sued both the Wave and the NWSL alleging that the team engaged in discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination. The Wave declined to comment to The Associated Press on the suit, citing the ongoing legal battle.
Jill Ellis, the Wave’s president, left the team in December to join FIFA as the chief football officer.
The team also had a change in coaching as former head coach Casey Stoney left the team in June. She was replaced with Landon Donovan, a former U.S. men’s soccer star.
Donovan would not stay on with the team, and it was recently announced that former Arsenal Women coach Jonas Eidevall would lead the Wave. Eidevall had success in the Swedish women’s league, but it appears he struggled with Arsenal.
ESPN reported in October that he left the women’s club after losing the support of the players and fans.
Camille Ashton, the Wave’s general manager, praised Girma for her contributions to the team over the past two years in the Wave’s press release on the transfer deal. Despite the loss of Girma, Ashton said the team would continue to build a roster that could compete for championships.
“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,” Ashton said. “She has set a high standard here, and we wish her nothing but success as she continues her career overseas.”
Girma’s own statement was effusive about her time on the Wave, saying the team would hold a special place in her 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,” Girma said. “I’m especially grateful to ownership and Cami for supporting my dream of playing in Europe.”
She also posted a goodbye to her Instagram on Sunday, thanking the Wave’s management and her teammates for their part in her development as a player. Girma commended fans of the Wave for creating an incredible atmosphere at the team’s home games.
“Your unwavering support is what makes being a part of this club so special,” Girma wrote.
Girma’s incredible skill, determination, and leadership on the field have earned her this groundbreaking achievement, as she continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of female athletes. Her success is not only a testament to her own hard work and dedication, but also a reflection of the growing recognition and support for women’s sports around the world.
As the first million-dollar player in women’s soccer, Naomi Girma is a trailblazer and a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. Her success serves as a reminder of the incredible talent and potential that exists within women’s sports, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for the future of the game. Congratulations to Naomi Girma on this historic achievement!
Tags:
![Chelsea Green makes an interesting comment ahead of RAW. [Image credit: Screenshot from Naomi's Instagram]](https://i0.wp.com/statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/01/602af-17380084146776-1920.jpg?ssl=1)
![Chelsea Green makes an interesting comment ahead of RAW. [Image credit: Screenshot from Naomi's Instagram]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/01/602af-17380084146776-1920.jpg)
