Naomi Girma has etched her name in the annals of women’s soccer history by becoming the first female player to command a transfer fee exceeding $1 million.
In January 2025, Chelsea FC Women secured her transfer from San Diego Wave FC for a record-breaking $1.1 million, surpassing the previous record held by Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji. Girma’s journey began in San Jose, California, where she honed her skills before attending Stanford University.
At Stanford, she captained the team to a national championship in 2019 and was named NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2022. Her defensive prowess and leadership qualities quickly caught the attention of top clubs worldwide. Her move to Chelsea was not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment for women’s soccer, signaling increased investment and recognition in the sport.
Girma’s transfer fee is nearly a quarter of the total operating expenses of Everton’s women’s team in the 2022-23 WSL season, highlighting the growing financial commitment to women’s football. Off the field, Girma is known for her advocacy for mental health, co-founding “Create the Space” in memory of her late friend Katie Meyer. She balances her athletic career with academic pursuits, working towards a master’s degree in management science and engineering.
Girma’s story is a testament to the evolving landscape of women’s sports, where talent, determination, and advocacy converge to break new ground.
