Naomi Girma has made history by becoming the world’s most expensive female footballer and the first female footballer to command a $1 million transfer fee. Girma was signed by Chelsea Women’s Football Club for a record-breaking $1.12 million, as reported by the BBC.
The 24-year-old surpassed Zambia’s Rachael Kundananji, who previously held the record after her $860,000 transfer to Bay FC.
Who is Naomi Girma?
Born on June 14, 2000, in San Jose, California, Naomi Girma is the first player of Ethiopian heritage to represent the US Women’s National Team. Her rise to fame is nothing short of remarkable:
- Early Life & Education:
Girma began her football journey with Central Valley Crossfire Club in San Jose, where her coach, Bob Joyce, encouraged her to join the Olympic Development Program. She later played for Pioneer High School and then Stanford University, where she gained national attention. - Professional Career:
- 2022: Selected as the first draft pick in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) by San Diego Wave.
- 2023: Named NWSL Defender of the Year for the second consecutive year.
- 2024: Played a pivotal role in the US Women’s National Team’s gold-medal victory at the Paris Olympics.
Accolades
- Rookie of the Year: Honored in her debut NWSL season.
- FIFA Best Awards: Nominated for the 2024 Women’s Player of the Year and named in the Best FIFA Women’s XI.
- Defender of the Year: Won the NWSL title twice.
A mental health advocate
Girma is a staunch advocate for mental health, inspired by the tragic suicide of her friend and Stanford teammate, Katie Meyer, in March 2022.
“Mental health is really important to me,” Girma said. “I lost a friend to suicide, so that opened my eyes to the lack of resources and support that we have as athletes.”
Legacy in the making
Naomi Girma’s record-breaking signing and her inspiring journey symbolize a new era for women’s football, emphasizing both the sport’s growing financial recognition and its evolving focus on athlete well-being.