Naomi Girma has captured global attention with her groundbreaking transfer to Chelsea FC Women from San Diego Wave.
The move, worth over $1 million, marks the highest fee ever paid for a female footballer. But who is Naomi Girma, the remarkable defender, and what makes her one of the most sought-after players in women’s football?
Who is Naomi Girma?
Born and raised in San Jose, California, Naomi Girma is the daughter of Ethiopian immigrants, Girma Aweke and Seble Demissie. Her strong connection to Ethiopian culture has shaped much of her life. “The culture, the food, the language, everything… the community has been such a big part of my upbringing,” Girma has shared.
Her father played a pivotal role in sparking her love for football, founding a grassroots club called Maleda Soccer to unite Ethiopian kids in their neighborhood. Naomi started playing without pressure, purely for the love of the game.
That joyful beginning set the stage for a remarkable career that saw her excel at Stanford University, where she formed a close friendship with goalkeeper Katie Meyer. Meyer’s tragic passing in 2022 motivated Girma to advocate for mental health awareness in sports.
Through partnerships with initiatives like Create The Space, Girma champions the creation of safe, supportive environments for athletes to prioritize mental well-being.
From Rising Star to Record Transfer
Girma’s ascent in football has been meteoric. After being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft by San Diego Wave, she immediately showcased her brilliance. In her debut season, she won NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year, accolades she repeated in 2023.
Her standout performances for the USWNT, including a pivotal role in the gold-medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, earned her the 2023 U.S. Female Player of the Year Award. Girma’s achievements even led to nominations for the prestigious FIFA Best Awards and BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Despite interest from top European clubs like Arsenal and Lyon, Girma chose Chelsea, where she will partner with Millie Bright in what promises to be one of the most formidable defensive pairings in the sport.
What Girma Brings to Chelsea
Defensive Mastery
Renowned for her game-reading ability and tactical intelligence, Girma boasts elite defensive stats. According to FBref, she won 85% of her tackles last season, placing her in the 98th percentile globally among centre-backs. Her sharp instincts and composure under pressure make her a formidable barrier against opposing attackers.
Playmaking and Technical Skills
Girma’s strengths go beyond defense. Her exceptional passing ability enables her to deliver precise line-breaking balls, fitting seamlessly into Chelsea’s possession-based style. Her playmaking skills provide a strategic edge, allowing Chelsea to build attacks from the back.
Leadership and Winning Mentality
At just 24 years old, Girma possesses maturity beyond her years. Her leadership, combined with a winning mindset forged through international experience, makes her an invaluable asset for Chelsea’s quest to secure their first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
Chelsea currently sit seven points clear at the top of the WSL, aiming for their sixth consecutive title. With Kadeisha Buchanan out for the season due to an ACL injury, Girma’s arrival provides a timely boost.
