Highly-sought American defender, Naomi Girma, has agreed to a world-record transfer fee with Chelsea FC of the Women’s Super League (WSL) from National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side, San Diego Wave.
Girma joins the reigning WSL champions for a fee in the $1 million region, becoming the first women’s footballer to break the million-dollar market in the transfer market and eclipsing the previous transfer record when Asisat Oshoala’s teammate, Rachael Kundananji, joined Bay FC in February 2024.
“I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real,” Girma said. “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.”
24-year-old Girma has emerged as one of the world’s best defenders in recent times, joining San Diego Wave as the number one overall pick in the 2022 draft and making 27 starts for the club on her way to being named NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year – an award she won again in 2023.
“San Diego Wave has been such an important part of my journey,” Girma said. “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.”
The new Chelsea star added, ”I’m especially grateful to ownership and Cami for supporting my dream of playing in Europe. San Diego will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish nothing but the best for the team moving forward.”