Naomi Girma has shattered records and set a new benchmark in women’s soccer, securing a historic $1.1 million transfer deal to join Chelsea F.C. from the San Diego Wave.
At just 24 years old, the standout defender has become the first player in women’s soccer history to command a seven-figure transfer fee.
Girma, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft, has been a dominant force for both club and country.
Known for her composure, leadership, and defensive mastery, she has earned 44 national team appearances and played a key role in securing the U.S. Women’s National Team’s gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“San Diego Wave has been such an important part of my journey,” Girma said of her time in the NWSL.
Over the past two seasons, she led the Wave to an NWSL Shield and a Challenge Cup title while winning back-to-back NWSL Defender of the Year honors.
Before turning pro, Girma was a standout at Stanford University, where she captained the team to a national championship and earned multiple All-American and Pac-12 honors. Now, she reunites with former Stanford teammate Catarina Macario at Chelsea, bringing her world-class skills to England’s Women’s Super League.
Girma’s move surpasses the previous women’s soccer transfer record of $787,600, set by Bay FC’s signing of Rachel Kundananji. Chelsea Head Coach Sonia Bompastor called the signing “well-deserved” for a player of Girma’s caliber.
