Naomi Girma Breaks Records: Chelsea Signs Star Defender for Groundbreaking Million-Dollar Transfer!

Naomi Girma, a standout defender from the United States women’s national team, has made headlines by joining Chelsea FC for a record-breaking fee of over $1 million. This historic transfer happened just before Chelsea’s match against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, where she expressed her excitement. “I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real,” Girma shared. She noted that Chelsea’s strong culture and winning mentality drew her to the club.

This transfer marks a significant milestone. Girma is the first woman to be transferred for over $1 million, surpassing the previous record of $862,000 for Zambian striker Rachael Kundananji. Interestingly, this event comes 57 years after the first million-dollar transfer in men’s soccer, when Pietro Anastasi moved to Juventus in 1968. Girma is also the first American player, regardless of gender, to achieve this milestone.

The 24-year-old defender signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea and will wear the number 16 jersey, previously held by former club captain Magdalena Eriksson. Her career path includes a stint with San Diego Wave, where she was under contract until 2026.

Chelsea has now set the world record for women’s transfers for two consecutive years. Last year, they signed Mayra Ramirez from Levante for $544,000. Comparatively, they nearly doubled that fee for Girma.

Traditionally, the highest transfer fees in women’s soccer have been paid for strikers, making Girma’s transfer an exception as a defender. In fact, it’s been over 100 years since a defender held a world record transfer fee, a title last claimed by Warney Cresswell in 1922.

Girma has also made her mark in international competitions. She was recognized as the U.S. Soccer Women’s Player of the Year in 2023, the first defender to win this honor in four decades. At the Women’s World Cup, she played a crucial role, helping her team concede only one goal. Last summer, she was instrumental in securing a gold medal at the Olympic Games, contributing to her team’s impressive defensive performance.

This October, she scored her first professional goals, netting twice for the U.S. national team against Argentina. However, she has yet to score at the club level during her time with San Diego Wave.

Paul Green, Chelsea’s Head of Women’s Football, praised Girma’s skill set. “Naomi is a world-class defender entering the prime years of her career. Her ability to read the game and her athleticism will enhance our already talented squad,” he said. Her move to Chelsea not only elevates her career but also sets a new standard in women’s football.

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