Photo: Chelsea FC
Olympic soccer star Naomi Girma has become the first million-dollar player in women’s soccer.
According to NBC News, Girma, widely known as the best defender in the National Women’s Soccer League, signed a record- breaking, $1.1 million-deal to play for the Chelsea Women football club in England for the next four years.
The move across the pond made Girma, 24, the first woman to cross the million-dollar threshold in soccer.
The deal comes after Girma was drafted as the first overall pick for the San Diego wave. Girma also won gold with Team USA in women’s soccer at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
On Sunday (January 26), Girma, a California native, announced that her $1.1 million transfer deal had been finalized during Chelsea’s match against Arsenal Women.
“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here — the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players,” Girma said in a statement. “It’s a top environment to learn and grow in.”
In a statement, Paul Green, the current Chelsea coach, said Girma was a world-class defender “ready for this next step in her career.”
Girma also shared an Instagram post where she expressed gratitude for her time on the Wave.
“San Diego, thank you for welcoming me with open arms three years ago. Playing here has been an incredible opportunity of growth, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to begin my career with this amazing club,” Girma wrote in part.
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