U.S. Women's National Team defender Naomi Girma has etched her name in history by becoming the first female player in women's soccer to be transferred for over a million dollars. The prestigious English club CBS News reported that Girma signed with Chelsea from San Diego Wave FC for a world-record fee of approximately £900,000 ($1.1 million). This transfer fee surpasses the previous record established when Bay FC signed Zambia's Racheal Kundananji for $788,000 last year.

The 24-year-old Girma's move not only signifies a new milestone for women's sports but also marks the third time Chelsea has set a world-record signing. Girma was welcomed by fans ahead of Chelsea's Women's Super League match against Arsenal on Sunday, exclaiming, “I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real,” as reported by AP News.

Her decision to join Chelsea was influenced by the club's winning culture and strong support system, stating, “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.” Having signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, Girma’s presence solidifies Chelsea's position in the league, where they currently lead the table.

Girma, who played every minute for the U.S. team during their successful 2024 Olympic campaign, was named both Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year in the NWSL after being selected first overall in the 2022 draft. The wave of excitement surrounding her transfer underscores the growing recognition and investment in women’s soccer both in the United States and abroad, as emphasized by Al Jazeera.

As Chelsea aims to continue their dominance in women's football, Girma's exceptional skills and talent are expected to play a crucial role in their success in the upcoming matches.