January 27 – The deal is done, a momentous moment for the women’s game. Naomi Girma has become the first million-dollar transfer in women’s football history.
The Olympic star has signed a record-breaking four-year deal with Chelsea, moving across the pond from San Diego Wave, perennial Women’s Super League (WSL) champions.
Chelsea announced the signing without disclosing the fee but numerous media organisations reported the English champions have spent £900,000 ($1.1 million) on the transfer. That surpasses the previous world-record fee of $788,000 that Bay FC from the NWSL, paid to sign Zambia striker Rachael Kundananji from Madrid CFF last year.
It is the third time Chelsea have paid a world-record fee for a female player, after Denmark forward Pernille Harder in 2020 and Colombia forward Mayra Ramirez last year.
In just three short years, Girma, 24, has become one of the world’s best defenders winning a Gold medal at the Paris Olympics last summer. She had been under contract with the Wave until 2026.
Girma was presented on the field in front of Chelsea’s fans ahead of Sunday’s game against Arsenal in the WSL.
“I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real,” she 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. It was an easy choice for me.”
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