History has been made in women’s soccer! US Women’s National Team (USWNT) star Naomi Girma has become the sport’s first-ever million-dollar player, sealing a jaw-dropping move to English champions Chelsea. The 24-year-old defender signed a four-and-a-half-year deal worth around £900,000 ($1.1 million), smashing the previous transfer record.

The previous high was set just last year when Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji moved to Bay FC for $788,000. Interestingly, this isn’t Chelsea’s first rodeo with breaking records—they’ve done it twice before, signing Pernille Harder in 2020 and Mayra Ramírez earlier this year.

Girma, who’s been a rock for the USWNT with 44 appearances, couldn’t hide her excitement. “I’m so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn’t feel real,” she shared in a club statement. “Chelsea’s culture, winning mentality, and top-notch environment made it an easy choice for me.”

Her new coach, Emma Hayes, couldn’t stop praising her either. “She’s the best defender I’ve ever seen,” Hayes gushed after Girma’s standout performance at the 2024 Olympics, where the USWNT clinched gold. “She’s got everything—poise, composure, leadership. She’s unbelievable.”

Girma’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. After being the first pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, she quickly made her mark, earning Rookie of the Year and back-to-back Defender of the Year honors. She also played a key role in San Diego Wave FC’s NWSL Shield win in 2023 and was nominated for FIFA’s Best Player award.

Now, Girma is ready to take on a new challenge in the Women’s Super League, where Chelsea currently leads the table by seven points. Fans got their first glimpse of her at Stamford Bridge ahead of Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal, where she’ll proudly wear the number 16 jersey.

This transfer isn’t just a win for Chelsea—it’s a milestone for women’s soccer, proving the sport’s growing influence and value. Girma’s move is a game-changer, and we can’t wait to see what she achieves next!