Chelsea Women have made defender Naomi Girma the world’s first $1m women’s player after signing the 24-year-old defender from San Diego Wave.
A deal of around £890,000 ($1.1m) was settled upon between the two clubs, breaking the current record of £695,000 ($860,000) when Racheal Kundananji moved to Bay FC from Madrid CFF.
The transfer comes after Chelsea signed Levante striker Mayra Ramirez in January last year for a British-record fee of £384,000, plus up to £42,600 in add-ons.
Girma has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal in west London.
The centre-back has made 44 appearances for the USA since making her debut in April 2022 and won gold with Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games, drawing huge praise from boss Emma Hayes – the former Chelsea manager.
“She’s the best defender I’ve ever seen,” said Hayes after her side’s semi-final victory against Germany.
The 24-year-old was also named as the US Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2023.
Girma joined the San Diego Wave as the first pick in the 2022 NWSL draft and has twice been named NWSL defender of the year. She was part of the Wave side that won the NWSL Shield in 2023.
Chelsea have been without centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in November.
The Blues’ director of women’s football, Paul Green, told the club website: “Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.
“Her composure on the ball, ability to read the game coupled with her pace and athleticism will add top quality to an already very talented squad.
“Naomi has showcased her talent in the NWSL winning various individual awards and delivered on the international stage for the USA, including this summer winning a gold medal at the Olympics.
“She is undoubtedly ready for this next step in her career and we are delighted it will be with Chelsea.”
‘The world’s best centre-back who can help Chelsea win the Champions League’
Analysis by Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui:
“Naomi Girma moving for a world-record fee won’t surprise anyone that’s watched her play since being the first player selected in the 2022 NWSL Draft.
“Everyone that’s worked with her, including coaching heavyweights Emma Hayes and Casey Stoney, talk about her in superlatives which is another reason why she’s seen as the best centre-back on the planet.
“Her timing, positioning, strength and athleticism make her a calm yet almost unbeatable presence for both club and country and at 24, she’s seen as someone that can only get better.
“Chelsea aren’t afraid to spend big to sign their top targets – only a year ago they agreed a fee that could have risen to a then-world record when they signed Mayra Ramirez from Levante.
“That deal was worth just over £400,000 – it’s now double to break the world record given the additional finances in the game.
“Don’t expect to see Girma start for Chelsea any time soon though as the defender hasn’t played since the USA’s 2-1 win over Netherlands at the start of December and NWSL pre-season training only started this week.
“This is being seen as a signing for the long term as Chelsea not only look to continue their domestic dominance but also win their first Champions League.”
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