Naomi Girma

Naomi Haile Girma, born on June 14, 2000, in San Jose, California, is an American professional soccer player renowned for her defensive prowess. She plays as a center back for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League and represents the United States national team. Girma’s exceptional talent and leadership have distinguished her as one of the premier defenders in women’s soccer.

Early Life and Education

Girma was born to Ethiopian immigrants, Girma Aweke and Seble Demissie, who settled in San Jose, California. She has an older brother named Nathaniel. Growing up in a culturally rich household, Girma became fluent in both Amharic and English. She attended Pioneer High School, where she balanced academics with her burgeoning soccer career. Her early involvement with local clubs, including Central Valley Crossfire and De Anza Force, laid the foundation for her future success.

Personal Life and Family

Naomi’s personal life is deeply intertwined with her family and cultural heritage. Her parents’ journey from Ethiopia to the United States instilled in her the values of perseverance and hard work. Growing up in a bilingual household allowed her to stay connected to her roots while embracing the opportunities available in the United States. Her older brother, Nathaniel, initially shared her interest in soccer but later transitioned to basketball. Despite their different paths, the siblings share a close bond, with Nathaniel playing a pivotal role in Naomi’s early interest in sports.

Tragically, Naomi experienced the loss of her close friend and Stanford teammate, Katie Meyer, who passed away in 2022. This event had a profound impact on Naomi, and she has since dedicated parts of her career to honoring Katie’s memory, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and support within the athletic community.

Collegiate Career at Stanford

From 2018 to 2021, Girma attended Stanford University, majoring in Symbolic Systems. As a key player for the Stanford Cardinal women’s soccer team, she made 68 appearances and scored 8 goals. In 2019, she captained the team to a national championship victory, showcasing her leadership and defensive skills. Her collegiate performance earned her accolades such as the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Professional Career

San Diego Wave FC

In 2022, Girma was selected first overall by San Diego Wave FC in the NWSL Draft. She made an immediate impact, appearing in 61 matches over three seasons. Her outstanding play earned her the NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year awards in both 2022 and 2023, making her the first player in league history to achieve this feat consecutively. In 2023, she played a pivotal role in leading San Diego Wave FC to the NWSL Shield.

Chelsea FC

In January 2025, Girma transferred to Chelsea FC for a world-record fee of $1.1 million, marking the first time a female player surpassed the $1 million transfer mark. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes lauded her as “the best defender ever,” highlighting her composure and leadership qualities. Girma’s addition aims to bolster Chelsea’s defense as they pursue their inaugural Champions League title.

International Career

Girma has represented the United States at various youth levels, including the U17, U19, and U20 teams. She made her senior debut in 2022 and has since earned 44 caps, scoring 2 goals. In 2024, she played every minute of the tournament as the USWNT secured the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Her contributions were recognized with the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award in 2023.

Playing Style

Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters), Girma is known for her exceptional defensive abilities, including precise tackling, strategic positioning, and effective aerial duels. Her composure under pressure and adept ball distribution allow her to initiate attacks from the back, making her a versatile and invaluable asset to her teams.

Latest News

On January 26, 2025, Chelsea Football Club announced the signing of U.S. Women’s National Team defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave FC for a world-record fee of $1.1 million (£890,000), making her the first female player to surpass the $1 million transfer mark. Girma, 24, was unveiled at Stamford Bridge prior to Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the Women’s Super League. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes praised Girma as “the best defender ever,” highlighting her poise, composure, and leadership qualities. Girma expressed her excitement about joining Chelsea, citing the club’s culture, winning mentality, and the quality of the staff and players as key factors in her decision.

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Naomi Girma’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. This valuation considers her professional contracts, endorsements, and the landmark transfer to Chelsea FC. Her record-breaking move and rising prominence in women’s soccer have significantly contributed to her financial standing.

Social Media Presence

Girma maintains an active presence on social media platforms, engaging with fans and sharing insights into her professional journey and personal life.