Naomi Girma Makes History as First Million-Dollar Player in Women’s Pro Soccer

Nationwide — 24-year-old Naomi Girma, an Ethiopian American professional soccer player, made history as the first-ever million-dollar player in women’s soccer with her $1.1 million transfer to Chelsea Football Club from the San Diego Wave in January. While her achievement is a major milestone for the sport, Girma continues to be underpaid when compared to male players in similar positions.

At her young age, Girma has already gained recognition for her strong defensive skills and leadership on the field. As a center-back, she may not receive as much attention as forwards, but her contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her standout performance at the Paris Olympics, where she helped the U.S. Women’s National Team secure a gold medal, cemented her status as one of the top defenders in the world.

Born in San Jose, California, to an Ethiopian immigrant father, Girma grew up playing soccer in a community-oriented environment. She quickly rose to prominence, leading Stanford to an NCAA championship in 2019. In 2022, she was drafted by the San Diego Wave, where she earned Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year honors in her debut season.

According to Esquire, Girma’s move to Chelsea represents a shift in women’s soccer, with top European clubs now competing for American talent. Yet, despite her record-breaking transfer, the gender pay gap in women’s sports remains a major issue. Girma is helping lead a movement for equality in sports, but much work remains to achieve equal pay for female athletes.

In addition to her soccer career, Girma is pursuing a master’s degree in management science and engineering at Stanford. She balances her academic and athletic pursuits, finding fulfillment in both her studies and training.

As Girma settles into life in London and prepares for the Champions League season, her journey is helping to redefine the future of women’s soccer, one milestone at a time.