
Olympic soccer star Naomi Girmais is bringing her skills to the other side of the world after becoming the first woman to earn a million dollars in the sport by agreeing to a record-breaking four-year contract to play for the Chelsea Women’s football club in England.
Girma, 24, was selected by the San Diego Wave as the first overall draft pick and has played in the National Women’s Soccer League for the past two years. She is regarded as the top defender in the United States. The announcement that the $1.1 million transfer deal was finalized was made by bringing the California native onto the field during Chelsea’s Sunday match against Arsenal Women.
In women’s soccer, the contract is revolutionary, even though the sum may not appear like much in comparison to deals done in men’s sports.
Girma expressed her excitement to play with the club and stated it was a “easy choice” in the team’s press release.
“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players,” Girma stated. “It s a top environment to learn and grow in.”
Emma Hayes, the new head coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, also grew up in Chelsea. While the women’s team won its first Olympic gold medal in twelve years, Hayes spent the summer working closely with Girma.
Girma is a world-class defender who demonstrated her athleticism on the international scene, according to current Chelsea coach Paul Green.
In the team statement, Green stated, “We are thrilled it will be with Chelsea and she is definitely ready for this next step in her career.”
After a turbulent year for the relatively new San Diego Wave and the retirement of her fellow American star Alex Morgan, Girma is departing the team.
In 2022, the Wave enjoyed an outstanding debut season as an expansion team in the NWSL. In 2023, Girma was a member of the team that took home the Shield trophy, which is awarded to the team with the greatest regular-season record.
However, a group of former players filed a lawsuit against the Wave and the NWSL in October, claiming that the squad had committed wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Citing the current legal struggle, The Wave declined to comment to The Associated Press on the suit.
The Wave’s president, Jill Ellis, departed the squad in December to become the chief football officer for FIFA.
In June, former head coach Casey Stoney departed the squad, resulting in a coaching change as well. Former American men’s soccer player Landon Donovan took her spot.
It was recently revealed that former Arsenal Women coach Jonas Eidevall would be leading the Wave after Donovan decided to leave the team. It seems that Eidevall struggled with Arsenal, despite his success in the Swedish women’s league.
After losing the players’ and supporters’ support, he quit the women’s club, according to an October ESPN article.
In the Wave’s news release regarding the transfer agreement, general manager Camille Ashton commended Girma for her efforts to the squad over the previous two years. Ashton stated that the squad would keep assembling a lineup capable of contending for titles in spite of Girma’s departure.
“While it s difficult to part ways with a player of Naomi s caliber, we are incredibly proud of all she has achieved during her time with us,” Ashton stated. “She has set a high standard here, and we wish her nothing but success as she continues her career overseas.”
In her personal message in the press release, Girma spoke passionately about her time on the Wave and said she will always have a special place in her heart for the team.
“I ll forever be thankful for the opportunities I ve had to grow here and for the incredible relationships I ve built with my teammates, the sporting staff, and our amazing fans,” Girma stated. “I m especially grateful to ownership and Cami for supporting my dream of playing in Europe.”
She also thanked her teammates and the Wave’s management for helping her grow as a player in a farewell Instagram post on Sunday. Girma praised Wave supporters for putting up an amazing show at the team’s home games.
“Your unwavering support is what makes being a part of this club so special,” Girma stated in a message.