Football
27 Jan 2025
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Getting to Know Chelsea’s World Record Signing: Naomi Girma

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Naomi Girma has made history by becoming the most expensive female footballer in the world following her £900,000 transfer from San Diego Wave to Chelsea. This record-breaking move has made waves in the football community and sparked curiosity about the young defender who was still playing college football just a few years ago. But who is Naomi Girma, and what has led to her meteoric rise in women’s football? In this article, we explore some interesting facts about Girma’s journey, her proud heritage, and her future prospects in the game.

Naomi Girma: A Star in the Making

At just 24 years old, Naomi Girma has already made a name for herself as one of the best defenders in the world. Her career trajectory has been nothing short of spectacular, having gone from playing college football to becoming the first pick in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) draft and then achieving international stardom. Here are five key facts that shed light on Girma’s path to stardom and her incredible journey in football.

Proud Ethiopian Heritage

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One of the most striking aspects of Naomi Girma’s identity is her Ethiopian heritage. Although she was born and raised in San Jose, California, Girma’s parents emigrated to the United States from Ethiopia in their twenties. Her father, Girma Aweke, fled war-torn Ethiopia as a refugee, while her mother, Seble Demissie, left to pursue higher education in the U.S.

Girma is the first player of Ethiopian descent to represent the U.S. Women’s National Team, and she takes immense pride in her roots. “Ethiopian heritage, the culture, the food, the language, everything… the community has been such a big part of my upbringing,” Girma told BBC Sport. “I’m very proud of where I come from, and where my parents come from.”

She speaks both English and Amharic fluently and is passionate about being a role model for young people, especially those with immigrant backgrounds. “A lot of times, as a first-generation kid, you don’t really see people doing what you want to do,” Girma said. “It’s important for kids to see someone who looks like them and is doing the things they want to do. For me, it’s really important to be clear about where I’m from and who I am.”

Naomi Girma’s Early Football Journey: Inspired by Her Father

Naomi Girma’s love for football began thanks to her father, Girma Aweke. He formed a grassroots soccer club in San Jose, named Maleda Soccer, which provided a space for Ethiopian children to come together, play soccer, and socialize. This community-based club is where Girma first started playing the sport, and she credits it with shaping her early understanding of the game.

“It was just for the Ethiopian kids to get together and play soccer,” Girma said. “It was very recreational, and there was absolutely no pressure. It introduced me to the game just for fun.”

Her early involvement in soccer fostered a deep love for the game without the pressure to perform at a high level. Girma later joined the Central Valley Crossfire, where her coach, Bob Joyce, helped her enter the Olympic Development Program. Her talent was quickly recognized, and she was called up to represent the U.S. Under-14s. From there, she played for Pioneer High School and then went on to Stanford University, where her career would take off in earnest.

Naomi Girma: A Mental Health Advocate

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Alongside her football achievements, Naomi Girma is also known for her advocacy for mental health, particularly in sports. This advocacy became even more personal for Girma after the tragic death of her close friend and Stanford teammate, goalkeeper Katie Meyer, who died by suicide in 2022.

Meyer’s death opened Girma’s eyes to the lack of mental health resources and support for athletes, and she decided to take action. She partnered with several U.S. teammates and the Common Goal initiative to launch Create The Space, a movement aimed at making the football community a psychologically safe environment for all players. The movement seeks to address mental health challenges in sport, providing athletes with the resources and support they need.

“Mental health is really important to me,” Girma shared. “Losing a friend to suicide opened my eyes to the lack of resources available for athletes. I wanted to create a movement that could bring real change to how mental health is treated in the soccer world.”

Girma’s commitment to mental health support is evident in her work and her desire to foster a more open, supportive environment in football at all levels.

Naomi Girma: Inspired by US Legend Alex Morgan

In addition to her remarkable talent, Naomi Girma has also been influenced by the guidance and example set by U.S. soccer legend Alex Morgan. Having played alongside Morgan both at club level and for the national team, Girma has developed a deep admiration for the forward and the way she uses her platform for social good.

“How she’s used her voice for good – that’s something I really took from her,” Girma said. “Using your voice and platform for good is something I’ve really learned from Alex, and I try to do the same.”

Morgan has praised Girma’s intelligence on the field, particularly her defensive positioning and footwork. “I’ve never played with such a smart defender,” Morgan said. “She rarely finds herself in bad positions, and her timing with tackles is exceptional. She’s a rare talent.”

From Rookie to World-Class Defender in Just Two Years

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Naomi Girma says she is an Alex Morgan “fan”, as well as a friend and team-mate

Naomi Girma rise in women’s football has been nothing short of meteoric. After an outstanding college career at Stanford University, she was selected as the first overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft by San Diego Wave. Her transition from college football to professional soccer was seamless, as she quickly made an impact in the league.

Girma’s performances at San Diego Wave earned her the title of NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2022. She was also named the NWSL Defender of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, solidifying her reputation as one of the best defenders in the league. In 2023, she was named the USA Female Player of the Year and was nominated for several prestigious awards, including the 2024 FIFA Best Women’s Player award.

Her accomplishments on the field are a testament to her hard work and dedication. In 2024, Girma was named in the FIFA Women’s World XI, a clear indication of her standing as one of the top defenders in world football.

Naomi Girma’s Move to Chelsea: What Lies Ahead

In 2024, Naomi Girma made her highly anticipated move to Chelsea, making her the most expensive female footballer in the world with a transfer fee of £900,000. This historic move is a huge step in Girma’s career and promises to elevate her to even greater heights. As she joins the highly competitive environment at Chelsea, Girma will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level in both domestic and international competitions.

Girma’s presence at Chelsea is expected to strengthen the club’s defense and provide valuable leadership both on and off the pitch. Her ability to read the game, her excellent positioning, and her calmness under pressure make her a perfect fit for Chelsea’s style of play. With her experience and growing reputation, Girma is sure to make an immediate impact in the Women’s Super League.

Conclusion: Naomi Girma Bright Future

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Conclusion: Naomi Girma Bright Future

Naomi Girma’s journey from playing college football to becoming the world’s most expensive female footballer is a remarkable story of talent, determination, and growth. Her Ethiopian heritage, commitment to mental health advocacy, and ability to inspire the next generation of footballers make her a truly special player both on and off the pitch.

As Girma embarks on this new chapter with Chelsea, there is no doubt that she will continue to achieve great things. With her incredible talent, leadership qualities, and dedication to the game, Naomi Girma is poised to become one of the greatest defenders in women’s football history.

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