Naomi Girma, ChelseaGetty Images
Emma HrubyJan 27, 2025FEATURESUSAN. GirmaWSLChelsea FC WomenSan Diego Wave FCNWSL

Why USWNT center back Naomi Girma's record transfer fee to Chelsea is so historic, and it's not just the amount

Girma becoming the first women’s player to surpass a $1 million transfer fee is remarkable, especially for a defender

The reports were fast and furious. Early last week, multiple outlets reported that Chelsea had agreed to terms on San Diego Wave center back Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee of $1.1 million. That number would make her the first women’s player to break the $1 million mark.

"If the rumors are true… of course the most humble player on the planet is going for a world record fee," Stoney wrote on social media. "Hopefully now Naomi Girma will realize how good she is."

On Sunday, the Women's Super League champions confirmed the arrival of Girma.

On top of the massive transfer fee, what makes Girma’s move so historic is her position: defender. Girma’s talents are undeniable – U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes called her “the best defender I’ve ever seen” during the Olympics – but it’s rare for a defender to dominate the transfer fee conversation.

  • Imagn

    Women's transfer fees on the rise

    In recent years, there has been an explosion in women’s transfer fees - 2024 was the biggest year to date, with eight of the top 10 all-time transfer fees. In 2020, midfielder Pernille Harder’s transfer fee was $334,000. Two years later, midfielder Keira Walsh’s transfer sat at $470,000. Now, Harder’s fee sits fifth all-time, while Harder isn’t even within the top 10. 

    Striker Racheal Kundananji’s transfer to Bay FC last year set a record at $862,000 - $789,000 up front with $75,000 in “performance-based add-ons” - eclipsing fellow Zambian Barbra Banda ($740,000) for the most highest fee in women’s soccer history. Add in Mayra Ramírez’s transfer to Chelsea, and the top three transfers in 2024 were all forwards. 

    In her move to Houston, Tarciane became the most-expensive transfer for a defender, at $484,000, which nearly doubled the previous high for a defender. Girma’s fee more than doubles that. The USWNT star and Tarciane are the only two defenders in the top 10 most expensive transfers, and just 10 defenders sit within the top 50.

  • Getty Images

    Top 10 women's transfer fees

    Name

    Position

    From

    To

    Price ($USD)

    Year

    1

    Naomi Girma

    Defender 

    San Diego Wave

    Chelsea

    $1.1 million

    2025

    2

    Racheal Kundanaji

    Forward

    Madrid CFF

    Bay FC

    $862,000

    2024

    3

    Barbra Banda

    Forward

    Shanghai Shengli

    Orlando Pride

    $740,000

    2024

    4

    Mayra Ramírez

    Forward

    Levante

    Chelsea

    $544,000

    2024

    5

    Keira Walsh

    Midfielder

    Manchester City

    Barcelona

    $470,000

    2022

    6

    Tarciane

    Defender

    Corinthians

    Houston Dash

    $485,000

    2024

    7

    Lena Oberdorf

    Midfielder

    VfL Wolfsburg

    Bayern Munich

    $484,000

    2024

    8

    Priscila

    Forward

    SC Internacional

    Club América

    $497,000

    2024

    9

    Kika Nazareth

    Forward

    Benfica

    Barcelona

    $432,000

    2024

    10

    Ewa Pajor

    Forward

    VfL Wolfsburg

    Barcelona

    $429,000

    2024

  • Getty Images

    Girma's transfer fee in context

    The fee also breaks the record for the most expensive for an American player, previously held by Lindsey Horan at $329,000 when she transferred from Portland to Lyon in 2023. 

    Mid-year last year, FIFA reported that $6.8 million had been spent on international transfers in women’s soccer. That number had more than doubled the previous year’s total. For perspective, Girma’s fee for the move to Chelsea would have taken up 16% of the total, which further signifies that the women’s game is continuing to grow and change.

    Still, to have “Naomi Girma” and “record transfer fee” in the same sentence isn't entirely shocking. Not only has she anchored the USWNT’s backline at a young age, she was also instrumental in the team’s run to the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics.

    For her club, Girma was among the best in the NWSL – even when San Diego was struggling last season – and was named Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year in the same season. Her pass accuracy and ability to break lines make her a unique talent. Combine that with her leadership experience and you’ve got all the makings of one of the best players in the world.

    That Girma has made history in becoming the first women’s player to surpass a $1 million transfer fee is remarkable. That she did so as a defender makes it that much more impressive.