Naomi Haile Girma, born on June 14, 2000, in San Jose, California, has emerged as one of the most celebrated talents in women’s soccer. As a center back for Chelsea FC in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and a key player for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), Girma has redefined what it means to be a modern defender. 

Her record-breaking $1.1 million transfer to Chelsea in January 2025, the highest in women’s soccer history, underscores her meteoric rise. This article delves into Girma’s journey, from her Ethiopian-American roots to her Olympic triumphs, her mental health advocacy, and her impact on and off the pitch, addressing the questions fans and curious minds are asking online.

Early Life and Cultural Roots

Naomi Girma was born to Ethiopian immigrants Girma Aweke and Seble Demissie, who met in the Bay Area after fleeing conflict in Ethiopia. Growing up in San Jose, Girma was immersed in a vibrant Ethiopian-American community. Her family spoke both Amharic and English, fostering a strong connection to her heritage. Her father, a pivotal figure in her soccer journey, coached the Maleda Soccer Club, where Naomi played at age four alongside other children in rented park spaces. These early games, filled with food, friends, and football, laid the foundation for her love of the sport.

A Multisport Childhood

Girma’s athleticism extended beyond soccer. She played basketball at YMCA after-school programs and practiced gymnastics for five years before focusing on soccer in middle school. Her older brother, Nathaniel, also an athlete, inspired her competitive spirit. Girma’s youth career included stints with Central Valley Crossfire, De Anza Force, and the California Thorns Academy, as well as Pioneer High School. Her talent shone early, earning her a call-up to the U.S. under-14 national team camp through the Olympic Development Program.

College Career at Stanford: A Star in the Making

Girma enrolled at Stanford University in 2018, joining the Cardinal soccer team. As a freshman, she played 23 games (22 starts), partnering with senior Alana Cook in central defense. Stanford went undefeated in the regular season, clinching the Pac-12 Conference title for the fourth consecutive year. 

In the NCAA tournament, Girma scored her first two college goals in a 4–1 win over Ole Miss, though Stanford fell 2–0 to Florida State in the semifinals. Her performances earned her spots on the All-Pac-12 third team, Pac-12 all-freshman team, and TopDrawerSoccer Freshman Best XI.

Captaining a Championship

In her sophomore year, Girma became team captain, starting all 25 games and playing nearly every minute. Stanford secured their fifth straight Pac-12 title, and Girma scored in the final two regular-season games. In the NCAA tournament, she anchored the defense in a 4–1 semifinal win over UCLA. 

In the championship game against North Carolina, Girma’s composure helped Stanford hold a 0–0 draw through extra time, and she converted her penalty kick in the shootout, securing Stanford’s third national title. She was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player, Pac-12 Defender of the Year, first-team All-Pac-12, and first-team All-American.

Overcoming Adversity

Girma’s junior year was derailed by a torn ACL during the COVID-19-disrupted season, forcing her to miss the entire campaign. During recovery, she joined Stanford’s Mayfield Fellows Program for entrepreneurship, showcasing her intellectual curiosity. She returned as a senior in 2021, starting all 20 games and earning Pac-12 Defender of the Year and first-team All-American honors again, despite Stanford’s early NCAA tournament exit. Girma graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in symbolic systems and later pursued a master’s in management science and engineering, balancing academics with her burgeoning soccer career.

Professional Breakthrough with San Diego Wave

In 2022, Girma declared for the NWSL Draft, forgoing her final year of college eligibility. San Diego Wave FC, an expansion team, selected her as the No. 1 overall pick. She debuted on March 19, 2022, in a 1–1 draw against Angel City FC in the NWSL Challenge Cup. 

Girma’s impact was immediate, earning her NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year honors in her debut season. She repeated as Defender of the Year in 2023, helping San Diego win the NWSL Shield. Her composure, speed, and game-reading ability made her a standout, with posts on X calling her “a defensive wall.”

Setting Records

Girma’s success continued in 2024, as she was named to the NWSL Best XI for the second time and TheBest FIFA XI Team. Her three-year contract extension with San Diego in 2023 solidified her as a cornerstone of the team. However, her ambition to compete at the highest level led to her record-breaking transfer to Chelsea FC in January 2025 for $1.1 million, surpassing the previous women’s soccer transfer record of $788,000. This move marked a turning point, signaling the growing financial investment in women’s soccer.

International Stardom with the USWNT

Girma’s international career began with U.S. youth teams at the under-14, under-17, under-19, and under-20 levels. She debuted for the senior USWNT on April 12, 2022, against Uzbekistan, and quickly became a defensive linchpin. Her first assist came on July 7, 2022, against Jamaica, and her first goal was scored on October 30, 2024, against Argentina. In 2023, she became the first Ethiopian-American to play for the USWNT at a World Cup, a milestone celebrated widely on X.

Olympic Glory

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Girma played every minute of the USWNT’s six matches, anchoring a defense that allowed only two goals. The U.S. won gold with a 1–0 victory over Brazil, cheered by over 40,000 fans, including Girma’s parents and, notably, Tom Cruise. Coach Emma Hayes praised her as “the best defender I’ve ever seen,” highlighting her poise, anticipation, and leadership. Girma’s Olympic performance earned her global acclaim, with posts on X calling her “the future of USWNT.”

Awards and Recognition

In 2023, Girma was named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, becoming only the second Black player to win the award in its 39-year history. She also won the Young Female Player of the Year award in 2020, joining an elite group to earn both honors. Her contributions to the USWNT’s 2023 World Cup campaign, despite the team’s Round of 16 exit, showcased her defensive prowess, allowing just one goal in the tournament.

The Chelsea Chapter: A New Frontier

In January 2025, Girma joined Chelsea FC in the Women’s Super League for a world-record $1.1 million transfer fee. Introduced to fans before a match against Arsenal, she debuted against Brighton, displaying her trademark composure before a calf injury cut her appearance short. 

Chelsea’s head of women’s football, Paul Green, lauded her as a “world-class defender” in her prime, citing her athleticism and game intelligence. The move to London, a city Girma once called a “dream trip,” was driven by the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League and the WSL’s competitive environment.

Adapting to a New Challenge

Girma described the move as a “big step out of my comfort zone,” both soccer-wise and personally. Leaving California for London introduced her to a new culture and playing style. Despite a calf injury in January 2025, she won two trophies with Chelsea, including the English Women’s FA Cup. Her integration into the team, under coach Sonia Bompastor, has been seamless, with teammates and coaches praising her humility and likability. Former USWNT coach Emma Hayes, who previously managed Chelsea, emphasized that happy, well-developed players like Girma drive success.

Mental Health Advocacy: Honoring Katie Meyer

Girma’s advocacy for mental health stems from the loss of her Stanford teammate and close friend, Katie Meyer, who died by suicide in March 2022 at age 22. In a poignant essay for The Players’ Tribune titled “This Is For Katie,” Girma reflected on their friendship, recalling Meyer’s unwavering support during her ACL recovery. 

Meyer’s encouragement, including cheering outside Girma’s physical therapy sessions, left a lasting impact. Girma wrote, “The most unapologetic, positive, caring person in the world. The last person you’d think would take her own life.”

Common Goal Initiative

To honor Meyer, Girma partnered with Common Goal during the 2023 World Cup to launch a mental health initiative. Supported by her USWNT teammates and FOX Sports, which dedicated 1% of its broadcast coverage to mental health awareness, the initiative aimed to destigmatize mental health conversations, particularly for young athletes. Girma’s efforts have resonated widely, with fans on X praising her for using her platform to address a critical issue.

Personal Life and Interests

A Travel Enthusiast: Girma is a self-described “travel junkie,” often vacationing with Stanford friends. After the 2024 Olympics, she relaxed on Mykonos beaches, preferring rest over nightlife. Her love for travel aligns with her adventurous spirit, seen in her move to London.

Academic Excellence: Beyond soccer, Girma’s academic achievements stand out. Her Stanford degrees in symbolic systems and management science and engineering reflect her intellectual rigor. She balanced graduate studies with her professional career, a feat that impresses fans and analysts alike.

A Humble Leader: Coaches and teammates describe Girma as “quietly confident” and “universally liked.” Her former coach, Bob Joyce, noted her even temperament and kindness, while Casey Stoney praised her humility. Girma’s infectious smile, described by British Vogue as “Hollywood-worthy,” endears her to fans and media.

The Future: What Lies Ahead

Chelsea and the Champions League: At 24, Girma is in her prime, and her Chelsea tenure promises further growth. The WSL’s competitive intensity and the Champions League’s global stage offer opportunities to cement her legacy. Despite an early injury, her potential to dominate European soccer is immense, with coach Sonia Bompastor banking on her to elevate Chelsea’s defense.

USWNT Leadership: As the USWNT transitions under Emma Hayes, Girma is poised to take on greater leadership roles. With veterans like Becky Sauerbrunn nearing retirement, Girma is seen as her successor, with Hayes emphasizing her ability to guide younger players. Her focus for the 2027 World Cup is to build on the Olympic success, as she told AP, “It’s just fun to be back in the environment together.”

Breaking Barriers: Girma’s journey as the first Ethiopian-American USWNT player inspires underrepresented communities. She aims to “keep the door open” for others, as she wrote for the NWSL, echoing Angel City FC’s Madison Hammond. Her encounter with a young fan named Naomi Girma in Palo Alto underscores her impact on the next generation.

FAQs

What is her playing style?

Girma is known for her tactical awareness, calmness under pressure, and excellent ball distribution. Originally a midfielder, she transitioned to center-back at the youth national team level, where she quickly became a standout. Her ability to read the game and make decisive interventions has earned her praise from coaches and analysts alike. 

What is her current club and international status?

As of June 2025, Girma plays for Chelsea FC Women in the English Women’s Super League (WSL). She joined Chelsea in January 2025 for a world-record transfer fee of $1.1 million, making her the first female footballer to command such a fee. She has also returned to the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) roster for upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica after recovering from a calf injury.

What is her educational background?

Girma graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in Symbolic Systems and is pursuing a master’s degree in Management Science and Engineering. Her academic excellence complements her athletic prowess, showcasing her as a well-rounded individual. 

What are her off-field interests and advocacy?

Off the field, Girma is deeply involved in mental health advocacy. She co-founded “Create the Space” in memory of her late friend Katie Meyer, aiming to provide resources and support for student-athletes facing mental health challenges.

In Summary

Naomi Girma’s story is one of resilience, talent, and purpose. From San Jose’s community fields to Stanford’s championship pitches, from the NWSL to the Olympic podium, and now to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, she has shattered ceilings and set records. Her $1.1 million transfer marks a new era for women’s soccer, while her mental health advocacy honors her friend Katie Meyer and supports countless others. 

As fans search for her highlights on YouTube and celebrate her on X, Girma remains grounded, driven by a desire to grow, lead, and inspire. At 24, she’s not just soccer’s million-dollar girl, she’s a global icon shaping the future of the beautiful game.

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