Chelsea sign USWNT star Girma for reported record-breaking fee

Chelsea Women completed the signing of U.S. defender Naomi Girma from the San Diego Wave on Sunday.

The deal is worth a record-breaking $1.1 million, sources told Meg Linehan of The Athletic, making Girma the first women's soccer player to command a transfer fee in excess of $1 million.

The previous transfer record belonged to Zambian star Racheal Kundananji, who joined Bay FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) from Madrid CFF for a reported $785,000 last year.

"I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real," Girma said after signing a contract until 2029 and being unveiled at Stamford Bridge by the reigning Women's Super League (WSL) champions.

"There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here - the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players. It's a top environment to learn and grow in ... It was an easy choice for me."

Girma, 24, is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. She played every minute during the United States' run to the gold medal at last year's Paris Olympics, earning high praise from head coach Emma Hayes along the way.

"She's the best defender I've ever seen," Hayes told reporters after the USWNT's semifinal victory over Germany. "Ever."

Girma made her international debut in 2022 and has since gone on to earn 44 international caps, anchoring the U.S. backline and providing a calming and commanding presence for Hayes' side. She was nominated for FIFA's player of the year award in 2024, and was named to the governing body's Best XI.

Girma was the first overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft after playing collegiately at Stanford. She was twice named the league's top defender, helping San Diego win the NWSL Shield in 2023.

The accomplished center-back requested a move from the club last season, sources told Linehan, sparking widespread interest. European heavyweights Lyon were also interested in signing Girma this month and were prepared to offer $1 million to San Diego, according to Linehan.

Arsenal were also in the mix, sources told ESPN.

But Chelsea, looking to bolster their backline after an ACL injury to Canadian international Kadeisha Buchanan, emerged as the frontrunners, in part because they were prepared to make Girma one of the highest-paid players in the WSL.

The Blues, who have claimed five consecutive WSL titles, are top of the league once again this season.