Olympic star Naomi Girma becomes first million-dollar player in women's soccer
Olympic soccer star Naomi Girma is taking her skills across the pond after signing a record-breaking deal to play four years at the Chelsea Women football club in England, becoming the first woman to cross the million-dollar threshold in the sport.
Olympic soccer star Naomi Girma is taking her skills across the pond after signing a record-breaking deal to play four years at the Chelsea Women football club in England, becoming the first woman to cross the million-dollar threshold in the sport.
Girma, 24, is considered the best defender in the U.S. and has spent the last two years in the National Women’s Soccer League, where she was the first overall draft pick by the San Diego Wave. The California native was brought onto the pitch in Chelsea’s match against Arsenal Women on Sunday to announce that the $1.1 million transfer deal had been finalized.
Though the number may seem small when compared to deals made in men’s sports, it is groundbreaking in women’s soccer.
Girma said in the team’s press release that it was an “easy choice” and she was excited to play with the club.
“There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here — the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players,” Girma said. “It’s a top environment to learn and grow in.”
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