Naomi Girma

Naomi Girma, born on June 14, 2000, is an accomplished American professional soccer player who currently plays as a center back for Chelsea in the Women's Super League and represents the United States national team.

Girma's collegiate career was marked by her leadership as captain of the Stanford Cardinal, guiding the team to a national championship in 2019. Her professional journey began when San Diego Wave FC selected her first overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft, where she quickly made a name for herself by winning the NWSL Rookie of the Year award and being named NWSL Defender of the Year in both of her first two seasons. Her contributions were pivotal in leading San Diego to the NWSL Shield in 2023.

In a landmark move for women's soccer, Girma signed with Chelsea in 2025 for a reported transfer fee of one point one million dollars, setting a world record. Her international career is equally impressive, having represented the United States at the under-17, under-19, and under-20 levels before making her senior debut in 2022. In 2023, she was honored as U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.

Girma's talent shone brightly on the global stage when she played every minute of the tournament, helping the United States secure a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.