Naomi Girma is football’s first million-dollar female player

Girma’s record-breaking move to Chelsea is a direct consequence of this momentum. Her talent has been undeniable for years – her defensive prowess helped the U.S. women’s team secure gold at the Paris Olympics, and she has been a force for both club and country. But more than just an elite athlete, she embodies something bigger: representation and inspiration.

But even as Girma’s transfer fee breaks new ground, it remains a fraction of the hundreds of millions tossed around in men’s football every season.

So, is this milestone a turning point, or just an anomaly? That depends on what happens next. If clubs, broadcasters, and investors see Girma’s transfer as proof of concept rather than an exception, women’s football could finally be approaching the financial legitimacy it has long deserved.

Response to Girma’s historic fee has been largely positive, reflecting the appetite for growth and exposure within the women’s game. But the cracks remain visible.

‘While this is a wonderful step in the right direction, this amount does not reflect her skill and worth!’ commented one user.

Chelsea are in talks with UEFA, after the club was found to have breached financial limits, Sky Sports News understands

It is understood that UEFA has not allowed Chelsea to count the incoming sale of the women’s side to a sister company for £200m. pic.twitter.com/avO8U3uRnb

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 5, 2025

‘Not remotely enough! But still some progress!’ wrote another.

Girma’s move to Chelsea comes 57 years after the first $1 million transfer in the men’s game, when Pietro Anastasi joined Juventus from Varese in 1968. That near-half a century delay is hard to ignore.

The world record transfer fee in women’s football has also almost exclusively been paid for strikers, one exception being Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh in 2022. Forward players usually receive higher transfer fees in the men’s game, too, but the disparity between male and female value means there are far more barriers to mainstream success for the latter.

Chelsea’s Head of Women’s Football Paul Green said ‘Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career. Her composure on the ball, ability to read the game coupled with her pace and athleticism will add top quality to an already very talented squad.’

‘Naomi has showcased her talent in the NWSL winning various individual awards and delivered on the international stage for the USA, including this summer winning a gold medal at the Olympics.’

It’s true that Girma’s achievements warrant such praise – financial and otherwise. But her record-breaking move isn’t just about one player – it’s about rewriting the rules of the game. And if football’s power players are paying attention, they’ll recognise this shouldn’t be a one-off moment.